cambridge, massachusetts – A new era in the storied history of Harvard Women's Ice Hockey begins in 2023-24 as Laura Bellamy, new head coach of the Landry Family of Harvard Women's Ice Hockey, takes over the reins of the program. Under her guidance, many young players have grown this season, setting the team up for success in the years to come.
Bellamy and new staff Meredith Ross and Venra HoviHarvard has embarked on establishing a new culture and identity, which was demonstrated during the team's progression during the 2023-24 campaign.
A win over Beanpot rival Boston College and a trip to the nation's capital over the Thanksgiving break to play in D1 of the Washington, D.C. Tournament highlighted the opening months of the first half of the season for the Crimson.
The win over BU marked the first victory in Bellamy's young head coaching career as Harvard entered two tough competitions against No. 4 Minnesota and the University of St. Thomas with a trip to Washington, D.C. Ta. The team enjoyed their vacation together, exploring Washington, D.C., and touring national monuments.
The team returned to Cambridge and recorded two impressive wins, including a thrilling come-from-behind victory over No. 8 St. Lawrence. Alex Perich Recorded a 52-save shutout, gwyn rap Score the overtime winner. In Rupp's first game back from winter break, he scored two goals to lead his team to a 2-1 victory over Sacred Heart.
Harvard then shifted its focus to the Beanpot Tournament, narrowly losing in the opening game, but giving Harvard the opportunity to become the first women's college hockey team to take to the ice at TD Garden in a repechage game. Led by a sophomore goaltender. emily davidson, the Crimson made history by defeating the No. 13 Boston College Eagles in a shootout, becoming the first women's team to record a victory at TD Garden. Davidson made three important saves in the penalty shootout, gabi davidson adams He scored the winning goal and helped put Harvard's name in the record books.
Davidson recorded two more impressive games during the team's wins over RPI and Union. In recognition of her efforts, Davidson was named the team's player of the year, and she will be aiming for even more success when she returns to guard the net next year.
Another star in the Crimson locker room gwyn rap, took a big step forward in the 2023-24 season, setting career highs with 11 goals and 15 points during his second season. Rupp was named the team's Most Impactful Player and will return to Brightlandry next season to continue his development.
junior defender jenna mcdonald He also received recognition from his peers by being voted the recipient of the John Dooley Award, given annually to the player who best combines sportsmanship, enthusiasm and dedication to hockey.
McDonald established himself as the team's leader this season, playing a key role in all situations from the blue line. McDonald's most impressive performance was in the win over RPI (January 19), where she blocked eight shots, the most shots blocked in a single game in Harvard women's ice hockey history. is tied for second place.
McDonald set an example in the 2023-24 season by being one of the first players on the ice and one of the last off the ice. McDonald helped usher in a new era this season and will help the team continue to build on that new foundation when they take the ice in the fall.
They have one of the youngest teams in the country, with only two seniors leaving. Shannon Holland and rose o'connor Competed Crimson hockey career. The duo was recognized on Senior Night as the team thanked them for their countless contributions to the program.
Harvard women's ice hockey now shifts its focus to the 2024-25 season, when the Crimson will build on a new foundation and bring a veteran group back on the ice to pursue even more success in the future.
