There’s much to be said about the University of Massachusetts Boston’s women’s hockey team.
The Beacons returned a majority of their players from last season, which gives them an edge chemistry-wise. On the ice the Beacons have experience along with senior leadership.
Most importantly, after the starting the season 5-0, the ladies were off to their best start in program history.
“This season started looking good at the end of last year.  When we advanced in last year’s league playoff run and faced Norwich, we knew our team had stamina and potential,” senior goaltender Moe Bradley said.
“With so much of the team coming back, we knew that the core was going to be a strong one who would lead with a purpose. Yes, we have 11 seniors this year, which is a lot more than usual teams so our seniority is deeply rooted.”
Now with a 5-2-3 record, head coach Colleen Harris wants the Beacons to stay focused on their team, rather than their opponents.
“Coach Harris wants us to play to our best ability, and not compare ourselves to others.  We have oftentimes played down to the level of other teams instead of playing our own game so when we stay focused on what we are best at, we succeed,” said Bradley.
While Bradley’s averaging 2.32 goals against her in five games, the senior goalie doesn’t think she is off to her best start. Still, Bradley is focused on winning as a team.
“Personally I think I have been off to a tough start.  I know that success comes as a team so my only real goal is to do my part to help us take points out of every game and keep us in games,” Bradley said.
Bradley’s fellow goaltender Kailyn Burke is averaging 1.38 goals against her in five games.
“[Burke] has been unreal this fall.  She has seen some of the most grade A chances and completely denied teams of them.  She’s kept us in all the games she’s played and has been a catalyst of energy out there.  I love seeing her succeed,” Bradley said.
Still, Bradley acknowledges that the success the team has seen so far is not possible without all 28 players on the team.
“Overall, of the 28 players, everyone is adding to our success and working extremely hard.  I cannot say enough about the work ethic and character of this group and that will carry us throughout the second half.”
With the break approaching, the Beacons will use the annual Codfish Bowl as a measuring stick to determine where they stand in the second half of the season.
“The Codfish Bowl will be a good determinant of where we are against teams outside of our league in January when we come back from break, and then playoffs will be another opportunity for us to test what we are made of,” said Bradley. “We are a very determined team with lots of potential and looking forward to the second half of the year, I know we will continue to advance towards a league title and an NCAA run.”
Though it’s a new season, the Beacons’ ultimate team goal remains the same: to win a title.