A slice of sporting life: Shannon O’Neil
by Tyler Aragao
The puck careens off the goaltender and thuds off the boards. As the other five skaters make their way back up ice, they’re watched by former
(Photo: FPU Athletics)
goaltender Shannon O’Neil.
Looking over at the glistening blue crease she used to tend O’Neil can only reminisce of good times as she watches her old team move from end to end of the Jason Ritchie Ice Arena.
Now as a spectator, two years removed from graduating O’Neil enjoys watching her former team play. “It’s always fun to see the progression of the players I played with my senior year, but also the new players who have come in over the last two years,” said O’Neil, her eyes, sharp as a goalie should be, watching the play carry on as she talked.
As a scoreless slugfest continued between the Ravens and Pioneers of Sacred Heart O’Neil can’t help but marvel at her successor, Emme Ostrander, in goal. “Emme’s had a bunch of big saves,” said O’Neil as the puck was trapped and held by the freshman goaltender. As the Pioneers worked a puck out in front for a quick shot Ostrander pushed off the right post to make a fantastic glove save, preserving the scoreless game. Standing and banging on the glass O’Neil exclaimed: “clutch saves like that are what her teammates will feed off.” Clutch saves, something O’Neil herself would know a thing about.
“I miss the competitiveness of collegiate hockey,” said O’Neil as the Zamboni resurfaced the ice for the impending overtime period. The extra period dwindled down in time and O’Neil showed her inner goaltender remaining calm, seemingly not moving from the green colored bleachers. The overtime ended with a 0-0 tie and although the result wasn’t a win, a smiling O’Neil looked up at the scoreboard with a tinge of admiration.
As disgruntled parents poured out of the bleachers, some expressing disdain for the lack of offense, O’Neil kept with her calm demeanor and subtle smile. “They may have tied 0-0, but it was still a really fun one to watch,” said O’Neil, showing appreciation from one goaltender to another.
