After all the troubling events of the past year, it is time we recognized something positive happening on campus. This year there was an athletic team on campus — yes, this campus — that struggled through adversity and proved they could overcome it: the women’s hockey team.
Yes, that campus organization we rarely hear anything about. The men’s hockey team receives the majority of the hockey hype and a good portion of the Dog House’s time.
Led by graduating senior goalie Chanda Gunn, the Huskies made it all the way to the semifinals of the Hockey East Tournament before falling, 5-0, to New Hampshire last Saturday.
NU’s final record of 13-13-8 may not seem impressive, but considering the hardship faced by the team last season, this year’s campaign was certainly a valiant effort.
More than a year ago, coach Joy Woog was accused by two former hockey players of assaulting her players both physically and verbally. Top players Pam Pachal and Michelle Lorion were kicked off the team by their coach. Woog denied all charges, team play suffered and the Huskies finished 9-18-4.
This year, with Gunn as their only senior, NU came out strong, going 6-2-2 in their first 10, before ending the season on a slump, without a win in its last seven games.
A true example of leadership and athleticism, Gunn will leave NU as its all-time leader in save percentage and saves. She is also a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award (the award for the best female hockey player in the country) and the Humanitarian Award.
Yes, we understand men’s hockey is certainly more popular at Northeastern, in Boston and, for that matter, in the country. However, the women had a Beanpot too. And guess what? The women’s team made it out of the first round, crushing Boston University, 8-0 before losing to Harvard, one of the best teams in the country, 5-1.
No one will deny this has been a very tough year for Northeastern and its image. Six students have died this year alone and along with the Super Bowl rioting and the Springfest concert postponement, some may feel there isn’t much to celebrate on campus.
This is our offering — with something to look forward to for next year. Judging from the 344 people per game attendance record, these Huskies could use a little more support. If they keep performing well in the standings, here’s hoping they get it.
Although NU athletics don’t necessarily conjure up too much excitement, especially women’s athletics, the NU women’s hockey team will be returning all but one player, and look to be a challenge in the Hockey East standings.
The only question is: will you be in the stands?
