Advances to Semifinals
By Rhiannon McQuaide
Just like most sports, a solid goaltender can be the difference between a good team and a great team. For the USM women’s hockey team, senior goaltender Haley McKim is just about as solid as they come- and she just keeps getting better.
McKim recorded her seventh shutout pf the season after the #5 seeded UMass Boston Beacons 5-0 in the quarterfinal game. This marked McKim’s sixteenth career shutout; she now holds the program record for most career shutouts.
“Haley is by far one of the most talented goalies I have ever played with,” said Junior defenseman Amelie St. Amant, who blocked four shots against UMass Boston. “The combination of her skill and her never-give-up mindset is what makes her so great, and I always feel confident with her in the net.”
Junior forward Madelyn McLeish added, “Haley stands on her head for us going up against some of the best teams in Division 3. She is one of the most talented and hard working goalies I have ever played with. She leaves me in shock with hand the saves she makes.”
With McKim in net, turning away shot after shot, the Huskies knew they had to score goals in order to win the game. Despite having difficulties scoring in the regular season, three different Huskies scored multiple points in the victory. Junior Madison Chagnon scored 2 goals for the Huskies, while sophomores Olivia Stewart (2 assists) and Jess McLean (1 goal, 1 assist) also helped propel the team to victory. Senior Amanda Crowley and junior Ally Stymeist added goals.
The last time the two teams faced each other, the scoreboard didn’t favor the Huskies.
“We didn’t beat them in the regular season, and they had a pretty long win streak heading into playoffs,” said St. Amant. “They’re a very talented team. We went into the game with the mindset that we had to win each period and never take our foot off the gas. It was a great team win and a super fun game to play.”
The Huskies will now face #1 seeded Norwich University in the semi-finals. This meeting will be the second time in a row that the Huskies and Cadets have faced each other in this stage of the playoffs, with Norwich pulling off a 2-1 win against the University of Southern Maine last season.
“It’s going to be touch for sure,” Says McLeish. “It’s going to be about playing to our strengths, perfecting our play, and keeping our mental game in check.”