Women’s hockey final NEWHA appearance.

by Luke Newman and Margaret O’Connell

This was it. The season was coming to a head for women’s hockey. The night before their win against Sacred Heart, placed the team in the NEWHA conference championship game against Saint Anselm which would take place at Saint A’s, Sullivan Arena.

The crowd on Sunday, February 24th was mixed with fans for each team wearing all their schools’ apparel with pride. The energy was high, with both teams ready to dominate for the championship title.

Fans screamed out to their teams using bright signs and headshot cutouts.

The first period was competitive, with both teams possessing in their own offensive zones, and both getting scoring opportunities. The period ended tied at 0-0.

Period two began and the energy was still high as both teams look to be the first team on the board. Three minutes in Saint Anselm’s hockey team net their first point.

The Ravens did not respond with any other goals.

The Hawks were able to score once again in the second and finished off with an open net goal with seven seconds left.

Despite the goal deficit at the end, the Ravens fought the number 1 ranked Hawks all the way to the end. The teams matched each other in penalties and aggression. Both teams were physical on the boards and chippy after plays to show that being here was no mistake.

Despite a grim ending, why did the team compete to the very last minute?

This game was the last chance for women’s hockey to snag the title of NEWHA Conference Champion since they will be entering the Division 1 Northeast Conference next year.