Up until this year, the members of the Hobart Ice Hockey Team were the only players on the rink. Now the girls are taking over! The beginning of this month marked the inaugural season for the Women’s William Smith Ice Hockey Team. Both teams now share “The Cooler” for the first time in HWS history. These 21 girls are making William Smith history one game at a time. Ashley Bermingham, a William Smith sophomore, shared her experiences on the team so far.
HC: How do you feel about being one of the first members of the brand new Women’s Ice Hockey Team?
AB: It is definitely and honor but it also is very nerve racking because you don’t want to let William Smith down. We as a team strive everyday to work that much harder for our community. It is truly and honor to play a role in what has been such a long time coming.
HC: What was running through your head on game night?
AB: On game night it was definitely nerves and anxiousness taking over because we had so much to uphold. As well as the tradition we were creating as a school community. However, excitement was also going through my head because I would be stepping on the ice representing my team, my school, while playing a sport I love.
HC: Do you feel like a lot is riding on you as a team as the first members taking part in this program?
AB: We feel the pressure, but we take it and use it to our advantage. We have a sign that says legacy in our locker room that we all tap before we go out on the ice because that pressure we feel, is our legacy in the making.
HC: Do you have any team rituals yet?
AB: We are still in the process of creating our “team culture” but we do have certain quotes along our locker room that we as a team chose. So far, the biggest ritual we have is our “fam-first” notion and the taping of the legacy sign.
HC: Is there a big difference between high school hockey versus college?
AB: Most of the girls came from prep-school hockey, so we are used to the rigorous schedule and time commitment it entails. That being said, the pace of the game is quicker and the girls are a lot stronger, so we as a team push one another in the weight room and during practice to ensure we are ready to compete to our fullest potential.
HC: Do you feel any competition with the Men’s team that has been a program on campus for many years?
AB: Not at all, they have taken us under their wing and welcomed us to the family of HWS Athletics. They hold mixers for us to meet and get to know them. They also offered to host captains’ practices with us at the beginning of the year. They treat us as if we have been around as long as they have.
HC: How do you think the team dynamic is so far?
AB: For a team full of first-years, we have taken on the challenge and pulled through. Many people are shocked when they realize this because we work so well with one another. Without leadership roles it is normally hard to maintain solid ground, but each of us know the roles we play as individuals to the team, which enables us to succeed and push one another on and off the ice.
HC: What would you say is the emotion that you feel most when thinking about your team?
AB: Gratitude, because it is hard to be a first year team, but we have accepted the challenge and begun the legacy.
HC: What are three words that would describe your team?
AB: Hardworking, accountable, and loyal
HC: How does it feel being the only upperclassman on the team?
AB: There is one other sophomore on the team and the two of us are treated equally to the rest of the 19 First-Years. The respect all of them hold towards us is encouraging. It goes beyond the ice; they use us as a guide to going through the transition from high school to college. It is humbling to know that we can help guide their path as William Smith student-athletes.
The newest Herons’ next home game will be on January 16th at “The Cooler” against Plattsburgh. Go support Ashley and the rest of the William Smith Ice Hockey Team!