Norwich University Women's Ice Hockey
When it comes to women's ice hockey, Norwich University is a name that is impossible to ignore. The Norwich Cadets have established themselves as one of the most dominant teams in NCAA Division III, with a long and storied history of success on the ice. From national championships to individual awards, the Norwich women's ice hockey program has plenty to brag about.
A Brief History of Norwich University Women's Ice Hockey
The Norwich women's ice hockey program was founded in the early 1990s, and it didn't take long for the team to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with. In just their second season, the Cadets won their first ECAC championship. From there, the team went on to win five more ECAC titles in the next decade, as well as a pair of national championships.
In recent years, the Norwich women's ice hockey team has continued to dominate the competition. The Cadets have won seven consecutive NEHC championships, and have made the NCAA tournament every year since 2008. In 2011, they won their third national championship, and in 2017 they came within one win of returning to the national championship game.
The Players
Of course, the key to the Norwich women's ice hockey team's success lies in its players. The Cadets have boasted some of the top talent in Division III women's ice hockey over the years, with many players going on to play professionally after graduation.
One of the most notable players in recent memory is Amanda Conway, who played for the Cadets from 2015 to 2019. Conway was a two-time CCM/AHCA Player of the Year, and she set a new Division III record for goals in a single season with 34 in 2018-2019. She also led the nation in scoring that season, with 65 points in just 27 games.
The Coaches
Behind every great team is a great coach, and the Norwich women's ice hockey team has had some of the best. Mark Bolding has been the head coach of the Cadets since the program's inception in 1997, and he has led the team to all three of its national championships. Bolding has been named the USCHO Coach of the Year twice, and he has coached 33 All-Americans during his tenure at Norwich.
Another notable member of the coaching staff is Sophie Leclerc, who serves as Bolding's assistant coach. Leclerc played for the Cadets from 2006 to 2010, and she was named a CCM/AHCA First Team All-American during her senior year. After graduation, she played professionally in Europe before returning to Norwich to join the coaching staff.
The Future
Given the Norwich women's ice hockey team's strong track record of success, it's safe to say that the future looks bright for the Cadets. With a solid core of talented players and experienced coaches, there is little doubt that the team will continue to dominate the competition in the years to come.
Of course, success on the ice is never guaranteed, and the Norwich women's ice hockey team will undoubtedly face new challenges and obstacles in the years ahead. But with their winning tradition and commitment to excellence, the Cadets are well-positioned to overcome any adversity that comes their way.
Conclusion
Overall, it's clear that Norwich University women's ice hockey is a force to be reckoned with. From their long history of success to their talented players and experienced coaches, the Cadets have everything it takes to remain one of the top teams in NCAA Division III. With their eyes firmly fixed on the future, there's no telling how far this team will go.
