Womens Hockey, Second Place
By Gary Braham 3-5-2000
Colgate womes hockey finished second place in the post season tournament to Middlebury. Colgate also finished second in the regular season. For Colgate, it was the culmination of an incredible season. Last year we had 5 ECAC losses and missed out on the playoffs alltogether. This year our only regular season Div 3 ECAC loss came to Middlebury.
The regular season's beginning gave no hint of how far we would go this year. We were predicted to finish in the middle of the ECAC. It wasn't until January when we started putting together great games against quality opponents that people started to see this teams potential. Colgate would have tight games, but thanks to Jen Burtraw, and a great Colgate defense, Colgate was able to keep the other teams to just a few goals, and sometimes none, a game. Heather Murphy led the teams offensive game, and veteren Charollette Davet, proved to be very valuble as well.
Colgate's first opponent of the post season would be Sacred Heart. Sacred Heart was coming to Colgate, after Colgate posted a 5-0 win at Sacred Heart during the regular season. It was a great sendoff for Colgate. Both teams played very tough, Colgate finally got the first goal 5 minutes into the second. The game continued fast and furious, but Colgate would strike again in the third. And then control the rest of the game. Jen Burtraw recorded another shutout.
The semi finals were held at Middlebury, and our opponent was Williams. During the regular season, both teams played very well, but Colgate had a deciding advantage on the scoreboard. The goaltending made the difference in this game. Both teams had great chances, both had good defense, it was a great game. In the end, it was a breakaway goal by Lauren Pufahl in the second that made the difference. A 1-0 win was enough to get us to our first finals ever, and get rookie Jen Butraw shutout number 9.
The finals were played before a record womens hockey Div 3 crowd. Middlebury had beaten Colgate 9-0 in the regular season. Colgate's only goal was scored again by Pufalh, to give the Red Raiders an early lead. Colgate held off Middlebury all period, and finally gave up one at the end of the first. The entire second was back and forth with neither team scoring. Butraw was able to fend off some great shots as well. Middlebury broke the tie early in the third. That would open the gates to several other goals and an eventual 5-1 win and ECAC title for Middlebury.
Colgates accomplisments were recognized. Coach Wisner was all of womens hockey Division 3 coach of the year, and Heather Murphy was an all American. Despite only one league loss, and 9 shutouts, Jen Butraw was not named as the all-ECAC first line goalie, second line goalie, or freshman goalie.
Colgate will be returning several key offensive and defensive players. Butraw will only be a sophomore, Heather Murphy will be a Junior, and several key defensemen will be returing as well. I believe this will be our final season at division 3. Meanwhile, Middlebbury will not move up, despite winning the title the past 5 years and having a 92-0 ECAC record. Next year the Colgate- Middlebury confrontation should take place at Starr rink. It's going to be one to watch. Colgate has a season to be remembered. We were ranked as high as 2nd in the nation for all of Div 3. Congradulations.