Being a former high school hockey player myself, I was excited at the chance to write this article, and consequently attend a game. As co-captain of my own team (back in the day) I never thought I had enough skills to join an elite college team like the Women’s Huskies, so I didn’t try out. When I went to their game on Jan. 16, I soon discovered I was right.
On that chilly Friday, the Huskies were playing the Castleton State Spartans from Vermont. The pamphlet tells me that USM ranks first in their division (C) in the Division III East conference with 7 wins, 1 loss, and 14 points within the ECAC. This year they have surpassed their wins from last season, and they’re only halfway done.
When I arrive to the rink, the Huskies are already winning 2-0 and the fans seem to be trickling in. You’d think an ice arena would be the last place to go with below zero temperatures, but surprisingly the air outside feels much colder. The USM ice arena is abundantly supported by local and national companies including Amato’s, Sebago Brewing Co., and University Credit Union.
Intently watching the game, I am forced to duck for cover as two pucks land mere bleachers away from me. As Christian Siriano from Project Runway would say, “that’s fierce.” These girls know how to play. I witness more slap shots then I have ever seen in a women’s game, to my shame I was never able to pull one off quite like the Huskies can. Experiencing an ice hockey game at USM is part sports event and part rock concert, as the likes of Green Day play, with their song “American Idiot” blasting through the airwaves.
At this point in the game the Huskies have already outnumbered their opponent in shots on goal by 3, proving that they have what it takes to stay on top. They end up winning 4-0, with two goals scored by Kylie Blasen (Okemos, Michigan) and another two by Danielle Ward (Lansing, Michigan). Sophomore Jackie Zarb (Grosse Pointe Woods, MI) also picked up her third career shutout, making 17 saves.
One person that has led the team’s success is Coach John Lauziere, who took over the reins in 2006, after serving as the assistant coach to the men’s team for 4 years.
Coach Lauziere says that the team has “progressed dramatically” over the seasons, adding that the reason for their success this year is strength in numbers. Last year they averaged fifteen skaters, this year they’re up to about twenty four.
Lauziere spent a lot of time and effort recruiting for the 08-09 team, often attending summer showcases with club teams, visiting high school and prep school tournaments. But the team isn’t all recruits; some students had to make the initial contact to be on the team.
Joanna Gaube (Woodstock, CT), a Freshman business major and current left wing for the Huskies is one of those recruits, and she says hockey was the main reason she came to USM. In total Gaube has played the sport for nine years, accrediting her brother for the reason why she started.
“I started playing hockey because my older brother plays and I wanted to be just like him and overtime I started to enjoy the game. I love the fast pace and the idea of being on a team.”
She also says that she has great support from her family, especially her dad who attends all games “regardless of the distance.”
A fact I found out while trying to get a fan perspective at the game, when I tried to approach a man who was actually a father from the opposing team, whoops! He said he was from New York but travels to see his daughter play, which just goes to show that the USM Huskies, as well as any other women’s hockey team are indeed supported.
The Huskies have a conference mark of 8-3-1 and are 9-6-3 overall. They are currently ranked third in their conference
behind Holy Cross and Manhantanville. The team picked up 12 new freshmen this year, as Gaube says “our team had a lot of adjusting to do in order to create team chemistry.” With the Huskies bypassing their wins from last season before reaching the half way point, I would say that they are well, well adjusted.
On the team’s achievements, Gaube says, “Our large freshman class hasdefinitely contributed to our team’s success… It also helps having a large returning group on defense because of their collegiate experience.” The team’s toughest team to beat is no doubt Norwich, who handed the Huskies one of their only losses.
Gaube says the team’s strength this season has been speed, fore- checking, and work ethic, but admits they need to work on “capitalizing on our scoring opportunities and our confidence on defense”. With practices four days a week and games two days, the team has plenty of time for improvement.
Senior defensemen Stephanie King (East Sandwich, MA), a business administration student, was not recruited but came to USM on her own after a friend told her about how great the program was. After playing in co-ed teams for most of her school years, she helped create a girl’s team for her high school, which eventually became a varsity sport.
“Playing hockey is the one thing I can look forward to doing every day. I enjoy playing for the memories, the experiences, and the friendships I have gained throughout my hockey career. The most inspiring aspect of this sport is feeling the adrenaline. There’s nothing like tying a game up with .01 of a second left and bringing the game in to overtime thanks to Kylie Blasen (which actually
did take place this season),” King says of hockey’s impact on her life.
King credits “great captains who have been great leaders throughout the season” as well as chemistry with the Huskies new-found success.
Captains this year include Megan Irving (Cumberland) and Regina Wilson (Shrewsbury, MA). With more than the minimum amount of players, each person “needs to work for their spot on the bench. This year’s players had to earn their ice time by giving 110% everyday”.
Adding to the success, Coach Lauziere says the “offense has stepped up”. With success comes failure, which comes in the form of a few holes in the game that are “little let downs in the period”. He says their upcoming games won’t be easy. No matter what the outcome, Lauziere says he plans on staying “as long as they keep me here, we just keep getting better every year.”