The New York Times Features Holy Cross Women’s Hockey Program During First Season of Elite Hockey East

The Holy Cross women’s ice hockey team didn't know what to expect as it took to the ice for the first time this year, back in September. This season was unlike any others, with the Crusaders being new members of the Women's Hockey East Association, the toughest league in the sport.

The transition to Division I was a hallmark moment, that came with its share of challenges. "Not only were returning Holy Cross players accustomed to winning, so were many of the incoming freshmen," The New York Times wrote in a recent profile.

But players like forward Carlie Magier '22 were excited and ready to take on the challenge. "I was looking forward to it. We expected to have bumps in the road."

And though there have been many challenges for the team this season, there have also been plenty of memorable moments. The undisputed favorite moment for the Crusaders was their 5-3 home victory over Northeastern, who, at the time, was ranked fifth in the nation and finished the season as the Hockey East regular-season champions.

Senior tri-captain Julie Matthias '19 called it "the most fun hockey game I've ever played in… We finally got what we'd been working for."

Longtime coach Peter Van Buskirk continues to be immensely proud of the way the players have handled themselves this season, telling The New York Times, "They’ve been very good about focusing on the process, not the outcomes." Van Buskirk, who has coached the program for 19 of its 20 years, announced on January 15 that he would retire after the season.

Replacing him will be associate head coach Katie Lachapelle, a July 2017 hire from Boston University, who has also held numerous coaching positions throughout the U.S. Women’s National Team organization.

"She’s brought a lot of Division I experience, and her exposure to U.S.A. Hockey and anything new coming up has been a big advantage for us," Van Buskirk said.

To read the full article, go to nytimes.com.