W. Hockey club keeps improving

As the onset of November signals colder weather, the steadily improving women's ice hockey club prepares to hit the ice. Its season-opening matchups are this weekend in New England. Under the direction of coach Scott Armstrong, the team rebounded from an 0-10 mark two years ago to post a 5-7 record last year, and hopes for even better results this year. "An over-.500 record is a distinct possibility this year," assistant coach Brandon Power said. Contributing to this optimism is the fact the club has only lost two players from last year. Their slots are adequately filled by upperclassmen who are returning after taking a year off, and sparkling freshmen, in particular starting goalie Lisa Bard. "Our freshman goalie is very talented and a welcome addition to our club," Power said. Positive attitudes and new additions should provide an extra boost to the club, which last year got blown out in only one game, and had a strong second half of the season. Power said once the team won some games and picked up confidence near the middle of last season, its level of play quickly escalated. The cornerstone of any Penn success in the recent past and near future is its coach. During his short tenure, Armstrong has provided the needed organization and leadership to the club. He holds practice two or three times a week, works hard toward making Penn a solid program and has instilled confidence in his squad. "I give much of the credit for our turnaround to Scott Armstrong, who really has committed himself to improving this club," co-captain Molly Wagman said. On the ice, leadership is shown by Wagman, fellow co-captain Ari Schoen and last year's co-captain Jen Shih, who Power described as "a great motivator." After Saturday's game at MIT, and Sunday's contest at Connecticut College, the team returns home to challenge the Glacier club on Nov. 12. Since the club does not belong to any league, its annual 10- to 12-game schedule is formulated contest by contest. Penn faces an eclectic group of opponents including high schools, country clubs and colleges. One of the most challenging matches on the slate comes against powerful Lawrenceville (N.J.) Prep. Another eagerly awaited date is Jan. 28, when the Quakers oppose Princeton Day School. "Last year, we felt we outplayed them the entire game, but lost at the end. This year I think we have a good shot of winning the rematch," Power said. The players hang up their skates in March when the practices and 11-game schedule conclude. But until then, there is much to be accomplished. "Realistically," Wagman said, "I think we have a very good chance to have a successful season."