While many sophomores wish the current balmy New Hampshire weather would last through the next eight months, the Dartmouth women's hockey team yearns for the days of frigid temperatures and of course, lots of ice. But how could we blame them, as they come off yet another impressive season, finishing fourth in the NCAA with 24-8-2 over all record.
The success of the 2002-2003 season, which included the ECAC championship title, and a fourth place finish in the NCAA Tournament, created Shaq-size shoes to fill for the 2003-2004 women's hockey team. However, true to form, the Big Green continued to display its dominance in women's hockey with another noteworthy season.
The women's hockey team was able to overcome the loss of six outstanding '03s, with the leadership of the '04s and '05s, and of course, the exceptionally talented players from the Class of 2006.
Leading the pack of '06s, was forward Katie Weatherston, of Thunder Bay, Ont. As a freshman, Weatherston tied for the second-best mark in school history for a rookie with 23 goals and 24 assists. This past season, Weatherston led the Big Green in total points with 48, resulting from her team-high 29 goals, and 19 assists. Weatherston also earned second team All-Ivy and All-ECAC honors. Over her first two seasons, Weatherston has accumulated an impressive 95 points.
Another notable sophomore is forward Gillian Apps. Apps finished the 2003-2004 season second on the team in goals with 22, and 35 points was good enough for third on the squad -- all this in spite of missing nine games. Apps also received an ECAC honorable mention.
The Unionvile, Ont. native, was also named to the Canadian National team roster for the 2004 World Championships, played in Nova Scotia. Joining her was fellow '06 Cherie Piper, who also had a stellar season, ranking third on the team with 36 points.
Speaking to The Dartmouth, Apps said she hopes the team can build on last year's success, "We had a great season last year, clinching the Ivy title, and placing fourth in the nation. We are looking forward to this season, and hope to bring home the national title."
Sophomore Tiffany Hagge also greatly contributed to the Big Green's success. Leading the team in assists with 26, Hagge proved an integral component.
Hagge also finished second on the team with 45 points, and received honorable mention all ECAC.
Other '06 contributors include defensemen Emily Nerland, who continued to shine in the back, playing in all 34 games. Nerland's steady defensive play helped in making Dartmouth's opponents scoring average, a mere 1.89 goals per game. Also on the defensive end, were the goaltending duo of Kate Lane and Stephanie Cochran. Together, they notched a formidable 469 saves between them.
This summer, Lane and the rest of the sophomores, who remain on campus, continue to train hard and prepare for the upcoming season, lifting three times a week, as well as performing sprints and workouts alongside the other women's teams.
In addition, the girls continue to skate as much as they can, and do individual workouts for position-specific training.
The Big Green will certainly miss the senior class, as the class of '04 graduated Hanover as the all-time winningest class in school history with 101 wins.
Nevertheless, Big Green maintains big expectation for next season, which commences Oct. 29, against Boston College.
