Dartmouth Women’s Hockey Falls to Yale in Hard-Fought Match

The Dartmouth women’s hockey team faced a tough challenge against the nationally ranked Yale Bulldogs. They fell 3-0 in a shutout at Thompson Arena.

Dartmouth started strong and matched Yale through the first period, but things changed in the second. Yale took control, and the Big Green couldn’t recover.

Now sitting at 4-13-2 overall and 2-7-2 in conference play, Dartmouth showed grit, especially in the third period. Sophomore goaltender Michaela Hesová stood out with an exceptional performance.

First Period: A Balanced Start

Both Dartmouth and Yale came out with energy, trading chances and holding firm on defense. Each side fired off eight shots and killed one penalty apiece.

Dartmouth’s defense kept the Bulldogs from scoring, and the first period ended scoreless. Coach Maura Crowell liked the team’s aggressive approach in those opening minutes.

Key Moments

During the first period:

• Both teams recorded eight shots on net.
• Each team successfully killed off one penalty.
• Dartmouth’s defense was particularly effective, preventing any early goals.

Second Period: Yale Takes Control

Yale began to tilt the ice in their favor as the second period unfolded. They broke the deadlock just past the eight-minute mark.

Less than two minutes later, the Bulldogs struck again. With only 15 seconds left in the period, Yale added a third goal, putting Dartmouth in a deep hole.

Turning Point

The turning point of the game occurred during the second period when:

• Yale scored their first goal just past the eight-minute mark.
• The Bulldogs quickly followed up with a second goal two minutes later.
• Yale added a third goal with only 15 seconds remaining in the period.

Third Period: A Resilient Finish

Coach Crowell told her team to keep it simple and get back to basics. Dartmouth responded with a more disciplined effort in the third period.

The Big Green killed off three penalties and won nearly half the faceoffs. Hesová was brilliant, turning aside all 19 shots she faced in the final frame and finishing with 37 saves.

Outstanding Goaltending

Michaela Hesová’s performance was a highlight of the game:

• She stopped all 19 shots in the third period.
• Her total saves for the game reached 37.
• Hesová was recently named to Team Czechia ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Coach Crowell’s Reflections

Coach Crowell stayed positive, praising her team’s strong start and their ability to settle in after tough stretches. She singled out Hesová’s effort and stressed the importance of giving her more support on defense.

Next up is a matchup with the Brown Bears, and the focus is on tightening things up in front of the net.

Looking Ahead

As Dartmouth gets ready for their next game, they’re zeroing in on a few things:

• Building on the strong performance from the game against Yale.
• Continuing to focus on the basics and playing with simplicity.
• Supporting their goaltender with stronger defensive play.

Upcoming Game: Dartmouth vs. Brown Bears

The Big Green return to Thompson Arena on Saturday afternoon to host the Brown Bears. Puck drop is at 3 p.m., and it’s Youth Hockey Day—kids in hockey jerseys get in free.

Fans can catch the action on ESPN+, follow live stats at DartmouthSports.com, or grab tickets on the official Dartmouth sports website. Should be a good one.

Game Day Details

Thinking about going to the game, or maybe just catching it from home?

• Puck drops at 3 p.m. this Saturday.
• If you’re a kid in a hockey jersey, you get in free.
• Catch the game live on ESPN+.
• DartmouthSports.com has live stats if that’s your thing.

Want more info or just need the latest updates? Check out the official Dartmouth sports website.