1997-1998 Season Review

Due in part to a grant received by the MIAC from the United States Olympic Committee, CSB became the first women’s college in the country to offer intercollegiate hockey as a varsity sport. Nationwide, Saint Ben’s is one of 30 colleges to offer women’s ice hockey, joining three others in Minnesota. The Blazers competed in the Midwestern Collegiate Women’s Hockey Alliance.

After beginning the year 0-5 overall, CSB (11-8-2 overall) secured a winning inaugural season with a sweep of Iowa State the last weekend of the season. Under the direction of head coach Bill Kelly and assistant ice hockey coach Tom Peart, the Blazers were unbeaten in their last 10 games. Included in those wins was a first- place finish in the University of Minnesota Class C Club Tournament.

First-year player Lindsay Meier netted 13 goals to lead the team, while another first-year player, Katie Keeley was the team’s top scorer with 11 goals and nine assists for a total of 20 points. Sophomore Mary Welle was the Blazers goalkeeper, despite never having played ice hockey before.

Ice hockey will be recognized as an MIAC sport for the time beginning next winter.

Athletic Department
College of Saint Benedict
37 South College Avenue
St. Joseph, MN 56374
320-363-5301
Fax 320-363-6098