Hamline’s Women’s Hockey is the cutting edge of Piper athletics as they have been ranked fifth in the nation, showing off some impressive games and performances this season. On Jan. 31 the Pipers played College of Saint Benedict’s (CSB), beating them in a decisive victory 5–1. CSB is ranked number two in the Minnesota Collegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC), and with their victory the Pipers still hold their place on top of the MIAC.
This has been their only tough game in the past week, with them facing off against rank three in the country, Augsburg. Going 1–1 in their two game series against the Auggies. Leaving who really deserves rank three in some grey space.
“We have four core values. We call them FCDC, so it’s family, character, discipline and commitment,” sophomore Ashlyn Abrahamson said.
These core values are an essential part of how these women can play at such a high level. The deep understanding of the core principles that the team surrounds. There has been hyperfocus on taking it day by day, not getting lost in the daydreaming of future games.
“As always, we just take it one game at a time. As soon as we start thinking ahead, that tends to get teams derailed or lose focus,” Coach Jake Bobrowski said via email.
This focus on going game by game has obviously worked well as Hamline Women’s Hockey is currently 15–3–1 in their season. This step-by-step mentality might be a major contributor to the success of this team.
“We’ve got to beat these teams, but we can only take in one game at a time, so we kind of just focus game by game. And then hopefully we’ll end up in the playoffs and the national championship,” Abarahamson said.
The competitive focus is equally important as the patience to not get distracted. The success of this team can also be attributed to the staff that supports them, not just the players themselves.
“Our success as a staff simply comes from great players, great people, and great leadership. We have a group of people that are focused on enjoying each day, which makes it really easy to coach,” Coach Bobrowski said via email.
The environment that Coach Bobrowski creates has been instrumental in the success of the team and the players themselves.
“He knows what buttons to push and when to push him. […] He’s kind of just pushing everyone to like their potential. Like, he knows when you can get pushed and when you need support by doing check-ins,” Abarahamson said.
This level of support through coaching has also been a major key to the success of the team playing on the ice as a well-oiled team. There are no signs of letting off the gas pedal from these Pipers.
“The way they compete every day, support one another, and represent Hamline has been really impressive. They play with confidence, toughness, and a great sense of togetherness. We’re excited for the final few weeks of the season and the opportunities ahead,” Athletic Director Alex Focke said via email.
