The Drexel women's ice hockey program has taken the dramatic step of suspending the remainder of their 2010-2011 season.

Citing injuries that have crippled their ability to field a team, the leadership has forfeited their four remaining DVCHC games and has begun working on ways to return to the ice this September. 

Founded in 2001, the Dragons were one of the league's 'founding five' in 2003.  When the DVCHC introduced its Women's DII in 2007, the team emerged as a consistent contender, playing for the cup in all three DII championship games and winning the DII regular season in 2008.

This summer the Dragons lost a number of key players and in October watched their active roster of 12 fall further to injury and conflict. 

Team president Lauren Gibson worked with a dedicated few to keep the team going, patching together a roster of 6 for their last two match-ups and keeping the season afloat into the winter. 

"A big thank you to everyone in the DVCHC that helped us get as far as we did this season," says Gibson, who herself was sidelined with a very serious hand laceration.  "Having teams that were understanding about our small bench is what allowed us to go into a team meeting last night with hope for next year."

That next year is already looking positive.  The Dragons are reaching out with ideas for a school "public skate," a joint scrimmage with other college teams and more.  In spite of the tough road ahead, Gibson remains focused: "Right now we are looking at how to best recruit new players for next year."

The league has pledged its full support in returning our friends at Drexel and Rutgers to the ice.  Efforts are being ramped up to help with group fund raising, recruiting and more.  Until then we wish all the players at these schools a short wait and determined new year, we're all thinking of you...

"A big thank you to everyone in the DVCHC that helped us get as far as we did this season."

-- President Lauren Gibson