NU Women's hockey looks forward to new season

By Tom Kennedy
Norwich Guidon Staff Writer

Although there is no checking allowed in women's hockey, the game is still physical, and Norwich women are producing big plays on the ice.

After three days a week of practicing, as well as working out in the gym and preparing for their upcoming season, these players are no joke.

"It's a physical sport, and when the ref isn't looking, or there is a puck in the corner, something exciting may happen," said Lisa Sawin, co-captain for the Norwich University women's ice hockey team.

With several newcomers adding their talent and the returning players improving their game over the past year, the women's hockey team is expecting a successful season, according to several players.

"We have a lot of talent on the team this year; the girls are motivated, bringing their style of play to a different level," said assistant coach Joe Smith a 22-year-old senior from Falmouth, MA.

During the week the team practices three times, each practice working on their skills and techniques, improving themselves for their upcoming opponent. With only three days to work at it, the women focus and work hard to get the most out of their time.

"I'm hoping for a successful season; we are practicing hard, from our opening drills to the end of practice," said Sawin a 20-year-old architect major from Andover, MA.

Different from men's hockey, women are not allowed to check. That is not stopping the ladies from preparing to be physical hockey players.

"We have players who bring aggression and experience to the team," said junior Maggie Denison, 20, from Hopewell Junction N.Y. "We are all pushing each other to become better and more physical as a team."

This fall, the team moved from a club sport to the athletic department, under the support of athletic director Tony Mariano. Under their own direction, the team is participating in fund raising to provide for away trips. They also have a small budget from the school to buy needed equipment.

"A lot of our equipment is handed down from the Men's team; our helmets, gloves, and pants are provided; the rest we buy, ourselves," Denison stated.

As well as being a club sport, the team feels they have not gotten the fan support that other teams have received from the school.

"We have some dedicated fans, not many; our parents and close friends seem to give us the most support," Sawin said.

With the season right around the corner, the team hopes to attract more fans to attend their home games at Kreitzberg Arena.

Back to Guidon index