(Photo: Ellie Simpson/WCSN)
The Arizona State women’s club hockey team kicks off its second full season this weekend against another program from within the Valley, Grand Canyon University Antelopes.
Ending last year’s regular season with two wins over Denver, the Sun Devils look to use that momentum moving into their first series of the 2017-2018 season.
Despite ending their inaugural season with a record of 2-15, the Devils gained significant experience and now have higher expectations to win more games. Over the last couple of weeks, the team has shown improving signs of teamwork and togetherness through their morning skates. Senior captain KC McGinley is excited to lead the women on the ice this year and bring energy throughout the group.
“I’m the loud one. I‘m the one that’s trying to bring the hype and keep everyone positive as well as lead by example at the same time,” she said after Tuesday’s practice, “I had a lot of nerves today, but I’m shaking them off before the game. Our goal is to win.”
Head Coach Lindsey Ellis spoke about what the team is trying to improve on most going forward into the season.
“Crashing the net was a struggle last year. We didn’t exactly have the numbers. Working on winning the face-offs and getting pucks to the goal are the things that we are going to work on a lot,” Ellis claimed.
For the goaltending situation, the Sun Devils are going to rely on sophomore Jordan Nash-Boulden to keep the puck out of the net. ASU’s second goalie, Brianna Hersom, tore her ACL from last season and is still recovering from the injury. Hersom will miss the first half of this year, so Nash-Boulden will step up to make the big saves in goal. Last season, she held a 2-9-0 record with a 4.86 goals against average and a .901 save percentage.
“It’s definitely a challenge for me, but I’m ready for it. I’m going to work hard and focus on the fundamentals.” the sophomore said. “I’m excited to play more games at home with our friends and family watching. Now with experience from last season and a fresh start, I can shake off nerves a little easier and feel more comfortable in goal.”
A fresh start is exactly what the Sun Devils need and they will get that this weekend against an even newer program at GCU. Under Head Coach Natalie Rossi, GCU established a women’s club this year to give female athletes an opportunity to play ice hockey collegiately. On September 8, the Antelopes faced off against the Arizona U18 Lady Coyotes in an exhibition game and were shut out 3-0.
In search to create a rivalry in the valley, the ASU will take on GCU at Oceanside Ice Arena tonight (September 22) at 7:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
