Saint Mary's Women's Hockey
When it comes to women's hockey, few teams have made as big of an impact as Saint Mary's Women's Hockey. This college team, based in Winona, Minnesota, has a storied history of success that stretches back to its founding in 1996. Over the years, the team has become one of the most respected and feared in collegiate women's hockey, thanks to its talented players and dedicated coaching staff.
A Brief History of Saint Mary's Women's Hockey
The origins of Saint Mary's Women's Hockey can be traced back to the early 1990s, when the college first began to explore the possibility of adding a women's hockey program. In 1996, the team was officially launched, and it didn't take long for it to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with on the ice.
Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Saint Mary's Women's Hockey steadily improved its performance, earning its first conference championship in 2003. Since then, the team has continued to dominate, winning numerous conference and national titles and producing some of the most talented players in women's hockey.
The Players Behind the Success
Of course, none of Saint Mary's Women's Hockey's success would be possible without its talented and dedicated players. Over the years, the team has been home to some of the most accomplished names in women's hockey, including Olympians, All-Americans, and numerous other award winners.
Some of the most notable players to come out of Saint Mary's Women's Hockey include:
- Alexa Aramburu, an All-American forward who set the school record for most points in a season
- Maddie Davis, a goaltender who became the first in program history to earn All-American honors
- Amber Fryklund, a forward who went on to play for the Canadian national team in the 2006 Winter Olympics
- Emily Stegora, a forward who set numerous school records and was named an All-American three times
These are just a few of the standout players who have helped make Saint Mary's Women's Hockey the respected and accomplished team that it is today. Of course, there are countless other players who have contributed to the team's success over the years, each bringing their own unique talent and skill to the ice.
Recent Achievements and Future Goals
Despite already having an impressive track record of success, Saint Mary's Women's Hockey shows no signs of slowing down. In recent years, the team has continued to rack up accolades and achievements, cementing its status as one of the top programs in college women's hockey.
Some of the team's most recent accomplishments include:
- Winning the 2018 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) championship
- Advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2018 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) tournament
- Producing numerous All-Americans and other award winners
Looking ahead, the team has set its sights on even greater success. The head coach, Jennifer Wilson, has expressed a desire to keep building the program and developing its players, with the ultimate goal of winning another national championship. With the team's talent, dedication, and track record of success, it's a goal that seems well within reach.
Cheering on Saint Mary's Women's Hockey
For fans of women's hockey, following Saint Mary's Women's Hockey is a must. Whether you're a longtime supporter of the team or just discovering it for the first time, there are plenty of ways to get involved and show your support.
If you live in or near Winona, Minnesota, one of the best ways to cheer on the team is to attend one of its games in person. The team plays its home games at the Saint Mary's Ice Arena, where fans can see the players in action and soak up the excitement of a live hockey game.
If you don't live in the area, you can still keep up with the team's latest news and updates online. The team's official website and social media pages are great resources for staying up-to-date on upcoming games, player profiles, and other news and features about Saint Mary's Women's Hockey.
Conclusion
Saint Mary's Women's Hockey is a team that has made a major impact on women's hockey, both at the collegiate level and beyond. With a long history of success, a talented roster of players, and a passionate fan base, the team is a true powerhouse in the world of women's sports. Whether you're a fan of women's hockey, college sports in general, or simply appreciate excellence and dedication, Saint Mary's Women's Hockey is a team worth cheering on.