The Women’s Ice Hockey Club of West Chester University has only nine players, but big dreams. Six players on the roster are freshmen, with only one player set to graduate this year: despite the small size of the team, the players have high hopes for the future.
“As a team, we have a lot of potential,” goaltender Miranda Goldman said. According to Goldman, the current team is “one of the most supportive teams I’ve been on. Players who join the team do not need prior ice hockey, or any hockey, experience. I think anybody who is interested in it should absolutely do it.”
Players have joined the team without knowing how to ice skate, both in past and current seasons. “We’re gonna work with you, and we’re gonna help you learn,” Goldman said. “Coming onto the ice not knowing how to skate, you’re not gonna be judged — you’re gonna be treated with every ounce of respect that everyone else has.”
“It can be a place for anyone,” assistant coach Gianna DeGrazio said, “whether you’re good, you’re not good or you think you’re great.” The players on the team show a lot of dedication to the sport and to each other. “[We are] short on numbers, but I know the majority of people do want to be here,” said Women’s Ice Hockey Club president Chloey McFadden. The team is full of players from different skill levels and hockey backgrounds.
“There’s beginner level, middle level and there are also people who’ve played for their entire lives. I think that helps a lot cause you’re always improving even if you’re the best player on the team,” McFadden stated.
Alongside the coaching staff, the more experienced players on the team help the newer players learn and improve. “Those people can also help intermediate people and beginning people,” McFadden said.
“People of all shapes, size, skill level — it doesn’t matter if you’ve played for ten years or you’ve never stepped foot on the ice, we’ve seen it all,” reported DeGrazio. “There’s been so much improvement on the players’ side.”
Practices are open to any players who want to try out for the team. “Get a feel for the environment,” suggested MacFadden, “and if you have questions, make sure you ask them.”