This season was the very first season that Kelly Barton played ice hockey. Everyone who has ever played this game knows exactly what that means. For many it is pure fear. Not for Kelly, she would have none of that. She jumped right in and said “I want to do this”. 

It became quite clear to our coaching staff that Kelly was a quick learner, and that she was also very coachable. Given the limited amount of ice time we had to practice Kelly was able to pick up the basics and improve upon them in the first few weeks. When it came to game time Kelly listened exactly to what the coaches taught her. After the first few games Kelly was not only playing well but she was also beginning to contribute.

As a first year player Kelly had 9 goals, 3 assists, for 12 points and a +/- of 19. All this in just 8 games. These numbers are incredible for a first year, first time player.  As a coach having a player new to the game, come to every practice and game with a smile on her face, a desire to learn, and an enthusiasm to play is nothing short of awesome. And then to be able to contribute the way that Kelly did this season is just incredible.

The coaching staff proudly and happily nominates Kelly Barton as our Rookie of the Year.

Hockey teams are like a scientific equation: you need a bunch of different parts to find the answer.  You need skaters who can play offense and defense; you need a coach; and then you need a goalie.

The University of Pennsylvania Women’s Ice Hockey team did not have a goalie last season. UPenn was forced to suit up any player who was willing to stand in net and take a pounding against good teams. As the season neared, we got an email during early September, from Kimberly Feeney telling us that she is interested in playing for the team.

As we had our first practice, I saw Kimberly on the ice and she instantly showed the characteristics of what a good goalie brings. She was on the ice, stretching and looked the part. I figured anyone can look the part, but this freshman…yes I said Freshman took the UPenn Quakers on her shoulders and led them to a victorious season. Kimberly was ready for the task and displayed signs of excellence during many games.

Kimberly is a product from the Ed Snider Youth Foundation, and exhibits why this program is so important to the culture of ice hockey. Kimberly did not start out the season very well, as we had to travel to IUP early in the season and only travelled with eight skaters. We got blown out both games. After that long weekend to Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kimberly got back on track and began shutting down teams left and right. Never letting a good team scare her. Stopping a very good Columbia team in the regular season. Stoning three penalty shots in the regular season and playoff’s combined.

With a short defensive bench, Kimberly had to stand on her head and show the league not to second guess a freshman starting goaltender. Kimberly took her hot streak to Hagerstown, Maryland where she fought off Columbia to lead the Quakers to the championship game. As we played a very good Rutgers team in the championship, Kimberly did everything she had to keep us in the game. Rutgers was just a better team that day. That does not mean Kimberly did not play well; she did…she left everything on the ice.

Kimberly Feeney is very deserving as the Rookie of The Year and I cannot think of anyone else in the league who meant more to a team then Kimberly did.

Nikole is the ultimate team player. Before our season even started, I was inundated with requests from players asking that Nikole play on their line. This was after just one preseason pick up game at the rink.  

The requests have continued throughout the season.  She is a talented player who plays each shift to her utmost ability.   She has great vision on the ice, moves well with and without the puck.  She never stops moving, fore checking, back checking, and pressuring the opposing team.  Her style of play creates opportunities for herself and her teammates. 

Nikole is an integral part of our power play and penalty kill.  She was tied for the team lead in shorthanded goals and averaged 1.38 points per game.  

Nikole is a great addition to our team and I am continually amazed at her ability to play at such a high level throughout the game. 

Amanda joined the team as a relatively new player to the game, but her ability to pick up concepts made her an invaluable asset to the team. She was always willing to work extra in practice to understand concepts and plays so that she could use them in a game.

She welcomes coaching directions and is quick to apply them to her game. Amanda is one of the most enthusiastic and determined players on the team, her energy is contagious. 

Liana is one of a kind.  Liana first started playing ice hockey this past fall; she came to the first meeting at the beginning of the year, and did not have any equipment or any idea what she was getting herself into.  She showed up to practice and used rental skates until she purchased her own pair and ever since that first time she stepped onto the ice there has been nothing but improvement. 

Liana is by far the most dedicated player out there.  Even though it is her first year playing ice hockey she went the extra mile to learn the game, ask questions, and ask for advice because she fell in love with the sport and it clearly shows. 

From the moment Liana steps into the locker room either for practice or for a game she has her game face on and she is ready to take on whatever skill level is out there waiting for her.  She races for every single puck and gets right back up if she falls down.  She is truly inspiring to watch on the ice because each time she plays she gets better and better. 

Liana is physically one of our toughest and most aggressive players and she is also very focused.  Her desire to improve her skill and knowledge of the game is admirable.  It has been very fulfilling to be able to watch this player grow on and off the ice and to witness her dedication to the team and love of the sport blossom.