Riveters Ramping up for Champions Cup
September 17, 2018 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Metropolitan Riveters News Release
On September 29 at Hobey Baker Rink on the campus of Princeton University, two defending champions in women's hockey will square off in the first-ever Champions Cup as Luleå Hockey of the SDHL travels from Sweden to take on the Metropolitan Riveters who won the Isobel Cup as champions of the NWHL last March. As we get closer to game day the excitement amongst the players is ramping up, not only for the game itself - but also for the impact they hope it has on the sport they love so much.
For Rebecca Morse, one of the players on the Rivs' roster who was born and raised in New Jersey, this game will definitely be an occasion that she will not soon forget. "Hobey Baker Rink isn't like most college hockey rinks out there today. The best way to describe it is a prestigious, old-school barn with a lot of history and character," said the Providence College graduate. "I've never had the opportunity to play there in the past, but it has always been on my bucket list. There's something about playing in that type of venue that gives you extra motivation to perform, and do the building justice."
Hobey Baker Rink was Kelsey Koelzer's home for four years while she patrolled the blue line for the Princeton Tigers, so to be able to play a game as a pro there is something truly special for her. "I'm beyond excited to have the chance to return to Hobey Baker and play. My time at Princeton was amazing both on and off the ice, so this game is a bit more special from the start," the first overall pick in the 2016 NWHL Draft said.
"I'm also super excited to get back on the ice with my Riveters' teammates. It's going to be a great game that exhibits top talent from both North America and Europe and will be the first step in defending our Isobel Cup title. It will be a great tune-up for the season, a test of where we are as a team, and what we will need to work on as the season begins."
Another player with ties to New Jersey is Kelly Nash. Though she was born in California and played collegiately for the University of Wisconsin, when she isn't playing or practicing for the Riveters she's an assistant coach for Princeton's women's team. "I'm really looking forward to the experience of playing in the historic Hobey Baker Rink," Nash revealed to us.
"I know how much our Princeton men's and women's players enjoy it, as well as opponents who love the opportunity as well, so I'm very excited to get that chance myself! Like most people involved in the NWHL, I'm a big advocate for growing the game of women's hockey and hosting the Champions Cup against Luleå is another great moment for that!"
Defender Michelle Picard has played in big games quite often, whether it was at the 2014 Winter Olympics or captaining Team NWHL against Team USA in a series of exhibitions back in January
or going head-to-head in a battle amongst Ivy League schools during her college career - and she is stoked for this historic showdown. "I'm so excited to kick off the season against SDHL champions Luleå Hockey at Hobey Baker Rink!" the former captain of the Crimson exclaimed. "As a former player for Harvard, I have great memories of some epic battles against the Tigers, so I'm pumped for another great showdown in this arena."
Although Kristin Lewicki was not a member of the 2018 Isobel Cup championship team, one of the newest Riveters has the unique opportunity to suit up alongside her former rivals as they take on the champions of the SDHL. "I think it's going to be a great matchup playing against Luleå Hockey. It will be a pretty neat experience to play against the champions of another country and see how we compare," the former Buffalo Beauts forward said.
"Then to be playing the game here in the USA where friends, family, fans and the younger girls can come watch is something really special. It's another great way to keep growing the league; it'll definitely be a fun game, but I'm sure it'll get competitive too. No matter what it's all about having a good experience and I'm excited to be a part of it," she added.
Growing the league and the sport is something that means a lot to these women and that's something that Morse also pointed out in her thoughts on the game. "This game demonstrates the league's commitment to growing women's hockey, not only in North America but across the world. The NWHL has added a lot more international players this season," the Westfield, New Jersey native said. "Some of the best talent comes from Europe, so it's crucial that the league continues this trend and draws from the largest pool possible. Although the Riveters' number one goal on September 29 is to come away victorious, our hope is that the Champions Cup proves to be a win for all of women's hockey.
Tickets for the Champions Cup are available at NWHL.zone/tickets.
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