By Piper Wright\/\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The women\u2019s ice hockey team finished its season with an impressive 14-9-2 record in just its second year as a program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Competing in a tough MAC conference, the Blazers rose to the occasion and battled through strong competition, finishing fifth out of eight teams. The result marked a significant improvement from the 2024-25 season, when the team finished last in the conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Blazers have a young roster but feature strong leadership and standout performers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sophomore Sofie Ancona leads the team in points with 35. Sophomore Mia Cheesebrough follows with 24 points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sophomore defender Dakota Ormiston leads the team in blocked shots with 64, while first-year defender Emily Cross recorded 35 blocked shots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With key leaders on the ice, the Blazers continued to build momentum throughout the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For the first time in Hood College history, the women\u2019s ice hockey team selected sophomore forward Sofie Ancona and sophomore defender Dakota Ormiston as team captains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBeing named the first captain means that I have a specific role on the team to inspire others and cultivate culture,\u201d Ormiston said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt means a lot, and I\u2019m excited to lay the groundwork for future teams and captains,\u201d Ancona added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ancona led the Blazers in total points, goals, and assists, while Ormiston anchored the defensive unit and led the team in blocked shots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both sophomores joined the Blazers during the program\u2019s inaugural season with high hopes and confidence. They hope to pass that mindset on to current and future teammates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs captain, I intend to continue to help my teammates believe in not only the program but also themselves,\u201d Ormiston said. \u201cI hope to lead by example and help others push themselves to be their best on and off the ice, but most importantly, I plan to make everyone realize the risks they all took were worth it with every season we play.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to help everyone recognize their role while keeping their love of the game prominent,\u201d Ancona said. \u201cI\u2019m here to set an example for the Blazer Way, which in turn will allow us to excel as a team.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With the captain role comes the responsibility of building trust and confidence with both teammates and coaches, something Ancona and Ormiston say has already taken root.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt feels really amazing to feel like my hard work and dedication was recognized,\u201d Ancona said. \u201cBeing seen as a leader is not something I take lightly, and I am blessed to have the opportunity to take this program to the next level,\u201d Ormiston added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Blazers\u2019 winning campaign came to an end after a 3-2 loss to Wilkes University in their final regular-season game. The matchup determined whether the team would clinch a spot in the MAC conference playoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now in the offseason, the Blazers continue to train with their eyes set on earning a MAC playoff berth in the 2026-27 season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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