As Captains of the Women’s Blues 2016-2017, we would like to say a heartfelt congratulations to all the players that received a half blue or team colours in recognition of their performance and dedication this season. Well done Rebecca Guerriero, Fiona McLoughlin, Emma Hay, Diana Garibaldi, Andrea Francisco, Charlotte Graham, Nina Lindsay, Ellie Park, Maria Holdcroft, Fiona McKendrick, Rebecca Wardell and Yvette Dell.
In addition, we are thrilled to announce that the Oxford University Women’s Ice Hockey will be awarding a Full Blue to Lisa Choi! Lisa has played with the team for 4 years, participated in 3 varsity matches (all wins) and has been nominated for Sportswoman of the Year by St. John’s College (in 2016 and in 2017) and Teammate of the Year by SportsFed in 2015-2016. We believe that her outstanding standard of play and dedication to the team are worthy of recognition, and we were elated that the Women’s Blues Committee agreed with us and voted to award her an Extraordinary Full Blue.
Thank you all for your hard work and dedication, in what has been an unforgettable season with the Oxford Women’s Blues!
–Fiona McKendrick & Andrea Mae Francisco, OUIHC Women’s Blues Captains 2016-2017
On Wednesday 29th of March, 2017, the Oxford Women’s Blues made their first trek to Nottingham’s National Ice Centre where they faced off against five other all-female teams in the BUIHA. The Oxford Blues would go on to win the tournament in a decisive fashion, remaining undefeated throughout the day-long event and without conceding a single goal.
We are pleased to see so many women in the BUIHA as the sport continues to grow across the country. Alongside the Oxford Women’s Blues, the Cambridge Women’s Blues, Notting Mavericks, Newcastle Wildcats, London Dragons, and two mixed squad teams representing the BUIHA in the North and South battled for the first ever title. We are excited for the 2017-20128 tournament where the Oxford Women’s Blues hope to bring home the championship again.
“We are proud to be able to make history as the (undefeated) champions of the first ever female inter-university ice hockey tournament in the UK. We are immensely pleased with the performance today and I think the results speak for themselves as we won 5-0 against Nottingham in the finals. Looking forward to Nationals this weekend!” — Andrea Mae Francisco & Fiona McKendrick, OUIHC Women’s Blues Captains 2016-2017
OUIHC Women’s Blues at the 2016 Division 3 National Championships (Top row left to right) Lisa Choi (A), Rebecca Harding-Smith (A), Andrea Francisco, Gabi Smyth, Ellie Park, Nina Lindsay, Emma Walker-Silverman, (middle row left to right) Vanessa Lee, Mimi Pichette, Celine Collis, Jenn Lawrence (C), Fiona McKendrick, (front) Linda Perkio (G).
The Oxford University Ice Hockey Club (OUIHC) sent two teams to this year’s annual Division 2 (full body checking) and Division 3 (Non-Checking) National Championships hosted by the British Universities Ice Hockey Association in Sheffield this past weekend.
The men’s second team, the Oxford Vikings, reformed this season after a one-year hiatus. Led by veteran captain Kevin McGlynn, the Vikings struggled throughout the regular season due to a small roster. With only 6 skaters and their goalie, Stefan Mirus hailing from Australia, the Vikings started the weekend off for the University despite their short bench. Calling up Women’s Blues defenseman Lisa Choi, the Vikings put up a fight against the would-be Champions, the Sheffield Bears B. Opening the scoring for the team, Choi put in a rebound from a break by McGlynn to put the Vikes up 1-0 halfway through the game.
Sadly, the Vikes could not hold the lead as their legs grew heavier with every passing minute. Former Bear Dan Boardman showed an incredible feat of fitness, pulling off an ‘ironman’ performance and never leaving the ice due to the lack of substitutes. With only 5 minutes remaining, the Bears managed to put 4 goals passed the Vikes. Outnumbered, the Vikes fell 1-4 to the Bears in a disappointing defeat despite their initial lead.
Reinforcements for the Vikings arrived shortly after lunch and in time for the second game. Joining the roster were Women’s Blues superstar Jenn Lawrence, Emma Walker-Silverman, and Fiona McKendrick. The Vikes faced-off against the Hull Ice Hogs, and later the Northumbria Kings B, falling short in both matches, 0-4 and 0-2 respectively, and putting an end to a disappointing though hard-fought first day.
But the day had only just begun for the Women’s Blues. Returning to the Women’s Blues bench, Lawrence (Captain), Choi (Assistant Captain), McKendrick, and Walker-Silverman would join their team against the Newcastle Wildcats B. Team veteran and former captain, Linda Perkio, strapped on the goalie pads despite having never played in net until only a few months ago. The Blues looked to maintain their success at the National Championships after last year’s historic 3rd place finish, the best result for any women’s team in the BUIHA.
Lawrence would open the scoring with an unassisted goal shortly after the opening face-off. The lead was quickly squandered as the Wildcats managed to answer with 2 goals, putting the Women’s Blues down 2-1. Lawrence would score again off a pass from Choi, tying the game at 2s with plenty of time remaining. Lawrence would complete the hat-trick at the 12-minute mark, living up to her reputation as one of the most skilled players in the league. The Blues would hold on to take the 3-2 win over the Wildcats.
The Women’s Blues took to the ice again, this time against the Sheffield Bears C. They took a heavy defeat to the top-ranked Bears, 5-0. The Blues finished day one with a match against the Southampton Spitfires B, an opponent that the Women had already faced-off against twice in the regular season. The Spitfires would take the game, 2-0, though the Women’s Blues kept the Spitfires to a single goal for most of the game. Despite the loss, the Women’s Blues left the ice with their pride intact – earlier this season, the same Spitfires team pummelled the Blues 17-2.
Day 2 began just before noon for the Vikings, which was fortunate considering the previous nights’ celebrations (Nationals ‘Lashionals’). Again calling up Choi, McKendrick, and Walker-Silverman (Lawrence would take the miss after a night of ardent “team bonding”), the Vikes finished their tournament against the Nottingham Mavericks B. In a close contest, the Mavericks opened the scoring early and led 1-0. With only 5 minutes remaining, Captain McGlynn put one past the goalie on a break from Boardman. The game and tournament would end in disappointment as the Mavs would score again with only 2 minutes remaining. The win for the Mavs would safely advance them to the playoffs, and eventually the final where they would lose 2-4 to the Sheffield Bears B.
The Women returned to the ice to play the Coventry and Warwick Panthers C. Despite predictions of a win, the Blues would only manage to tie the Panthers in yet another disappointing contest. The first conceded goal, and arguably the game, was lost due to the referee interfering with the admirable puck possession held by Lawrence on the penalty-kill. Lawrence would later tie the game with another goal assisted by Choi, followed by a beautiful off-the-post-and-in goal from Walker-Silverman from McKendrick. The Blues could not hold their lead, however, as the Panthers managed to sneak one by Perkio, ending the game 2-2.
A special mention needs to be made for the coaching efforts of Men’s University Blues captain, Tim Donnison, and the season-long coach for the women, Luke Summers. The two took on the difficult task of managing all OUIHC matches over the weekend, and trying to earn results with very few subs to hand.
The Vikings would finish at the bottom of their group despite an incredible effort from their short bench. The team played with grit, heart, and determination though disappointed to come away without a win despite holding a lead during some of the games. The team left Sheffield with their heads held high knowing they proved difficult opponents to the two eventual finalists. The Women finished 4th in their group and did not advance to the playoffs. For many of their players, this tournament would be the last time that the ladies donned their blue and white stripped jerseys to represent the University. For others, this was their first taste of Nationals, leaving the rookies and returners eager to come back for the 2016-2017 season.
The Men’s University Blues head to Sheffield on April 22nd for their go at the National Championships in Division 1 (Checking). They enter the tournament with their eyes on a top finish after placing 2nd in the regular season and a single win behind Varsity rivals the Cambridge Light Blues. The weekend will also be an exciting preview for the Men’s Ice Hockey Varsity. Tickets and details for this highly-anticipated contest are available online or through any current members of the OUIHC. The biggest game of the year will face-off at 5:30 on Sunday May 15th.
The 2016 National Championship roster for the Oxford Vikings consisted of: Kevin McGlynn (C), Dan Lock (A), Dan Boardman (A), Stefan Mirus (G), Harry Geisler, Julian Gregory, Lisa Choi, Emma Walker-Silverman, Fiona McKendrick, and Jennifer Lawrence.
The 2016 National Championship roster for the Oxford Women’s Blues consisted of: Jennifer Lawrence (C), Lisa Choi (A), Rebekka Harding-Smith (A), Linda Perkio (G), Fiona McKendrick, Andrea Francisco, Emma Walker-Silverman, Gabi Smyth, Mimi Pichette, Ellie Park, Celine Collis, Nina Lindsay, and Vanessa Lee.
2016 Oxford Vikings Varsity Squad (Top left to right) Dan Lock, Rich Eklow, James Scobie, Ruben Bunyaetyan, Matteo Gastaldi, Dan Boardman, Kevin McGlynn (C), Harry Geisler, Emma Walker-Silverman, Alex Bergin, Sean Molloy, Tomas Alfoldi, Tim Donnison, (bottom row left to right) Jack Woods, Stefan Mirus, Patrick Flammer, Luke Summers
On November 17th, 2015, the OUIHC women’s executive presented their case to the Women’s Blues Committee in order to upgrade their status from Half Blue to Discretionary Full Blue. Following a presentation and vote by Blues Committee members, the OUIHC women were successful in their bid.
Discretionary Full Blue status now allows the awarding of up to two Full Blues, at the captain’s discretion, for players who compete at varsity, play at least half of their league games, and play to an exemplary standard. The team must also win Varsity and finish in the top two of their division (BUIHA Division 1 Non-Checking) where five or more teams compete.
Oxford-Cambridge team photo after the 2015 Varsity Match “We win by building our teams up, NOT by tearing each other down”.
Standing behind the OUIHC booth at fresher’s fair for both the University of Oxford and Brookes University, I was approached by a number of people who were surprised to see us there. “Ice hockey?! There’s a team?!” was a common reaction among the passers-by and enthusiastic students. While it is true that the UK is not necessarily one of the first places one associates with ice hockey, the sport has a deep and rich history here, much of it emerging from Oxford University and its students. In response to those surprised students, I quickly mentioned that yes, there is a team – in fact there are 3 teams that make up the OUIHC, the second oldest hockey club in the world.
For others, however, playing ice hockey was a strange proposition approached with caution. Especially for women, many students assumed that it was a men’s sport that is violent and dangerous. When I mentioned the women’s team, so many were truly surprised and amazed. A few keen people were intrigued (some of which are now devoted members of the club). In fact, women’s ice hockey is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, with much of that growth taking place here in the UK. The OUIHC Women’s Blues are proud to be a part of that growth and a part of the history of women’s ice hockey nation-wide.
The OUIHC Women’s Blues were formed in 1981/1982 and were among the first four teams in the British Women’s League founded in 1984. Over the years, we have won several titles, but this year has been exceptional.
Playing in the British University Ice Hockey Association’s (BUIHA) league, we compete against men (and a few other women) in non-checking hockey. For many of those prospective female players at our recruitment booth before the season had even begun, this seemed intimidating and, for some, perplexing. Little did anyone know that we would dominate our division and go on to make history at the National Championships by placing third with only 6 skaters in the final semi-final match. We don’t play “women’s hockey”, we are women who play non-checking ice hockey, alongside men’s and mixed teams. The OUIHC Women’s Blues are not just good ‘for a women’s team’, but we are one of the top teams playing non-checking hockey – period.
OUIHC Women take on the Bradford Sabres in the 2015 BUIHA National Championships. The OUIHC Women’s Blues won this match 2-1.
Still, as one of the very few all-women’s teams in the BUIHA at any level, we have received mixed responses from other teams and fans over the years. In the past, we had been ‘written off’ by game predictions made by the BUIHA, and we’ve been ridiculed for being ‘an easy win’ by opposing teams (innuendo abound, to our disgust). In the particular match that these insults were flung, based purely on our gender, I am very pleased to report that we destroyed the opposing team 8-0 – the inverse score predicted. This year at Nationals, one of our fans overheard a gentleman in the crowd exclaim that there was no way we would win, again on the basis of our gender. We won that match with only 7 skaters, dominating the game despite the close score.
While it can be difficult playing a male dominated sport, achievements are deeply rewarding and work to improve the reputation of the sport beyond just our league. This year, we are incredibly proud to say that we are the best women’s university team in the UK, beating Cambridge and playing above the Newcastle Wildcats. But it is difficult, especially when we face deeply engrained sexism that is, unfortunately, a part of many team cultures in the sporting world. This fuels us to persist and to be the best we can be, playing the sport we all love. In recent years, we’ve done this with the support of the OUIHC men’s teams who have helped on the ice and off, and who respect us as hockey players and people (a mutual sentiment!).
OUIHC and CUIHC men supporting women’s ice hockey after the 2015 Varsity Match.
As we look forward to the 2015-2016 season, we are filled with excitement. We’ve come a long way and have made massive strides, year-over-year. We pride ourselves on our commitment to the sport and our role in developing ice hockey nation-wide through our development camp. Our annual camp is open to all female hockey players in the BUIHA, and in 2016, we hope to secure a coach who has experience playing women’s hockey at the national level. While the camp is beneficial for the development of our own team, it is also an important opportunity to develop women’s hockey and a supportive community of women’s ice hockey players across the country.
When recruitment begins and our stall at the fresher’s fairs set up again, I will be behind the table once more looking for recruits for both the men’s and women’s teams. While I’m not sure if ice hockey will ever become as popular here at Oxford as it is in other places, especially in North America, I do hope that one day soon, people will cease to be surprised that women play this ‘men’s’ sport. We play – and we’re damn good.
On June 13, 2015, the OUIHC Women’s Blues were awarded an annual Atalanta’s Trust Grant of £250 for use towards the 2015-16 season. The grant had been applied for by the previous season’s captain, Linda Perkiö, and was officially received during a cocktail reception on the Roof Terrace of the Varsity Club by current captain, Jenn Lawrence, and club president, Lisa Choi.
The Atalanta’s Society is Oxford University’s club for elite sportswomen, founded in 1992 with the aim of promoting women’s sport and bringing together female athletes at Oxford. It hosts a range of events and activities each year celebrating sporting achievements of Oxford University athletes, and awards around three individual grants and three team grants each year. Both Lawrence and Choi have recently become members of the Atalanta’s Society, which extends membership to any woman who has competed in a Varsity Match in her respective sport. They hope to encourage more of their teammates to join in an effort to boost the involvement and visibility of the OUIHC Women’s Blues on Oxford’s campus, following their recent successes.
This year’s grant will be used towards buying new high-quality Bauer ice hockey helmets for the OUIHC, in the hopes of recruiting new talent for the 2015-16 ice hockey season and beyond.
Oxford Women’s Blues defy the odds at National Championships
History was made at the division 1 non-checking National Championships in Sheffield this year. The Oxford Women’s Blues brought a roster of just 7 skaters and 2 goalies (due to unfortunate scheduling) and yet proved that they compete with the best division 1 non-checking teams. The ladies topped their group and narrowly lost to former champions Northumbria Kings B.
Leading up to the tournament, the Blues had finished second in the league competition and were ranked as fourth in the power rankings among all ten teams. It was clear from the start that the competition would be tough evident when there were more coaches on the bench than players. Despite the odds, the Blues opened their account with a 1-1 draw against the well-drilled Sheffield Bears C. Of particular note was the destructive play of Canadian veteran Lisa Choi who rocked two Sheffield players in what can only be described as thoroughly clearing your own zone – later commented by the Captain Linda Perkiö as the proudest moment of her life. Regardless, two points were within reach and areas of improvement were noted and preached ready for the second fixture just 90 minutes later.
Caption: The Blues wait for their next fixture
This fixture was set to be an entertaining game as the opponents Bradford Sabres B had made the step-up from division 2 after a 100% win record and boasting a number of top goal scorers. However, the Blues exemplar team play and game strategy paid dividends with a number of defensive takeaways and stretch passes to the forwards. After a great individual effort by Choi to draw a penalty shot, the Blues were unfortunate to not open the scoring on this one on one. However, Bradford could not hold back the tide of dark blue with former Yale Varsity athlete Jennifer Lawrence netting a breakaway with the assist deservedly going to accomplished figure skater Park “Ellie” HyunSeo who was solely responsible for generating the scoring opportunity. A second goal by Lawrence saw the crowd go crazy – a fan base that quickly grew to realise that this Blues team was dominant and not the underdog originally thought by many. During the latter stages of the game, Bradford poured on the pressure around the Oxford goal, which led to a controversial swing of the stick to the helmet of the Oxford goalie Kate Koch. The scrum that erupted around the Oxford goal led to, surprisingly, Oxford’s standout goaltender to be chucked from the game with no equivalent penalty given to the offender. After a long discussion with the referee about the rules of the sport, it was clear that the decision would have to be taken the league committee and the match to be played out by Oxford’s other solid netminder Stephanie Clarke. Bradford managed to claw a goal back after a scramble in front of goal but the resilient defence and the fresh-legged Clarke kept the Sabres at bay resulting in a 2-1 dark blue win putting them at the top of the table.
Despite the positive atmosphere in the locker room, news that second generation OUIHC forward Charlotte Cato would not be returning after a blocked shot during the first game, only proved to motivate the ladies further after seeing the dedication shown by the baby of the team, affectionately known as “Cato”. Subsequently, the Dark Blue would close the first day with a second victory, this time over Coventry and Warwick Panthers B, the 2011 BUHIA division 3 champions. The tone was set early by Oxford’s powerplay unit of Lawrence, Choi, rookie Andrea Francisco, alumnus Ioana Gagea and Captain Linda Perkiö whose slapshot from the blue line, after a great feed from Choi, blew past the Panther’s goalie for the powerplay tally. Two more goals by Lawrence secured the win and Oxford’s place in a semi-final spot.
On the night the teams headed out for the annual BUIHA non-checking division social with this year’s theme being “dress as your team”. This fell in the favour of certain teams such as the Newcastle Wildcats, Imperial Devils and UCL Yetis, however, costumes proved difficult for the Manchester Metrostars, UEA Avalanche and Southampton Spitfires. The Oxford team dressed as Rosie the Riveter – consistent with their recruitment campaign of the past several seasons.
After an intense first day, both on and off the ice, the ladies were more or less ready to hit the final day of the tournament hard. However, due to vast number of teams and therefore the odd scheduling, the Blues were not due to play until later in the day. Knowing that finishing top of the table was guaranteed, the team played a conservative game in their last group fixture against Birmingham Lions C dropping it 1-0.
Minds remained focused on the semi-final match-up, which turned out to be against Northumbria Kings B much to the disappointment of a number of individuals who were anticipating a re-match against league opponents Imperial Devils B. Northumbria, who boasted ridiculous stats from their scorers in the league as well as a large bench, opened the scoring. However, after JLaw’s one-timer shot rang off the inside of the post, much to the disappointment of the crowd, her second attempt moments later saw the puck ring off the pipe for a second time but this time into the back of the net – 1-1. The King’s shooters continued to pepper the Oxford goal but former MIT Men’s goalie Kate Koch stood tall and made save after save. It wasn’t until the latter half of the game that the scoring resumed with another two quick goals, one apiece. Jenn Lawrence again stepping up as a natural leader and splitting the Northumbria defence and slotting the puck into the net for the tying goal after a dirty dangle. Entering the last 2 minutes of play, a dubious delay of game penalty against the dark blue saw the King’s covert for the game-winning goal. Despite a last ditch effort, the game finished 4-2 with an empty net goal.
Caption: The Oxford Women’s Blues National Championship Team
Northumbria secured their third division 1 non-checking title in as many years with a 3-0 display against Imperial College Devils B in the final. The tournament had certainly been a successful one for the ladies in dark blue, demonstrating that they are one of the best non-checking university teams in the country despite participating in a male-dominated league. The future is certainly bright for the ladies of the OUIHC with a number of players returning for the next academic season, the pressure is certainly on the rest of the league to keep up with what is anticipated as another winning season for the OUIHC Women’s Blues.
Stay tuned on twitter @OUIHCMensBlues as the university men’s Blues take on the best in the country at the division 1 checking National Championships on April 25th and 26th.
2015 OUIHC Women’s Blues Varsity Squad: (from back left): Lea Peppel, Kaylie Smith (A), Rebecca Harding-Smith, Gabriella Smyth, Fiona McKendrick, Jen Brawn, Ellie Park (From middle left): Charlotte Cato, Mel Lam, Lina Perkio (C), Jenn Lawrence, Andrea-Mae Francisco (from bottom left): Stephanie Clarke, Kate Koch
On Sunday the 8th of March 2015, the OUIHC Women’s Blues travelled to Peterborough Ice Arena to play Cambridge in the annual Varsity Match. The Oxford team had a good core of talented returning players from the previous season and after a great recruitment campaign in the autumn, the team was able to build a strong roster. Until this point the team was having a successful season where Oxford challenged for the league title thanks to the dedication, leadership and hard work of the team. The culmination of the season was the Varsity Match, where the team was hoping to reap the rewards of this effort.
Oxford started the Varsity Match well and built an early lead with a number of players contributing offensively. As the match progressed it was clear that Oxford was the stronger of the two teams as the lead increased. While the team had a number of experienced ice hockey players, ice-time in the match was spread evenly throughout the whole Varsity squad with every single player on the team contributing to a fantastic victory. The Cambridge players were a credit to themselves and the Varsity Match as they fought to the end, showing great dedication throughout the whole game. The final score was 25-0 to Oxford, with Mel Lam winning the ‘Spirit of the Game’ award, and Jenn Lawrence winning ‘Player of the Game’. This match was a testament to the hard work that the Oxford University Women’s Blues – and indeed the Cambridge Women’s Blues – had put in throughout the year.
Mel Lam, defence, receive the Spirit of the Match award for her outstanding sportsmanship and hard work in the 2015 Varsity Match.Jenn Lawrence, centre, receives the ‘Player of the Game’ award for her outstanding performance during the 2015 Varsity Match.
Despite the rivalry on the ice, the two womens’ teams got along well off the ice. The game was followed by a reception, where the two teams shared some beer and pizza while talking about the game, ice hockey, and life in general. As the two first women’s teams in the BUIHA it is important for the teams to support each other and women’s ice hockey more broadly. The OUIHC women look forward to continuing this long tradition when hosting the 2016 Varsity Match at home at the Oxford Ice Rink on March 6th.
Article published in The Cherwell on February 13, 2015
Being a women’s team in a male dominated sport can be tough at times. However, the Oxford University Ice Hockey Club (OUIHC) Women’s Blues are in the midst of the team’s best season on record. Competing in a league where every other team is a men’s team*, we are currently in first place having beaten all the other teams. In total, there are only three women’s university ice hockey teams in the country, and the other two teams play in the division below Oxford.
While the Women’s team is enjoying a successful season, the Men’s side is looking different with two clubs and two teams both called the Oxford Blues. Oddly, they compete against each other in the top division.
For a long time, the relationship between the Men’s and Women’s Blues had been tense. When the Men’s team decided to end its affiliation with Oxford University’s Sports Federation during the 2012/2013 season, our relationship with them was at an all time low. They eventually formed as the Oxford Ice Hockey Trust, and that left OUIHC without a Men’s Blues team and a Women’s team that had to increase efforts to continue its season.
One of the issues leading to the split was the merchandising agreement between the Sports Federation, Kitlocker and Nike, and the Men’s Blues issues with that at the time have been thoroughly documented by the Oxford Ice Hockey Trust. The Trust has also thoroughly documented the events that followed their objection to the merchandising, which escalated to the point that the Men’s team not only decided to leave OUIHC, but also decided to end their affiliation with the University. The split was an unfortunate series of events.
From the Women’s team’s perspective however, we feel that the Trust’s account of the split doesn’t tell the entire story. One reason for our frustration is that the Men’s team at the time of the split contacted Kitlocker to demand that a ‘W’ (for Women) was added within our OUIHC name, making us OUWIHC. We did not feel that this was an appropriate change or distinction that needed to be made. Additionally, our women’s team felt that extensive sexist behaviour and comments were exhibited and made towards us. Alumni of the team have reported similar experiences from their time in the club. We are frustrated that the Trust’s accounts of the split continue to surface without any mention of these issues, we feel these issues should be included in all accounts, and we want the wider university to know that we now have an OUIHC that is supportive and equal.
Since the split, OUIHC Men’s second team have been developing the Men’s side of the University team. Their efforts have been awarded with re-entry into the division-one league, and they are again recognised by the Sports Federation and hold Blues status. We have a great relationship with the new OUIHC Men’s Blues. Both teams support each other by running off-ice training sessions, volunteering at each other’s games, and meeting for dinners and social events.
However, running a club is difficult when there is a competing club. This competition means that both players and fans are split between them. Having two clubs rather than one means that we are all missing out. However, despite our struggles the OUIHC has a vision for the future. We are hoping to take ice hockey within the University to the next level with more players, stronger first teams and a greater presence within the University. In order to achieve this we need all ice hockey players in Oxford to be united and working towards the same goals. Oxford University already has the top women’s team in the country, and we’d like nothing more than to have the OUIHC Men’s Blues there with us, hopefully in time as a Full Blues sport.
Signed,
The OUIHC Women’s Blues
*The OUIHC Women’s Blues compete in Division 1 Non-Checking in the BUIHA. While most teams are comprised of men, there are other women playing in the league. The OUIHC Women’s Blues are the only all female team competing in Division 1.
The Oxford Women’s Blues played the first league game of the season this weekend away against the Coventry and Warwick Panthers. The girls were keen to show the rest of the league that they are a team to count on this season.
The game started in a high tempo and the women took the lead in the first shift through Gabi Smyth who scored her first ever goal on a rebound. The team kept working hard and the next goal came a few minutes later from a beautiful break out in the neutral zone where Linda Perkio and Smyth assisted Jenn Lawrence on the second goal of the night. The entire team played well and managed to hold the Warwick boys back with the help of some impressive saves by Kate Koch. The period ended with a 3-0 lead for the Oxford team after Lawrence scored another goal.
The girls kept skating hard during the second period despite a short bench. Eight minutes into the second period the second line joined the score sheet after some hard work in front of the net resulting in a goal scored by Pollyanna Fitzgerald, assisted by Charlotte Cato. Seconds later Lawrence won the face off following the goal and went on to score another goal, increasing the lead to 5-0. The men on the Warwick team was getting frustrated and started using their size and strength more to their advantage. A particularly hard check on Smyth resulted in a powerplay for the women. However, the Warwick team was putting on a lot of pressure and not having practiced their powerplay much the team struggled to keep possession of the puck. During a break away Warwick scored a goal to make it 5-1. This did not stop the girls who went on to score another goal less than a minute later making it 6-1. This was the fourth goal of the game for Lawrence and it was assisted by HyunSeo Park. Before the end of the period Warwick managed to score another goal leaving the score 6-2 at the intermission.
The third period was tough for the girls. The short bench meant players were getting tired, struggling more to get the puck out of the defensive zone and to keep the players out of the slot. Warwick scored three goals leaving the score 6-5 halfway through the period. The girls were still working hard but were tired and lacked the strength to keep the men away from their goal. Luckily goaltender Koch was holding her ground and when an unfortunate Warwick player fell over in her crease he earned himself a good beating. Some of the skaters also played very physical and Lawrence got herself a penalty for checking from behind. Soon after she joined the team back on the ice, the Warwick team got a 2 minute penalty. Oxford coach James Buchanan Smith took this opportunity to call a time out to give the girls some extra rest and instructions to score a goal during the following power play. The girls did what they were told and after just over a minute of power play Fitzgerald scored her second goal of the night assisted by Cato. Warwick soon answered with another goal leaving the score 7-6 with 5 minutes left of the game. During the last minutes of the game the girls worked hard to keep their defense solid. The last goal of the game was scored by Canadian Lisa Choi with a nice top corner shot that pinged as it hit the backbar of the net.
Player of the game for Oxford was awarded to Jenn Lawrence after an impressive 5 points, leaving her top scorer of the league. Park earned MV Piggy for skating hard throughout her first ever hockey game. Overall it was a great performance by the team. Now some more training and well deserved rest is waiting before the double header in the coming weekend.
