The Western New England University (WNE) Golden Bears women's ice hockey team etched their names in the archives of collegiate athletics history, securing their inaugural Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) Championship title. In a thrilling contest against Curry College on March 2, the Golden Bears emerged triumphant with a resounding, 5-3 victory, marking a significant milestone for the program in only its third year of existence.
Led by Head Coach Katie Zimmerman, the Golden Bears showcased exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork throughout the championship game, captivating fans with their relentless pursuit of excellence. Reflecting on the team's remarkable achievement, Coach Zimmerman remarked, "What an amazing experience we got to share with Golden Bear Nation on Saturday night. To win a championship (on home ice!) in just our third year of competition is truly amazing and unforgettable. The memories from this season and this championship game will last us all a lifetime and we'll forever be CCC champions! This is also such a storybook finish, which isn't over yet for our senior class, the inaugural members of our program. We coined our first-ever season in 2020 'The First Dance,' and now here we are, dancing our way to the NCAA national tournament. I am so proud and inspired by this group's resilience, spirit, and the overall culture we've built."
The Golden Bears move on to the NCAA tournament. The selection show for the tournament is Sunday, March 3, at 8:30 p.m.
"Golden Bear Nation extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Golden Bears women's hockey team and coaching staff on their historic achievement," said WNE Director of Athletics and Recreation Jenn Kolins. "This victory and their journey to get to this point not only exemplifies the spirit of athletic excellence but also serves as an inspiration to future generations of student-athletes. The student-athletes on the WNE women's hockey teams have also excelled beyond the ice in leadership across campus, within the Athletics department, in the classroom, and beyond. Their transferable skills in all these areas have helped them get to this exceptional state of success, and they are not done yet!"
For a comprehensive recap of the championship game and to stay updated on all WNE Golden Bears athletics news, visit the official home of Western New England University Athletics.
