Clarkson Golden Knights Women's Ice Hockey
The Clarkson Golden Knights women's ice hockey team is an ice hockey team from Clarkson University, located in Potsdam, New York. The team competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I and is a member of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).
The team was established in 2003 and has grown into a competitive force in the NCAA Division I. They have won the NCAA championship twice, in 2014 and 2017.
The 2014 NCAA Championship
The 2014 NCAA Championship was a historic moment for the Clarkson Golden Knights women's ice hockey team. They became the first team in the history of the program to win an NCAA championship, defeating the University of Minnesota 5-4 in overtime.
Clarkson's victory was a major upset, as the University of Minnesota was the top-ranked team in the nation and had won two consecutive national championships.
The Golden Knights were led by senior defenseman Vanessa Plante, who was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. Plante scored the game-winning goal in overtime, securing the championship for Clarkson.
The 2017 NCAA Championship
The Clarkson Golden Knights women's ice hockey team won their second NCAA championship in 2017, defeating the University of Wisconsin 3-0 in the championship game.
The Golden Knights finished the season with a record of 32-4-5, setting a program record for wins in a single season. They were led by senior forward Cayley Mercer, who was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. Mercer scored two goals in the championship game, securing the victory for Clarkson.
The Clarkson Hockey Tradition
The Clarkson Golden Knights women's ice hockey team is part of a rich hockey tradition at Clarkson University. The men's ice hockey team has also had success, winning the NCAA championship in 1962 and 1977.
Clarkson University is located in Potsdam, New York, a small town in the northern part of the state. The university has a strong focus on science, engineering, and technology, and the hockey program has a reputation for producing talented engineers as well as talented hockey players.
The proximity to Canada also gives Clarkson University a strong connection to the sport of hockey. Many of the players on the Golden Knights women's ice hockey team come from Canada, and the team has a strong Canadian influence.
The Importance of Recruiting
Recruiting is a key part of building a successful college hockey program, and the Clarkson Golden Knights women's ice hockey team has been successful in recruiting top talent.
The team has a strong presence in Canada, and many of their players come from Canadian junior leagues. The coaching staff also looks for players with strong academic records, as Clarkson University has high academic standards.
The team's success on the ice has also helped in recruiting. The program's two NCAA championships have given the team national exposure and have made Clarkson University an attractive destination for elite hockey players.
In conclusion, the Clarkson Golden Knights women's ice hockey team is a competitive and successful program in the NCAA Division I. With two NCAA championships and a strong tradition, the team is a source of pride for Clarkson University and its community.
