ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico isn’t particularly known for its women’s hockey, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t talent to be found in this magical place. Sonny Watrous earned a scholarship to Providence more than 20 years ago, and now a second player has earned a spot at the Division I level.
Albuquerque native Taylor Hartinger has played hockey since she was a little girl. Her father, Vladimir, was a member of the New Mexico Scorpions in the mid-2000s and taught her a love of the game. Now, she plans to continue her collegiate career at Franklin Pierce University.
“I'm going through a mixture of emotions right now. I'm really excited,” Hartinger said. “I love the speed and the aggression and the competitive nature of the game. I'm excited to see what it can bring if I can get that done at the next level.”
After starting her hockey career locally, Hartinger traveled the country to play in cities like Detroit, Chicago and Philadelphia, where she began making connections with pioneers in the world of women's hockey.
She skipped her sophomore year at U-16 to move on to the U-19 level and played under some of the best coaching staff in the country, including the first woman to serve as an assistant coach in the NHL, Seattle Kraken's Jessica Campbell.
Hartinger said she wants to play as long as she can and go as far as she can in the sport. She believes the program she is receiving at Franklin Pierce will help her achieve that goal and is excited for the future.
“They won the NEWHA Championship in the 2021 season and finished second in their own league last year. This was where I wanted to be and the only place I thought was perfect.”
