Women's Hockey Team Bids Farewell to Seniors

By: Ashley Kilstein

Posted: 3/2/06

This weekend, the Dutchwomen traveled to Colgate hoping to pick up two wins on the final weekend of the season. Though they played two hard-fought games, Union walked away with two losses. However, there were many highlights in the losing weekend as all three goaltenders got to play and Freshmen Josie McDermott scored her first collegiate goal. This weekend, The Union College Women's Ice Hockey team bid farewell to three seniors who left an indelible mark on the foundation of Union Women's Ice Hockey.

Goaltender Dana Susan Smullyan started playing ice hockey at age eight, when she found out (after moving) that her new classmates were all playing hockey, so she decided to try it. Apparently, the whole hockey experiment went over well, as she graced Union with her spectacular saves in her freshmen year. Dana remembers her first game vividly, as they took on Utica. Not only did they turn off the lights in the entire arena and held a spotlight on each player as they were announced, but Union won 2-1. Dana's fondest Union moments include the last night of winter break at Smith house her freshmen year and also the antics of former Assistant Coach Shannon Kennedy. Dana's teammates, full of valuable input, will never forget Dana's dancing and huge contribution Dana has made for Union Hockey.

Defenseman Margaret Howe Lloyd started playing ice hockey at an early age because it was as natural as walking in her family. Meg has had many amazing moments at Union hockey including her first win over Utica (and the spotlights, of course), assisting Sammy Glover's first goal, and talking to Kate their freshmen year on the bus about how excited they were for the next four years. Meg, most commonly known for her catchphrase, "Give your head a shake", will miss the team, the girls that she played side-by-side with, the friends she made, and the memories that are shared that make the time at Union her own and unique. Meg's teammates agree that Meg, along with height and an unbelievable singing voice, has an astonishing amount of talent and focus that will never leave the minds of any of her teammates.

Forward Kate Elizabeth Gustafson started playing hockey when she physically refused to sign up for figure skating lessons at registration, and instead followed in the footsteps of her father and the rest of Canada. Kate's proudest moment occurred during her sophomore year when the Dutchwomen beat Cornell for their first Division One win. Kate laughingly remembers her freshmen year where there was only one goalie so every period players had to switch and put the pads on, in order to fulfill the requirement of having a goalie on the bench and when Jamie Laubisch fell on the blue line when starting line-ups were announced. While Kate has always worked hard on the ice, it is very rare to find her without a smile. Her teammates always look forward to the nights when she goes out with her helmet on, and occasionally writes on dorm walls with cupcake frosting. Kate has made a lasting impression on Union Women's Ice hockey with her overwhelming desire, love for the game, and leadership.

The Union Women's Ice Hockey team would like to thank these seniors for their inimitable characteristics that will never be forgotten, and look forward to a winning season next year.