The women’s Ice Hockey team has been put to the test these past 6 games. They began by playing four, out-of-conference matches, consisting of two Hockey East opponents, and one College Hockey America opponent, then finally opened up conference play against Assumption University.
The Hawks fell short in their out-of-conference games, but were able to clinch their first win of the season against Assumption, winning 7 to 3. Throughout these past four games, we have seen captain Madison McCaffery show her leadership on the ice. S
coring two goals in the first game of the season against Merrimack, McCaffery helped the Hawks feel a burst of life in the middle of the game. Following that, another senior, veteran Brinna Martin tallied her first career goal against the University of New Hampshire on 9/30.
The next weekend, Tulchinsky and Pancoast each had a pair of goals for the Hawks. This past weekend the Hawks played their first conference games at home, against Assumption University. In the first game, the Hawks tallied 56 shots on net, only letting up 26 shots against, and finished the game with a final score of 3 to 3.
The next day, Saint Anselm put up 7 goals, to Assumptions 3, giving the Hawks a boost of confidence going into their next games this weekend. Freshman defensemen Herman and Young both scored their first goals as Hawks.
Junior goaltender Annabella Lalande and freshman Courtney Stagman have done a solid job in the net so far this season. Lalande has 114 minutes so far this season, and earned a 0.852 save percentage.
Being an upperclassman we have seen Lalande step up to the plate in the net for the Hawks. Stagman has also made quite a name for herself. So far in her rookie season, Stagman has started in 3 out of 6 games and currently stands with a 0.877 save percentage.
The final line of defense is looking strong, and improving throughout every game for the Hawks. With that being said, the women’s ice hockey team was ranked number two overall in the NEWHA preseason predictions.
Following the Hawks’ second-place NEWHA conference finish last year, they are hungry this year. With many returning players and the powerhouse offense the veteran forwards offer, things are looking up for this season.
Team captain, McCaffery believes that “With our experience and confidence we are going to dominate in conference play and know that even if we are down a goal or two we have the ability to fight until the end of every game” (McCaffery). Grabbing a solid conference win and a tie this past weekend, the Hawks are excited to feed off this momentum.
When speaking with Madison McCaffery, she shared how she is able to stay positive through the ups and downs of games to remain a positive leader for the team. “I’m able to stay positive when the team goes down by keeping things in perspective.
Hard times pass, bad games happen, but at the end of the day we know our talent and skill level and are confident in our ability to bounce back” (McCaffery). She explains that showing up with a positive attitude and a smile on her face is contagious throughout the team so she tries her best to be consistent day in and day out.
Although it’s still early in the season, with the 16 upperclassmen veterans, the Hawks feel confident about the rest of their season. With strong defensemen on the blue line, and many power forwards that are eager to put the puck in the net, the Hawks are able to let their skill and hard work take care of themselves.