by Sara Folkestad, UND Athletic Media Relations

It’s difficult for an athlete to go through their collegiate hockey career without sustaining an injury that would take them out of action at least once, but it can be done. Ask Randi Motsko. The senior assistant captain has never missed a game in her collegiate career (knock on wood) and recently became UND’s all-time leader in games played in a career. 

Motsko currently has 6 goals and 12 assists for 18 points in 24 games this season. Aside from games played, she is also in the top 10 on the all-time records lists at UND for goals, assists, points, power play goals, and game-winning goals.

Motsko considers her strengths as a hockey player to be her skating ability, puck protection, and confidence with the puck in general. She also says that since she came to UND, her confidence with the puck and confidence in general have been her greatest improvements as a player.  

She considers herself to be pretty lucky in her career as a Fighting Sioux because she’s never had a serious injury to take her out of the lineup. She says there might be an occasional shoulder injury or some minor pains, but never anything serious.

“I’ve been lucky," Motsko said. "Nobody chooses to get thrown into the boards or to get hurt."

Motsko also considers herself to be lucky in another aspect. 

“The best part about being a part of the team is representing such a great program that has accomplished so much and building its future," Motsko said. "I love having a second family here: Being able to play in Division I, playing in the REA, getting to work out in the weight room." 

This season has presented challenges, as well. Motsko played a lot of the season on a line with senior Casie Hanson and junior Alex Williams. That line was given the challenging task of trying to shut down their opponent's top line. 

"Casie Hanson is a hard worker and has a lot of energy," Motsko said. "She’s great at blocking shots and gives 110 percent. I played with Alex Williams last year, and she’s a great all-around player. She can shoot the puck, she’s not afraid to grind, and she’s great at killing penalties."

In addition to her ability to be strong defensively, Motsko has also more recently played on a line with senior Melissa Jaques and freshman Alyssa Wiebe, where she has shown the ability to consistently be a factor on the score sheet.

She says, aside from her role on the ice, off the ice it’s her job to be a good leader and set a good example for her teammates. Motsko says the team has a great group of freshmen and that as a team. They don’t approach things with a sit back and learn philosophy. 

“We expect to win rather than want to win, and we know we can do it,” she says.

As a senior, Motsko will have many good memories to look back on. She says the best feeling was when they swept Ohio State earlier this season, the deciding game an overtime win. She also mentioned the home series against Minnesota, and the great fan support.

Looking ahead, Motsko says she wants the team to be in that No. 4 spot in the WCHA so they can host a playoff series, win some games against teams they haven’t beat in her four years on the team, and get some more series sweeps this season.

After a 10-game road swing, the Sioux women finally return home to continue the battle for home ice in the WCHA playoffs with a league series against Bemidji State this weekend, Jan. 30-31. Game time is set for 7:07 p.m. on Friday, and 2:07 p.m. on Saturday at Ralph Engelstad Arena.