Riveters Have Eye on Isobel, But Know Whale Are a Mighty Foe
March 14, 2018 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Metropolitan Riveters News Release
Just because the Metropolitan Riveters beat the Connecticut Whale in all five games this season doesn't mean anyone should expect the top seed to roll past the visitors on Sunday in New Jersey in the second of their Isobel Cup Semifinal.
"It almost makes it harder in that you beat them so many times. Maybe you expect it. You can get into your own head," Erika Lawler said before practice on Tuesday. "I have a lot of respect for that team and it's going to be a great game."
Bray Ketchum has been with the Rivs since the beginning, and now with her best shot to win the Isobel Cup she isn't ready for the season to end.
"It's going to be a tough game and we can't take them lightly. We'll be ready to go," said Ketchum, one of four original Riveters. "I think our team was really nervous going into last year's playoff game, but I think we're going to stay light and keep playing the way we've been playing. Be confident in each other and good things will happen."
Last season the Riveters hosted the Buffalo Beauts in the 2-3 matchup and lost a tight contest to the eventual champs.
"Over half of our locker room was there last year when we lost to Buffalo in the semifinals and I thought we played a great game and it just didn't go our way," said Miye D'Oench, who just returned from injury in time to assist in the Rivs' quest for Lady Isobel. "We've definitely carried that with us this season so far and I think it's a big part of why we earned this first seed. We'll look to our veterans and our leadership to set the tone and make sure we play our best game."
The Riveters began the season like an angry team, taking their frustrations out on the other three squads throughout the first 11 games. "For us as a team, this has been a year-long process," said captain Ashley Johnston. "Every game has been trying to get better to this point and now we have two games left. There's not really much to be said. It's more about execution."
The NWHL playoff bracket is set up for all types of drama. Win and move on. Lose, and your season is over and the long offseason begins. But these are the types of games NWHL players live for. These are the games hockey players strive for. "We're excited to be playing Connecticut," said Ketchum. "It's a Game 7 mentality all around. If we play our system and play Riveters hockey, we'll come away with the W."
A year ago Harrison Browne was on the underdog Buffalo team. This season he's with the league-leading Riveters. The mission is the same.
"Winning the Isobel Cup last year was huge," said Browne, who is looking to become the second player in NWHL history (Corinne Buie) to win the Cup in consecutive seasons. "It was no secret that the Beauts were the underdog team. We didn't have anyone gunning for us, so we could just go in and play our game. It's definitely a different feel this year playing for a team that's not the underdogs. We're expected to do well. We're expected to at least get to the Final, and I think in some respects we're expected to win. That adds a different element than I'm not used to, but this team has all of the right parts."
In the first NWHL season Lawler presented the Isobel Cup as the director of the NWHLPA, but this season she wants to hoist it over her head.
"Playoff hockey is A-Mazing! That's why we all play, for the playoffs," said Lawler. "It's exciting, everyone has a clean slate. Especially in our league this year - any team can beat any team. There's a heightened sense of energy and emotion attached to these games. It's gonna be a blast."
So what would it mean if you won the Isobel Cup?
"It would have more meaning to me than I could possibly say," said Johnston. "It's something I've been dreaming about since day one of the league and it's everything that I'm working towards. Everything that our team is working towards."
Added D'Oench, "I want it for the fans. For us. For everybody who's been a part of this team the last three years."
You can witness history in the making on Sunday, March 18 at RWJ Barnabas Health Hockey House in Newark, New Jersey by buying tickets here: https://wl.seetickets.us/event/Isobel-Cup-Semi-Final-TBD-vs-Metropolitan-Riveters/359307?afflky=NewYorkRiveters
If you can't make the game you can watch live online for free through Twitter here: NWHL.twitter.com
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Premier Hockey Federation Stories from March 14, 2018
- Beauts Determined to Defend the Crown with Hard Work and Heart at Home - Buffalo Beauts
- Riveters Have Eye on Isobel, But Know Whale Are a Mighty Foe - Metropolitan Riveters
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