MINNEAPOLIS — After all the talk, hype and anticipation during the season, the Wisconsin women's hockey team has finally captured the NCAA championship for the first time in the program's history.
Of course, the entire team has to be proud of becoming the best team in the nation. But it has to be even more gratifying for the graduating seniors.
The caliber of play from the seniors was a fitting end to the Badgers' season. And for the departing seniors, this was the ideal way to end their time at Wisconsin, mainly because over the past four years, they've become better with each season, only to come up short time and again.
The seniors certainly played like they wanted that victory. On the ice in Minneapolis, they definitely looked like a group of players that were so close to victory they could taste it. Their 60 minutes of hard work during the 3-0 victory over Border Battle rival Minnesota was arguably the best hockey the Badgers have played all season long.
In the end, it was the effort of the Badgers who were playing their final game in a Wisconsin jersey that won out.
Grace Hutchins had a first-period goal, which was assisted by assistant captain Nikki Burish. Cyndy Kenyon would go on to tally assists on both of Jinelle Zaugg's two powerplay goals, and team captain Sharon Cole was crucial in killing off Minnesota's powerplay.
Meghan Horras did not play in her final game for the cardinal and white, but was instrumental throughout the regular season and early playoffs, where she had the best winning percentage in the conference.
It has to be especially rewarding for Cole, who is a native of suburban Minneapolis. She was awarded the privilege of hoisting the championship trophy right in front of her friends and family.
"It was very nice," Cole said of winning it all and going out on top in her hometown. "I grew up here, I've played hockey in this rink. It's great to come home and end it, and have all [my] family and friends come and watch.
"I'm ecstatic, I can't even describe the feeling," Cole continued. "I was out on the ice and practically bawling. And when my teammates skated up and hugged me, it was amazing. I couldn't ask for a better way to end my career."
The entire team was happy for Cole and the rest of the seniors. UW head coach Mark Johnson, who began his coaching tenure at Wisconsin during Cole's first season four years ago, was among those who felt good for Cole.
"The first thing that came to mind [after winning] was Sharon Cole and when she first came to Wisconsin four years ago," Johnson said. "It was also of her being the captain of her team four years later and how much she's matured and grown and developed into a solid Division I hockey player."
Obviously, the younger Badgers were in no need of extra incentive for winning the title, but thinking about their elder teammates could not have hurt the cause.
"You practice everyday and play hard for each other, especially the seniors," junior defender Bobbi-Jo Slusar said. "We knew it was their last game and I think we sent them off on a good note. … I think they're pretty happy, so I'm glad we could do it for them."
The Badgers' victory was a team effort, with the seniors pulling their weight as much as anyone else, but this championship will most certainly stand as a tribute to this talented group of seniors.
After all, it is the perfect way to be rewarded for four years of hard work.
