Huskies score fitting win in revival
In front of a packed house Oct. 19, the Saint Mary’s Huskies women’s hockey team opened a new era with a hard-fought win against the Dalhousie Tigers.
Facing a struggle to save their team last March after the Saint Mary’s athletics department cut funding, citing budget concerns, the community and players banded together to fight for their survival. After a public outcry, the team was eventually rescued by the generosity of Canadian Tire, most significantly, who jumped in to sponsor them.
SMU Alumni Arena was full last Wednesday evening with Huskies friends, family and fans in the first game since the program was resurrected after its short cancellation last spring. Hundreds of minor league hockey players were in the crowd, too, cheering on both teams.
The Huskies wound up on top, beating the Tigers 4 – 3 in what was an impressive night for women’s hockey, both with the passion on the ice and in the crowd.
Before the game, both teams celebrated the return of the school’s women’s hockey program with a short ceremony.
Saint Mary’s Director of Athletics Steve Sarty was impressed with the atmosphere on opening night.
“The outpouring of support during the summer was surreal and it is fantastic to see that continued support here tonight.
“Seeing so many members of the community and minor league hockey players, it goes to show what an impact our student athletes can have.”
The Huskies wasted no time getting started in their return. Maggie Poliseno ignited the crowd with a goal just 31 seconds in.
A dream start for the Huskies continued moments later when first-year Lindsay Gray scored her first AUS career goal, giving the home fans an early 2 – 0 lead in the 7th minute.
Bria Sharkey had the start in net for the Huskies and was forced into action early, making 21 saves in the first period alone.
Sharkey was eventually beaten late in the opening period when Jocelyn Leblanc fed Miranda McMillan in the slot for a power play tally.
Poliseno would see her second of the game late in the second period, giving the Huskies a 3 – 1 lead into the third period.
The visiting Tigers clawed back into the game in the third with two quick goals by Sarah Robichaud and Rachel Cox to tie the game at 3 apiece; but the home side would not disappoint.
Jenelle Rogers worked hard to find space and set up fourth-year Sarah Maynard in the slot, who made no mistake, scoring high glove side to jump ahead 4 – 3 seven minutes into the third period. The goal would stand as the game winner.
It was a moment to savour for those involved with this Huskies team, a team working to create a new identity under first-year head coach Chris Larade.
Sarty was keen to stress this was only the beginning.
“This is a program restarting; essentially, a new head coach and a new direction. Tonight we started on the right foot and took a step in the right direction. With hard work, the sky is the limit with this group.”
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