By Michael Joel-Hansen

Local hockey player looks forward to overseas series

Jan 5, 2019 | 12:32 PM

A hockey player from Prince Albert is taking part in two games which will be a first for NCAA women’s hockey.

The Northeastern University Huskies women’s team will be taking on Clarkson University in a pair of games this weekend in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This will mark the first time where two NCAA Division One women’s hockey teams will be playing a game outside of North America.

The games are part of Ulster University Friendship Series which sees NCAA hockey teams come over every year around this time. Historically the visiting teams have been men.

Speaking to paNOW from Belfast, Hobson said she expected there to be some excitement for the games.

“With this being the first time girls NCAA is going over, I think that the population over here might be interested in coming, we’ve had a few young girls even just watching our practice,” she said.

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Playing over in Northern Ireland is a different experience for the Northeastern team as they generally do not have to make such a long trip for a game. The series in Belfast also comes after their holiday layoff.

“I think everyone’s excited, we’ve had a long Christmas break, we haven’t played a game in a while, so I think we’re going to come out excited and come out with a fast start and hopefully get the first jump on them,” said Hobson.

Northeastern’s opponent, Clarkson, will be a challenge as they are the defending national champions.

“Right now for the year, my team is ranked third in NCAA and they’re [Clarkson] are ranked fifth, so it’s going to be a pretty good game,” Hobson said.

Specifically, Hobson said the Clarkson team has one of the strongest lines in NCAA hockey, which could prove challenging to stop.

“If we can shut down that line, [that’s] going to be the greatest challenge for us to help us towards success this weekend,” she said.   

The trip over to Northern Ireland provides the chance to promote women’s hockey according to Hobson.

“It’s just exciting to be a part of such a big series over here that’s going to help grow the game internationally,” she said.

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn