By Jason Alwang
Last year, the Western New England University Women’s ice hockey team secured their historic first championship since becoming a team in their inaugural season of 2022. Although they originally were supposed to begin play in 2021, that was moved to the following year due to COVID-19. The team hopes that last year’s Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) championship was merely the first of many, and is working to build on that success in the season ahead.
On November 1st, the team will begin their quest for a repeat against Salve Regina at the Olympia Ice Center in Springfield, the home rink for the Golden Bears. Two returning
players spoke about their excitement for the new season with their senior years in front of them.
Senior Katie Cronin spoke on what she is looking forward to this season. “I’m looking
forward to building off this program we have created and reaching new heights.” Cronin, a winger on the team expressed her enthusiasm to run it back. “We have the grit, positivity, and
dedication it takes to win championships.” With her final athletic season at WNE ahead, Cronin
wants to make it a memorable one.
The same can be said for fellow senior Luci Robertelli, who is a goalie for the Golden Bears.
Robertelli spoke highly of head coach Katie Zimmerman and said that her positive leadership plays a vital role in team success. “Coach stays positive throughout everything and always has a smile on her face.” Robertelli continued. “That definitely rubs off on us… no matter what happens, we always stay positive and look for the good in every situation.”
With the help of Coach Zimmerman, the women’s ice hockey team is motivated more
than ever to do it again. “It was a great feeling, especially being only in our third season… and
we want everyone to see that again this upcoming season.” Robertelli is ready for the challenges ahead and the path to gold for the Golden Bears. The season begins on November 1st on home ice.
