Ève Gascon posts second shutout series as UMD beats Minnesota State 3-0

Ève Gascon’s goaltending anchored a statement win for University of Minnesota Duluth, as the Bulldogs marched to a 3-0 road victory over No. 13 Minnesota State on Jan. 24, 2026. The shutout run marked the second time this season that Gascon has posted a shutout series, and Duluth’s road result against a ranked opponent offers momentum for the program and visibility for women’s hockey in St. Louis County.

“For a second time this season, goaltender Ève Gascon posted a shutout series and helped No. 9 University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey secure a 3-0 road win over No. 13 Minnesota State on Jan. 24, 2026.” Thea Johansson opened the scoring late in the first period, and Zoey Krock and Madi Burr added goals to build a multi-goal margin that Minnesota State could not overcome. UMD entered the matchup ranked No. 9, while Minnesota State came in at No. 13.

The result underscores Duluth’s role as a regional center for college hockey and for community health and youth sport development. University-level success offers pathways and role models for girls and young women in St. Louis County who lace up skates at local rinks, and strong performances by players such as Gascon, Johansson, Krock and Burr help sustain participation in organized activity that supports physical and mental well-being.

UMD’s Jan. 24 victory also sits against a backdrop of a challenging stretch earlier in the season. In an October meeting with an in-state rival, a score sequence captured a rough night for the Bulldogs’ offense: “The 'U' broke through just 47 seconds into the second period. From the high slot, Morrow fired a wrist shot through traffic that was redirected in front by Ava Lindsay, giving the Gophers a 1-0 lead.” That game featured multiple quick strikes and defensive pressure that tested UMD’s depth and goaltending. A later account of the same series also noted that “Junior goaltender Ève Gascon returned from Friday’s injury and made 28 saves in the loss,” a reminder of the resilience Gascon has shown through the season.

Beyond wins and losses, Duluth’s success matters for equity in athletics. High-performing women’s teams create demand for resources, coaching, travel support and safe, accessible facilities for young athletes across St. Louis County. Investing in girls’ and women’s programs contributes to downstream public-health benefits by encouraging active lifestyles, building social networks and expanding leadership opportunities.

Looking ahead, the Bulldogs can build on the road shutout as they move deeper into the schedule and jockey for postseason positioning. For families, youth players and local organizers in St. Louis County, Gascon’s performance and the scoring depth shown by Johansson, Krock and Burr are a reminder that investment in women’s hockey returns tangible community value and inspiration for the next generation.