Photo courtesy Quinnipiac Athletics
By: Phil Akre
The Quinnipiac’s women’s ice hockey team will hit the road this weekend when they travel to take on Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA for a two-game series.
This is the Bobcats’ second consecutive road trip of the young season. After going 2-0 this past weekend against the University of Connecticut and the University of New Hampshire, the Bobcats will look to continue their undefeated start to the season.
A Look at Mercyhurst
Don’t let Mercyhurst’s 0-1-1 record fool you, this team plays with heart. The Lakers tied against powerhouse No. 10 North Dakota last week, and Bobcats head coach Cassandra Turner has made it clear to her team that they’ll be seeing the Lakers best effort.
“Their team is intense, they play with a ton of pride,” Turner said. “No one on our team has played there. It’s a fun place to play hockey, their fans are intense. We talked a lot about how to manage that type of environment and be ready for anything.”
Last season, the Lakers finished with a solid record of 19-11 and took home the College Hockey America (CHA) Championship. Mercyhurst traveled to Hamden, CT in 2015 to face Quinnipiac for a weekend series and left with a 3-3 overtime tie and a 2-1 loss.
Quinnipiac captain Emma Woods has told the younger players not to overlook a hungry Mercyhurst team, especially on its home ice.
“We have to prepare like it’s the biggest game of the year. I’ve heard it’s a rough environment to play in, they make it hard to play in their rink. It’s going to be a challenge, but I think it is exactly what we need right now.”
Bobcats to Watch
T.T Cianfarano – Forward
T.T Cianfarano led the team in scoring last season, and it looks like this year will be the same. The junior forward already has five goals in four games, and she credits her hard work to the preseason.
“I was here all summer with all the coaches, I worked really hard,” Cianfarano said. “I just focused on getting better on my all-around game, physically and mentally.”
In Quinnipiac’s two games against Mercyhurst last season, Cianfarano scored one goal and contributed two assists.
Sydney Rossman – Goalie
Turner summed up her goalie’s importance when she said,“Syd (Rossman) is our rock.” The senior goaltender just won ECAC Goaltender of the Week, after having three consecutive shutouts against Maine, UConn and University of New Hampshire. She is now just five away from the program record. Turner never doubts her value to the team.
“She’s so important for us. She has done exactly what we’ve needed her to do these past three games.”
Rossman is the true impact player that the Bobcats will need if they want to repeat their success from last season. Look for her to continue her excellent stretch this weekend.
Turner’s Take
In order for the Bobcats to do well against the Lakers this weekend, they’ll need to stick to their gameplan, and realize that they’re facing a determined team. Turner is confident that her team can match up well.
“I think we’re an intense team too. So when we heard they have angry pride, our kids got more excited about the game. They love to play in a physical battle, they want to compete.”
Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m on Friday night, and 2 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.
