Women’s Hockey in Playoff Contention

Conn teammates celebrate after scoring a goal against Southern Maine. Photo by Duncan Spaulding.

While the majority of campus was at home enjoying the pleasurable relaxation of a month-long winter break, the women’s hockey team was skating, shooting and scoring its way to four victories. Two of these wins came against NESCAC opponents (Bowdoin and Colby) and played key roles in pushing the Camels to fifth place in the league.

Although the season is over half way done, there is still plenty of time for movement within the rankings. In NESCAC hockey, the women’s teams face each other twice each season. While the Camels are preparing for their first match against Hamilton, they are gearing up for their second face-offs with Williams, Middlebury, Wesleyan and Trinity.

In their first go-around against these teams, the Camels went 2-2, beating Williams and Wesleyan while falling to Trinity and Middlebury. Conn is looking to turn the tables this time around, and after an intense month of practice and a string of successful games, the Camels have the confidence and skill to come out victorious.

Two of their most notable victories took place against Colby and Bowdoin, over the weekend of January 15.  In each of these games, first year forward Courtney Dumont played a “pivotal role.” Against the Mules, Dumont provided the assist for the tying goal and the game winner for a final score of 3-2, while against the Polar Bears, she scored a decisive goal in the second period that provided the Camels with the momentum to come out winners.

Following that weekend, Dumont was ranked third in league for season in individual points and goals. For her outstanding performances, she was named NESCAC Women’s Ice Hockey Player of the Week. Earlier in the season, Coach Kristen Steele noted that Dumont is an integral component to the teams “formidable offense,” a characteristic that has remained true.

Other standout players include Brigid O’Gorman ’11, who is not only known for her competitive spirit on the ice, but also for her humanitarian efforts. Last year, O’Gorman was one of the seven finalists nominated for the Hockey Humanitarian Award. This award, presented by BNY Mellon Wealth Management, recognizes college hockey players who provide humanitarian aid in any of a myriad of ways.

This season she has been nominated again for her continued humanitarian efforts. Still, O’Gorman’s efforts on the ice are not overshadowed by her charitable work. Last week, she scored a goal in the Camel victory over the University of Southern Maine.

Teammate Olivia Farrell ’14 has also made a mark this season, tied for fourth in overall assists in league and tied for seventh in individual point scoring.

“Clearly the freshmen tandem Olivia Farrell and Courtney Dumont have produced at a high level, and the stats show it,” Steele said.

“This team is unique from other years because of its talent,” she added. And this talent exists not only in the individual strengths of each player, but also in their innate ability to come together as a team on the ice. In the last several weeks of the season, their perseverance and skill will be tested by a demanding schedule, however the prospect for postseason play remains strong.

“Our goal all along has been to put ourselves in a position to host the first round of playoffs. It is still a possibility. With six NESCAC games left… a tight race to the finish will be required,” said Steele.

The Camels will need to win a majority of their final four games to accomplish this very realistic goal of hosting the first round of playoffs.