Senior captain Nikki Petrich led the women’s hockey team to its first unofficial win of the season in an exhibition game Saturday, topping the Mississaga Jr. Chiefs 3-0.

Her performance in the game, netting one goal and tallying an assist, earned her the Northeastern News Player of the Week honors.

“Everyone is coming in really excited to start the year despite what’s happened in the past,” Petrich said. “This year is my last year, so I obviously want to make it the best season.”

Petrich will take the ice to begin her last season with the Huskies Friday against Minnesota. In her past three seasons at Northeastern, Petrich has skated in 97 games, collecting 29 career goals and 34 assists. In her freshman year, Petrich was unanimously selected to the ITCEH Hockey East All-Rookie team.

A strong presence in games and practice for the Huskies, Petrich was named the only team captain for the 2007-08 season.

Petrich, who has lived and breathed hockey since coming to Northeastern from Flint, Mich., knows little else.

“I got to school, I eat and then I go to sleep,” Petrich said. “That’s it. I don’t really have time to do any other activities. Hockey is my life.”

A junior biology major, Petrich has yet to go on co-op, but is currently preparing to co-op in spring 2008. Petrich worked over the summer as a pharmacy technician, and hopes to continue in that field for her co-op.

Despite having little time outside the classroom, Petrich said once her four years of academic eligibility are up, her time with the team won’t be. As a requirement for her athletic scholarship, a year of volunteer work for the team is required once players have completed their academic eligibility.

“I think I’ll probably do more than [the required 10 hours],” Petrich said. “I like to be with the team, I like helping out and I’ll probably coach a little bit.”

Next year, Petrich will have the opportunity to help out with game clocks, as well as organize and host youth days that take place after a few of the team’s games. Petrich can also stay closely involved with the team, assisting the coaches.

But with her main focus on the upcoming season, Petrich looks forward to the differences next year will bring.

“I am going to live a normal life,” she said.

And with that free time, Petrich says she will enjoy all the elements Boston has to offer.

“Boston is a great city, I love it,” Petrich said. “There’s always something to do here, regardless of the day.”

– Danielle Ossher, News Staff