By Janet Schultz, NYHOL; Photos by Janet Schultz©
The Buffalo State Women’s Ice Hockey Team is looking forward to some exciting hockey this season.
Coming off a 6-17-2 season, they have a lot of new faces and bodies on the ice but on the back end there are familiar faces that can help the rookies along.
“I look for them to play face and play hard using the same concepts just with new people,” said fifth year Head Coach Rachel Grampp.
While their number one goalie Jessica Auge graduated she has Sophomore Casey Horrigan (left), who played one game last season against Hilbert and won in a 15-0 shutout. Adding to that are three new goaltenders. Alexa Todd (right) of Owen Sound, Ontario played for the Saugeen Maitland Lightning and Amelia Knott (below) from Croyden, Australia played at Lovell Academy. Kylie Paige, Buffalo, is the fourth goalie. Paige played for the Buffalo Regals and Clarence/SweetHome/Amherst of the WNY Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Federation.
“I am excited to see what they can bring to the table,” said Grampp.
The one thing that stands out to Coach this season is how quickly the team has come together and she credits the team leadership, in addition to herself and her assistant coach, Christian Foerstner, with that.
“The leadership has gotten everyone on board quickly,” said Grampp. “They talk about being all in and getting better one percent more every day.
“It’s nice that it comes from the leadership group.”
Her leaders include players such as Sage Running Rabbit, who is in her fifth season as a forward.
Others are Emma Ramseier left), Grace Zwolak (right) and Quinn Murray who have stepped up and found a role as leaders. In addition she credits all the sophomores who have found a voice and are doing what they can to make sure the program moves in the right direction.
SUNYAC has several teams that will give the Bengals a run and that includes Plattsburgh, Cortland and Oswego who have all been ranked in the top 15 nationally.
“That doesn’t make is any easier, but it will be lots of fun,” said Grampp.
The games will be competitive and the goal is always the championship.
For those who follow the Western New York Girls Varsity Ice Hockey Federation, you will see some familiar faces including Vanessa Willick, Madison Mallone, Maddie Braun, Sydney Radecki and Kylie Paige.
