It has been an absolute pleasure having you on board this year.  You deserve this award for so many reasons.  Most notably is your ability to learn the game of hockey as quickly as you did.  There were times, in close games, when you had to miss a few shifts.  But you understood and never let it get you down.  I can’t wait to see the player you will soon grow to become!  Thank you for everything this season, and we’ll see you next year!

Though Tatiana Donaldson is only a freshman, she has already become an integral part of our club. Her passion for hockey was on display at the very beginning, when she first approached us about joining the team, and this excitement for the sport and for her teammates carried over to each and every game and practice throughout the season.

Born and bred in the Bahamas with a residence in Florida, Tatiana, at first glance, wouldn’t seem like a prototypical hockey player. But she was exposed to the sport as a student at Choate Rosemary Hall, and since then, she has grown exponentially as a player, contributing to our team in so many different ways. Tatiana never takes a game off, and she has become one of our most vocal players both on and off the ice. In a tough year for Columbia hockey, Tatiana was definitely one of the bright spots, and if this season was any indication, we know she will continue to motivate and inspire her teammates as the years go on.

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This rookie is a very well seasoned rookie, as Sascha is a Graduate Student at the University of Pennsylvania, she had dedicated her time to her studies first, but then hit the ice right after she closed the book (or finished a lab). Sascha also had a smile on her face no matter what the circumstances were during the game or practice. A North East native, Sascha was right at home in the Ivy League. Sascha had to balance so many different responsibilities, but she always came ready to play when the puck dropped. You would never find Sascha in the penalty box, as she displayed great skill and finance while playing the game. This graduate student came up big during the semi-finals during Saint Joseph’s in Delaware. Tied game with less then a minute to go in the third period, Sascha get’s a pass from teammate, Hitti, and scores the game-winning goal. Along with her teammates, Sascha pushed the Quakers to championship game.

Maria hit the ice this year not being able to skate. Today, a year later, she plays on the NJ Phoenix and the adult instructional league. She started as many of our developmental players, a liability in most aspects of the game. But we kept playing her and she kept getting better. By the third or so game, she started backwards skating, a game or so later keeping her head up with the puck. She did it the right way, no shortcuts.
    She is about 4’9”.. However, she never shys away from physical contact. With 3 or so games left in the season she became an integral part of our offense. She worked hard to gain skills and by the end of the year she was keeping the puck in the zone, mainly in the deep slot. She was winning battles and playing defense, always in position.
    One goal and 4 assists may not sound like much, but all these plays were huge. For us to compete we needed her to be in position and contributing. That she did and then some. Remember, she could not skate at the start of the season and she worked hard enough to start putting together points. By the time the playoffs came, she was counted on to be in the right place at the right time. She truly matured into a good player, and in the next few years, she is going to be incredible.Maria writes: “I was introduced to the idea of playing ice hockey by coach Keenan. In hopes to find a field hockey team, I found something better ­ a family. I started my field hockey career in high school and now transition into ice hockey just this past September. Since September, I've learned how to skate, shoot and mastered putting on my gear in 5 minutes. Being apart of Phoenix has opened many doors; I can't wait for next season.”

As a rookie to the IUP Women’s Hockey team, Victoria Peters provided a physical and aggressive asset to the team. Taking over the center role, Tori used her speed and shooting skills to be a strong offensive force. Tori had 3 goals and 4 assists this season and averaged .50 points per game. Tori never failed to play her hardest on the ice and show her teammates an example of strong work ethic. Her previous teams include the Reading Junior Royals and she will continue on in her study of Criminology.

Rookie of the Year is a new difference maker on your team.  Sometimes that person is a newbie who gets all the goals.  Sometimes it's a player that gets the team exactly what it needs.  This is Annie's first year playing hockey. She never misses a game or a practice.  Her work on the ice inspries others & her tenacity to keep improving has made her into a wonderfully relaible forward.  Beyond her efforts on the ice, Annie volunteered when the team needed a president (remember, as a freshman): dealing with the school, raising funds, etc.  That takes courage.  In a rebuilding year where AU has come close to losing a team, Annie is exactly the kind of dedicated & hardworking rookie we needed to find.  Her work for the team, on the ice & behind the scenes has been our difference maker.