As the season comes to a close, the Mount Allison women’s varsity hockey team defeated the Dalhousie Tigers at their seniors’ game and last home game of the year, breaking a 13-game losing streak. This game recognizes all the hard work and dedication of the team’s senior players; each graduating player is presented with a jersey to commemorate all their on- and off-ice contributions during their time with the program.
“Senior day is a game that all [graduating] players cherish. I remember all the seniors being very proud to get their jerseys presented to them and then celebrate after the game. It is a game to honour our careers as varsity athletes,” fifth-year forward Kara Anthony said.
Eight players who participated in the seniors’ game will be moving on from varsity hockey and each will remember standing on the ice together one last time.
“It’s hard to know that it’s the last time that I will be playing with these girls. I am glad to have this seniors’ game, because it’s a great way to recognize our last game in this arena. I am thankful for the coaching staff and the team for making our last game special. It means a lot,” fourth-year goaltender Keri Martin said.
As much as the day is about celebration, it brings mixed emotions to the arena. Heach coach Warren Mason said that “the harder side, for [the seniors] and myself, is knowing that they will not be back. That sense of who you are does not just stop when you skate off the ice, walk off the field, or step off the court for the last time. For many, it is a gradual process of detachment that takes time and is often difficult.
”As a coach, my players are an extension of my family and it is always difficult to know that they will not be in the room next year.”
The victory against the Tigers was the perfect ending to seniors’ night. After a scoreless first period, the Mounties pushed through and opened the scoring in the second period with a power-play goal by Anthony. The Mounties did not look back and went on to win the game 5-3. Senior goaltender Martin stopped 28 of 31 shots faced, while the Mountie seniors scored all five goals: Anthony and Jennifer Dillon both scored two and Jennifer Bell scored one.
“The whole team gave it everything we had and getting the win made the day that much better. It was everything we could have asked for,” Anthony said.
Although the Mounties did not qualify for the AUS post-season, they did go out with a great home win.
“The sacrifices that student-athletes make throughout their university careers to play the sport they love while getting an education is significant,” Mason said. ”I deeply admire these student-athletes and everything that they have achieved in their time at Mt. A.”