2000-01 Women's Ice Hockey Outlook

Competing in the tough ECAC Division III Conference, the Bantam women's ice hockey team has improved significantly over the course of its first two varsity seasons under the direction of Head Coach Joe Snecinski (third varsity season, 7-32-1).

Four seniors from last year’s team, including tri-captains Devon Binch, Amanda Lydon, and Erin Sousa, have graduated, but a strong nucleus of players with two years of varsity experience under their belts returns.

The 2000-01 Bantams should be the deepest and most talented team yet, especially at forward with senior co-captain Vanessa Heaton, much-improved junior Eliza Nordeman, and sophomores Katie Bowman and Lindsay Peet. Bowman and Peet, who are also teammates on the Bantam field hockey and women’s lacrosse squads, give Snecinski two quality scorers who work extremely well together. Junior Eleanore Maletta will also be a factor at forward (after filling in admirably in goal last winter), along with sophomores Caroline Cummings and Erin LeDell. Freshman prospects Jillian Nelson, Kristen Grabowski, and Samanatha Lee will also push for ice time.

Junior co-captain Jessica Martin is an effective leader and a physical presence on defense. She joins juniors Kim Willis and Kate Heney and sophomores Lacey Manzione and Jennifer DeLaurentis on the back line. Freshmen Leah Culver and Jennifer Fong are also expected to contribute immediately.

Freshmen Blair Kurtz and Mimi MacKinnon will give Snecinski two goalies with high-level experience and will allow Maletta to move back to her natural position at forward. Both freshmen goalies have the potential to excel at the college level.

Trinity Director of Athletics Richard J. Hazelton has been pleased with the performance of the women’s ice hockey team and is optimistic about the future of the program. "We are committed to the women’s ice hockey program," he said. "The number of women who have participated in the ice hockey program and the enthusiasm that the team has been generating around campus are outstanding. I am sure the momentum will continue to build."