WILLIAMSTOWN, MASS. -- After last year's unpredictability due to Covid 19, the Williams Women's Ice Hockey team will focus on controlling that which it can control. "We can only have control over certain things, and can't worry about not having control of certain things like last year," Eph head coach
Meghan Gillis said.
In their last season on the ice in 2019-2021, Williams posted an overall record of 12-9-4 and went 8-6-1 in NESCAC. This year, the Ephs are focused on working each day to get themselves ready for game play.
Coach Gillis emphasized being present, enjoying the process, and letting the end result take care of itself. "We have a really deep and talented team," Gillis mentioned, "So if we are working really hard at practice each day, that will allow us to be ready for conference and non-conference play."
Balance between the class years will be key for Williams this season. Having 9 seniors, 4 juniors, 5 sophomores, and 7 first years, the Ephs, "Have this really great mesh of young and old coming together," stated Gillis.
The senior class will play a pivotal leadership role this season. With twelve young players who have never played a college hockey game before, each of the nine seniors will step up to the task of catching the first years and sophomores up to speed.
The Ephs return to the ice led by co-captains
Meghan Halloran and
Georgia Keogh, assistant captains
Avery Dunn and
Delaney Szlezyngier, and seasoned veterans
Chloe Heiting,
Gabi Montembeault, Bianna Hill,
CC Wallin, and
Brynn Puppe.
Having this large class of seniors, five of whom reclassified as 2021.5, has been a challenge these nine women have worked hard to navigate. Coach Gillis admires her senior class's work to unite as one. She noted, "I think they've put in a lot of time and attention and continue to work to figure [their class integration] out."
Co-captains
Meghan Halloran and
Georgia Keogh have experience on their side. Halloran, a third year captain, and the team's top scorer in 2020, and Keogh, a second year captain balance each other out, one playing forward, the other defense.
Other senior leaders
CC Wallin and
Brianna Hill have been adjusting well in new positions. By running with these new positions and roles on the team, "They are setting a great example for first years and sophomores," said Gillis.
After 635 days since their last game, the Ephs are excited to have some intercollegiate competition, and playing some hockey against other teams, not just amongst themselves.
The Ephs will open their season against at home in Lansing Chapman Rink versus Colby on Friday, November 19th at 7pm, followed by a second game against Colby on Saturday, November 20th at 3pm.
Gillis said, "Our league is competitive, and getting to jump into that with Colby is really exciting."
