Hi! I'm Reece, and I am '28 from Northern California! I hope to study Government, Policy, and Religion in college but come winter, I'll just be hoping to survive the snow. Outside of classes, I love to read, crochet, and journal, and can't wait to expand on my interests this year. I love the outdoors—but hate hiking—and I can't wait for my first spring on the Green! I hope my blog can help answer your ungoogleable questions, and please follow along for chaos that is bound to ensue!
In elementary school, I did ballet. In middle school, I tried diving. In high school, I played volleyball. And now, in college, I guess I'm a hockey player! I never would have imagined joining Dartmouth's Women's Club Hockey team—especially since I didn't know how to play hockey—but it's turned out to be the best decision I've made this term!
Coming to Dartmouth, I knew I wanted to join a new club, try a different sport, or participate in a new activity, but I didn't know which to join. At the student involvement fair (aka clubs fair) at the beginning of the term, there was no shortage of things to join, but some part of me was drawn to club hockey.
As a new player, I was worried I wouldn't be able to join the team, but the Women's Club team not only accepts but encourages beginner players to join—they even have spare sets of gear for new players to borrow.
At my first practice, which wasn't actually a practice but a social, I got to know all the girls on the team, and we spent the night hanging out in one of the senior's dorm. At my second practice, which was actually a practice, I put on skates for the first time in seven years and tried my best not to fall on my face—I definitely fell a few times, but thankfully, my nose was safe.
A few weeks later, on the second Sunday of November, we had our first home game! We'd spent the day before going over strategy and the rules of the game, as some of the players—including myself—had never played hockey before. In fact, before the game on Sunday, I'd only ever watched two games.
By the time our Sunday match rolled around, I was ready. I geared up in my skates, pads, and jersey and went out on the ice!
Suited Up for my First Game!
As a brand-new player, I wasn't expecting to get any ice time in my first game, but by the end of the third period, I had already skated around, participated in a puck drop, and almost pushed another player to the ground. Granted, that other player was on my own team, and I almost ran her over because I could not stop in my skates. Despite my interference, our game was a huge success!
Our Team Together on the Ice
This past weekend, we had another match against a team in southern Massachusetts. Although most of our games are at home, we do play a few away games that require travel—some are overnight trips, while others are just day ones! We rented a van for our game in Massachusetts and drove three hours south to play a team in Attleboro, MA.
Suited Up for my Second Game!
Only eight people, including our goalie, could attend this time, so the new players got a lot of playing time. Our coach put me in as defense, so I started the game in a position I had never played before—granted, I had only played forward for about forty-five seconds the weekend prior.
Getting thrown into the game was initially intimidating, but those feelings were quickly surpassed by the fun. Eventually, you forget about your inexperience and just start getting into the groove. By the end of the second period, we were up six to zero, and as a defenceman, I take great pride in my contribution.
Because only two players were on the ice for defense at a time, and we had only three defensemen at the game, I played for over half the time! We ended up winning by six to one, and it was so special to play an active role in our win.
Overall, I love playing club hockey here at Dartmouth. It's been a great opportunity to try a new sport and meet new people—upperclassmen included. Although our fall season is over, I've had the time of my life with this team, and can't wait to start again in the winter!
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As I approach the end of my first year at Dartmouth, I would like to reflect on some of the experiences and lessons I've learned throughout this school year.
