The St. Lawrence College Sharks women's hockey team will be battling for the right to call themselves Ontario Champs at the 2012-2013 Challenge Cup. The tournament takes place at the Benson Centre this Thursday March 14th and Friday March 15th.
This year marks the first time that women will compete for their very own Challenge Cup. The top six Ontario College women’s hockey teams will be represented, with the exception of Conestoga College, who qualified but declined to participate.
Here are the participants in the 2012-2013 Challenge Cup:
Fanshawe CollegeSt. Lawrence College - CornwallGeorgian CollegeHumber CollegeWilfred Laurier University (WLU)Sault College
The SLC Sharks enter the tournament with an impressive 13-3 record, winning the Humber and Seneca College Invitational, and finishing second at the Fleming and Wilfred Laurier Invitationals. As Tournament Hosts the Sharks received an automatic berth in the championship, but they also qualified on merit. Their Ontario Power rankings make them one of the favourites to emerge victorious.
The Sharks Women's Hockey program is led by co-coaches Sean Boulerice and Mike Pettinella. The program began in 2004-2005 and the Sharks have iced a competitive team ever since.
"The quality of Ontario College women's hockey has steadily progressed each year, and the Sharks hockey program has been right there step by step," says Mike Pettinella. "We are looking forward to some great hockey this week."
The Sharks kick off the tournament Thursday March 14th at 7pm against Humber College, then play again the next morning at 8am vs Sault College. The gold medal game is set for 5 pm on Friday.
"This is the only home event of the year, so we are inviting Cornwall hockey fans to come out to cheer the SHARKS on as they compete for the provincial title!" said Jacquie Cartwright, Athletics & Student Life Officer. "Bring your noisemakers and school spirit as we make sure SLC has the home ice advantage!"
Visit the SLC Athletics website for a full tournament schedule, and click here to view the Sharks hockey team website.
-choosecornwall.ca
