By Madeline Sattler, News Correspondent
For the first time in the university’s history, the Huskies clinched the Women’s Hockey East Association’s (WHEA) regular season title Sunday afternoon at Matthews Arena.
The United State College Hockey Online No. 7 Huskies wrapped up the regular season with a 22-6-4 record.
“It’s huge for us,” head coach David Flint said. “Hopefully we’re going to take that momentum. We’ve set a precedent and hopefully it’s a thing for years to come.”
Going into Sunday’s game against the Providence College Friars, the Huskies trailed the Boston College Eagles by one point in the rankings. Northeastern needed a victory to take the No. 1 spot and win the Hockey East regular season title.
The game was a fight to the final seconds, but Northeastern prevailed and ended the season with a 2-1 victory.
After the game, Hockey East chairman Joe Bertanga presented the Hockey East trophy to the Huskies.
“I think we worked really hard all season,” junior forward Casey Pickett said. “I think we deserved everything we’ve gotten so far.”
The Huskies snagged the Beanpot title less than two weeks ago. In the semifinal game against the Boston College Eagles was a battle and eventually the Huskies won in a shootout.
“It was unreal and I honestly can’t even describe it,” Pickett said.
Senior goaltender Florence Schelling finished the season with a .950 save percentage and a 1.43 goals against average. She is tied for first in the nation for the best save percentage.
Schelling was awarded the Army ROTC Three Stars Award Monday, which is annually presented to the Hockey East player with the most cumulative games stars over the conference schedule. Schelling was named the No. 1 star in four games and was one of three stars in 12 games this season.
“From a coaching standpoint it’s comforting knowing you have a solid goalie,” Flint said.
Schelling’s teammate Coyne finished in second for the Army ROTC Three Stars Award, and have been named two of the top 30 finalists for the Patty Kazmaier Award, awarded to the top player in Division I hockey.
The Huskies are heading into the postseason with the No. 1 seed and their best regular season record in 10 years.
