Northeastern University Women's Ice Hockey
When it comes to women's college hockey, Northeastern University is a name that cannot be overlooked. The Northeastern Huskies women's ice hockey team has been a dominant force in the sport for many years, and their success shows no signs of slowing down.
A Brief History of Northeastern Women's Ice Hockey
The Northeastern women's ice hockey program was established in 1999, with the team's first season taking place in the 2000-2001 academic year. Since then, the program has grown by leaps and bounds, notching numerous accolades along the way.
Early on, the team struggled to find their footing, but by the mid-2000s, they had established themselves as a contender in the women's college hockey world. They made their first NCAA tournament appearance in 2012, and have only continued to improve since then.
The Current State of the Program
As of the 2021 season, Northeastern women's ice hockey has firmly established itself as one of the top teams in the country. They have won three Hockey East championships in the past four years, and have made it to the NCAA tournament in each of those seasons as well.
One of the keys to the team's success has been their exceptional defense. Led by coach Dave Flint, the Huskies have consistently boasted one of the top defenses in the country, allowing just 1.25 goals per game in the 2021 season.
Of course, it's not just the defense that makes this team so successful. The Huskies have plenty of talent up front as well, with a number of players capable of putting up big numbers on the offensive end.
Key Players to Watch
One of the top players on the Northeastern women's ice hockey team is senior forward Alina Mueller. In the 2021 season, Mueller led the team in scoring with 32 points in just 18 games, earning her Hockey East Player of the Year honors.
Another key player to watch is junior goalie Aerin Frankel. Frankel has been a stalwart in net for the Huskies, posting a .963 save percentage and a 0.87 goals against average in the 2021 season. She was named the Hockey East Goaltender of the Year for the third straight season.
A Winning Culture
One of the reasons for Northeastern women's ice hockey's continued success is the winning culture that has been established within the program. The coaching staff emphasizes hard work, dedication, and a team-first mentality, and the players have embraced those values.
Another key factor is the team's success in recruiting top talent. Northeastern has been able to attract some of the best players in the country, and that has translated into success on the ice.
Looking Ahead
With a winning culture, top-notch coaching staff, and talented players, the future looks bright for Northeastern women's ice hockey. The Huskies will no doubt continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.
Whether you're a diehard college hockey fan or just looking for an exciting team to follow, Northeastern women's ice hockey is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
