“It gives a huge boost to the athletic department and our team,” head coach Kristin Steele said of playing at Fenway Park. “It was a great experience for our team and all of the people who turned out for the game.”
Playing on such a large and historic stage was an unprecedented opportunity for the Camels, who savored the experience by exploring the ballpark and the surrounding city.
“Skating out there, seeing Fenway Park in the background—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said captain Julie Beattie ’17. “It’s definitely something we’re going to remember.”
Ashley Anctil ’17, who is from New Hampshire, added, “It was amazing to play here.”
Hundreds of fans turned out at America’s oldest ballpark sporting their Conn colors. The dedicated crowd of students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and friends of the College enthusiastically cheered on the Camels, banging inflatable Thundersticks and chanting through a steady rain.
"Our athletes showed the true Conn spirit today," said President Katherine Bergeron, who participated in the ceremonial puck drop at the start of the game. “It was a thrill to see so many members of our community cheering them on—not to mention the great talent and sportsmanship our Camel women showed on the ice. An inspiring way to start 2017 and a moment we won’t soon forget.”
Fran Shields, the Katherine Wenk Christoffers ’45 Director of Athletics, agreed.
“Camel Pride is strong in the Boston area and it was exciting to see so much energy in the stands from our College community,” he said.
Following the game, the team was treated to dinner by Susan Ford ’67, a former College field hockey and lacrosse player and member of the Connecticut College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Conn alumni were strongly represented at Frozen Fenway, particularly by the Camel Athletics Club.
Sean Fagan ’87, a former hockey and soccer player, traveled from nearby Sudbury, Massachusetts, and gathered with old teammates and classmates for the game.
“I was really impressed by the level of play. Women’s hockey has come a long way in the past 10-15 years, and Conn has as strong a program as I’ve seen,” Fagan said.
Alumni Association board member Frank Suher ’89, also a former soccer player, said he “wouldn’t have missed it.”
“I knew it would be a unique experience—and it didn’t disappoint,” he said.
