Northgate, WA – The UW Women’s hockey team sent off their four seniors after their final game of the season against Seattle Women’s hockey club. Seattle recorded the win on the scoreboard, but the impact that was made by the inaugural season of Husky Women’s hockey is the ultimate success story. The crowd at the matchup was the largest all season, and it was obvious that both teams were thrilled to see the turnout and energy.
With the best turnout of the season fan wise, the Huskies were able to find the back of the net eight times, the highest scoring performance of their inaugural season. Washington, with their group of skaters in varied experience, was able to answer Seattle several times, most notably scoring back-to-back goals within a 30 second period in the opening period. While Seattle goaltender Gabriella Smith had a great game between the pipes, Washington was able to find the net with a relentless attack. The bigger picture was apparent as well, as after several Husky goals you could see the Seattle skaters with big grins. Women’s hockey is here to stay in Seattle, and it’s in good hands.
Smiles can be seen from Seattle as the Huskies celebrate a goal
The Husky defense made several notable plays as well. Senior netminder Fanny Metsa-Tokila made several great saves against the continuous veteran Seattle attack. Using blocker, glove, and pads, the senior goaltender showed out on senior night. Stats don’t always tell the full story of a game, and it showed be acknowledged that Metsa-Tokila is a talented goaltender, making several great saves all season long.
Senior goaltender Fanny Metsa-Tokila
This game was originally scheduled to take place against Boise State Women’s hockey, but they had to pull out at the last minute. With the cancellation, Seattle Women’s hockey team in to make sure that there was a final contest to end the season on. It is notable that Seattle Women’s hockey club seemingly always was willing to make time to practice and scrimmage against the Huskies. That sort of experience is incredibly valuable, to get quality periods playing against veteran hockey players that have knowledge of how to play the game. That sort of thing should be recognized, as setting up a club hockey team is difficult on its own, let alone finding opponents to fill out a schedule.
Seattle goaltender Gabriella Smith melts the puck down
Now, we will take time to honor the seniors. The following seniors are taking their next steps in life:
#15 - Megs - Wing
-They/Them/Theirs
#16 - Eveliina - Defense
-She/Her
#1 - Fanny Metsa-Tokila - Goalie
-She/Her
#26 - Ariana Housaini – Defense
-She/Her
The seniors are honored post game
These seniors played an instrumental role in setting up what we now know as UW Women’s hockey. I spoke with a few players following the game, and they said that without those seniors, their leadership and dedication, they may never have stepped on the ice. These seniors took valuable time out of their schedules not only to set this team up, play, but also took time to speak with me and Circling Seattle sports, and that meant a lot. I also want to recognize Mia Filardi, who is overseas currently. Filardi also played a huge role in this team, and seniors Fanny and Ariana recognized her as playing a huge role in getting this team together as well.
The Huskies prepare to hit the ice
While it is sad that the season has ended and that we now have to wait for Husky women’s hockey to return, it is exciting to know that a foundation has been laid. There is genuine interest in players that want to pick the sport up, interest in sponsors to help the team with costs, and a growing interest in people who want to follow the team. That has been the goal since day one for us here at Circling Seattle sports, is to make sure that this team gets coverage and so that people know they exist. To get the word out there, and help it spread as much as possible. While the inaugural season may have ended, this is just the beginning for Washington Women’s hockey.
Check out all the photos Charles Hamaker took during senior night!
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