Women’s hockey makes a difference

By Mary M. DeBartolo

Cardinal Staff

Saint Mary’s University’s women’s hockey team continues to dedicate their time to giving back to the community during a challenging season.

Not only does the women’s hockey team take strides competitively, but they also took strides with first-time skaters.  On Jan. 19, members of the women’s hockey team taught ninth-grade El Sol club members from Arcadia High School to lace up their skates and take their first strides.

“I really enjoyed helping the Arcadia students skate,” said junior goaltender Sarah Gustafson. “It was fun to share my passion for hockey with people who have never had the chance to even skate.”

The giving does not stop there. The women’s hockey team is hosting Pink the Rink during their Feb. 1 and 2 games against the College of Saint Benedict. The games are meant to raise awareness for breast cancer and collect donations to help fight cancer.

The team has partnered with Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) to collect donations and sell stars and moons in honor and memory of loved ones who have battled cancer.  The proceeds from chuck a puck wil also be donated to help fight cancer.

“Pink the Rink is important becase we are helping fight a serious issue that women face today,” said sophomore Breanna Peterson. “We are coming together and playing the sport we love while also making a difference.” 

The women’s hockey team will also be participating in the March 15 Relay for Life, an annual event hosted by CAC in honor of the cancer survivors and fighters. The women’s hockey team has participated in this event for over four year.

Freshman Sierra Dell enjoys being on a team that gives back. “We don’t realize how helpful and important the everyday things are to some people,” said Dell. “So it is important to give back more than only once in while.”