Watch above: Huskies women’s hockey makes history
SASKATOON – Twenty banners hang on the walls of Rutherford Rink. Years of success line the dilapidated arena.
All the banners belong to the University of Saskatchewan Huskies men’s hockey team. However, that changes Friday night, when the women’s team adds the 21st banner and first in the programs history.
“When I first started with the program we sat on the ice after practice and would look up at the banners and notice there wasn’t any women’s hockey ones,” recalls Huskies Head Coach Steve Kook.
“The men have such a tradition here with success. It’s going to feel pretty good to put one of our own up there.”
The Huskies are coming off their first ever Canada West title. When the championship banner is unveiled, it will give the team a chance to look back at what was a historical season.
“It’s going to be a good chance to revisit the things that we did,” admits Kook.
The Huskies defeated the University of Regina Cougars in last year’s conference final.
Kaitlin Willoughby scored the biggest goal in program history; double overtime, championship clincher. That goal is the reason for Friday’s celebration, which Willoughby hopes will repeat itself when this season wraps up.
“It was the best feeling the world,” says a grinning Willoughby.
“I usually think about it a lot. Hopefully this year I’ll have another goal like that.”
The Huskies home opener is Friday night against Alberta.
Comments