By Charles Hamaker
Northgate, WA – Coming off of their inaugural year, the Washington Women’s ice hockey club saw the graduation of three seniors, all playing key roles on and off the ice for the club. Seeking ACHA Division one certification in their second year, the return of founding members and the emergence of new faces will hopefully propel the Huskies to their goal. With a team of 32 players and counting, Washington is primed for continued growth and another year of history.
The Huskies listen in to head coach Mel White during game one (Photo by Melissa Levin)
Returning members will help grow the program
With four players graduating from their inaugural roster (Megs, Eveliina, Fanny Metsa-Tokila, Ariana Housaini), Washington lost several key members of their starting lineup and their influence inside the locker room. Although that is difficult, with the return of Mia Filardi, head coach Mel White and others, Washington’s program is in great hands. The Huskies have a locker room filled with a mixture of those with hockey experience and those just picking up the sport. Other returning members, such as Bella McQuade and Sierra, will be valuable as well.
Having Mia Filardi back will help this club both on and off the ice (Photo by Melissa Levin)
McQuade continues to move the puck well and is seemingly a great skater already. Having scored on senior day last season, I expect to see continued great things from McQuade. Sierra has an important role this season, taking over goaltender duties from Fanny Metsa-Tokila, who graduated this past season. While there were tough starts in both games of tonight’s doubleheader, Sierra settled in after those in both games and showed growth. Making adjustments as the games went on, it isn’t a far out thought to think that she will adjust very quickly and continue to pick things up as games and practices go on.
Sierra got the start in goal for both games (Photo by Melissa Levin)
New faces will experience struggles, but are already better for it
While I highlighted the returning players right before this, the club has seen some great growth this year, with enough players to rotate squads in the two games of this doubleheader. While we are working to get a full roster list, I noticed several players that appeared to be in their first year with the team that made noticeable contributions. With their contributions and continued growth, this club will continue to take its true form and really put the cherry on top of their case for ACHA certification.
Kelly Q impressed throughout the game, a great skater showing great hustle and looking skilled with the puck. Kelly scored the first goal of game one for Washington, and looked solid throughout the night. Others such as Anna P, Elin N, and Carmen P all notched goals for the Huskies. As the two games went on, you could just notice improvements on the forecheck, with the puck, and in their defensive zone. Washington was able to handle a four-minute stretch of time in their own defensive zone without allowing a goal against a relentless Seattle attack.
The Huskies embrace after a goal in the third period of game one (Photo by Melissa Levin)
Supporting this program
As a club team, let alone in its second year, there will be tough stretches for the Huskies program. With some players learning the sport, trying to get games scheduled against other programs, getting equipment and more, it is tough. But seeing the love for this game grow amongst this team and supporting another Husky athletic team is what makes it worth it for us to be here for this program. We love Hockey, we love our Huskies, and we love this team.
Photo by Melissa Levin
What’s next?
The next event on the docket for the Husky women’s hockey team is on November 19th for “Women’s hockey night.” The Huskies will be celebrating all things women’s hockey, as earlier in the day team USA and Canada will be practicing at the Iceplex. Washington will be inviting other women around the Pacific Northwest who are currently aiming to start their own club teams to join in and play a game with the Huskies!
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