UMD forward Kylie Hanley testing skills in defensive zone

Already with four points on the 2021-2022 season, Kylie Hanley is proving she has no limits when it comes to the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) women’s hockey team.

Rostered as a center forward the senior captain is now getting a new perspective of the Bulldogs’ blueline as she transitions to defense.

The 2018 Hopkins High School graduate did bank some time on the Royals defense which helped her earn captain status three times. Hanley said her transition at UMD has been aided by fellow defenseman, senior Maggie Flaherty. However the switch has still come with some challenges.

"Center is a third defenseman in the D-zone so the D-zone is basically the same," Hanley explained. "It’s just the offensive zone, knowing when to stay back and when to jump up. I have such an offensive mind that I always want to jump up and I think knowing when the best time to do that is one of the biggest things, and knowing when to stay back as well."

Hanley and the Bulldogs return home to AMSOIL Arena Friday for the first time in 47 days. Puck drop against No. 2 Ohio State University is set for 6:01pm.