Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Athletics

Haley Coolsaet:? A two time Captain as voted by her peers, Haley has been a leader for this program since she stepped on campus.  An extremely talented player in all the physical aspects of the game, Haley’s strongest attributes as a hockey player is her understanding of the game and vision on the ice.  Because of these attributes, it was with confidence that we moved Haley from forward to defense for her senior year.  A move that may have lessened her point totals a little (Haley currently is in the top ten in scoring in the programs history) but a move that benefited the team greatly.  

Brittany Therrien:?In her first season with the team, Brittany sustained a broken arm in the second period of a game.  When most people break their arm they would at least come off the ice simply to see if in fact they are injured.  Brittany did not.  Rather she continued to play the rest of the game, practice and lift on Monday, and then go get an X-ray.  Although I would never recommend someone play with a broken arm, the fact that Brittany did epitomizes her playing career at SMU.  Truly a team first type of player, I always knew what I could expect from her every game.  In hockey terms, Brittany is a “grinder.”  A player that always gives an honest, hard- working effort and competes in every situation of a game.    

Brooke Bartelt:?Every hockey coach knows that in order to have a successful blue line, you need to have a few defenseman with the ability and desire to rush the puck.  Enter Brooke.  Gifted with impressive speed and soft hands, Brooke possesses the ability to take the puck end to end any time the situation presents itself.  When given a skating lane, there are few in the conference who can match her speed.  Aside from her physical talents, Brooke has developed into a leader in the locker room.  A leader which many underclassmen feel comfortable confiding in and asking advice.  A leader who is confident in approaching the coaching staff about any and all situations.   

Sarah Gustafson:?A simple look at Sarah’s career statistics tells the story of her four years on the ice at SMU.  Third all-time in program history for wins for a goalie.  Third all-time in saves made with 1594.  Forth all-time in shutouts with 9.  Needless to say, we have leaned heavily on Sarah for the past four seasons.  And with that “weight” on her shoulders, she responded impressively throughout her career.  Sarah’s desire to play the game to the best of her ability for the benefit of the team is her most impressive attribute and does not go unnoticed by her teammates and coaches. 

Heidi Martin: Heidi’s situation with the team is rather unique.  She was a member of the hockey team her first two years at SMU.  Then a decision to study abroad during her junior year forced her to step away from hockey but allowed her to join our soccer team for her junior and senior seasons (where she was named captain as a senior).  After the soccer season this year, Heidi came back and joined the hockey team once again.  Heidi exemplifies Division III athletics.  A two sport athlete who also took advantage of what SMU offers academically in the study abroad program.  You might have to dig a little deeper in the statistics column to find Heidi’s name, but statistics do not define every player.  Heidi has been a great teammate during her time with the program and I am glad that she decided to return to our program.

Seniors, I thank you for everything you have done for the women’s hockey team both on the ice and in the community.  Over the past four years each of you have exemplified what it is to truly be a student-athlete and juggle academics with athletics successfully.  I know success in waiting for each of you in your future and I wish you the best.