By Madeline Sattler, News Staff
She burst on the college hockey scene last season and this year sophomore forward Kendall Coyne is picking up where she left off.
In five games this season, Coyne has five goals and three assists which puts her in a first place tie with Klara Myren of the University of Vermont for most points (8) in the Women’s Hockey East Association.
“[Coyne] has been great always,” head coach Dave Flint said. “Usually when we need someone to step up, she’s there and she’s done a great job for us.”
Last year, Coyne scored 45 goals, the third most among WHEA players. She led the league with six short-handed points and seven game-winning goals.
In Tuesday evening’s match against the Boston University Terriers, the Huskies were on the short end of a 4-1 score. That was despite a valiant effort by Coyne, who had 10 of the teams 25 shots.
“Obviously it was a frustrating loss, losing 4-1 to our opening Hockey East game,” Coyne said. “But it shows where we need to get to.”
In the opening minutes, Coyne carried the puck down the ice and launched a laser at the Terrier goalie, junior Kerrin Sperry. Sperry managed to come up with the save which became a theme of the evening.
“We’re still trying to find consistency and play 60 minutes and we’re just not there yet,” Flint said. “I liked the way we played the first two periods, I just wish they did better in the third.”
The Huskies had numerous opportunities including five power plays. However, they were only able to get one goal. Senior forward Casey Pickett picked up the tally off an assist by sophomore defender Ann Doherty and Coyne.
“We struggled at first and they put a lot of pressure on us on the penalty kill which is something we’re not used to right now,” Flint said.
Coyne also played an instrumental role in the Huskies 4-1 win over Union University on Friday night.
“[Coyne] created opportunities because of her hard work and her speed,” Flint said. “She’s our go-to a lot and she knows that.”
The score was tied at one heading into the final period of play. Coyne took advantage of a tripping penalty by Union sophomore defender Haley Welch. Sophomore goalie Chloe Desjardins handed the puck off to sophomore defender Colleen Murphy who then tapped it to Coyne, who connected with nylon for a power play goal.
“When it was 1-1, you just had to put together 20 minutes for the end of the game and try to finish it out because you get to rest afterwards,” Coyne said.
The Palos Heights, Ill., native took the puck all the way down the ice and scored her first of three goals.
Less than five minutes later, Coyne scored her second goal. Junior defender Maggie Brenolt took a shot that bounced off the Union goalie, senior Alana Marcinko. But Coyne was right there to push the puck in the net.
“She actually wasn’t feeling well that game,” Flint said. “But she cranked it up in the third period and did a great job.”
The sophomore’s final goal of the game came off an assist from Pickett and senior forward Brittany Esposito.
“It was good to see someone to step up and we need those people on the team,” Desjardins said. “Kendall stepping up like that was good for everybody and she did very well.”
The Huskies also had another victory over the weekend on Saturday. They shut out Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1-0. Although Coyne did not have any points in the game, she did lead the team with five shots.
“RPI was a tough game,” Flint said. “They’re a big physical team and they are well-coached, so we gutted it out and got the 1-0 win.”
Junior forward Katie MacSorely scored the only goal on the day. Esposito and Doherty combined for the assist.
In the first two weeks of the season, Coyne has twice been named WHEA player of the week.
“As long as the team is winning, I’m happy,” Coyne said.
Coyne and the Huskies have this weekend off and will take on Robert Morris University on Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. at Matthews Arena.
