For many teams, they could be said to be in the final stretch of their season.
This week, The Journal continues its Final Stretch segment, highlighting Queen’s varsity teams as their regular season winds down and the playoffs emerge. In the second iteration, The Journal sat down with Women’s hockey Head Coach Morgan McHaffie to talk about their season thus far but also list expectations of what’s to come.
The Gaels have come out the gates on a mission in the first half of the season going 13-2, putting the OUA and USports on notice. Sitting comfortably at the top of the OUA East, despite a couple games dropped early in the second half.
McHaffie’s really happy and proud of the first half her athletes have put together. “After the adversity we faced last year, we set out more specific goals for ourselves that we’ve really bought into” said McHaffie. Contributing to the success is also the good mix of rookies and veterans that have made created an identity for their team. “Our leadership has really stepped up this year,” which has been a major key in setting the tone.
A pivotal aspect from the Gaels is their ability to score in difference ways, whether it’s off the rush, in the blue paint, it seems like they’re going in more. McHaffie has emphasized in practice the importance of small details and habits thatinclude stopping at the net and grinding for loose pucks but also to be patient and have some finesse in the offensive zone. “I wanted us to be more creative,” was a theme built into practices that has paid dividends so far.
The overall personality of this team mentioned by McHaffie is work ethic. “Every game I’m just so proud of their effort every game,” said McHaffie. This has allowed them to be in every game they’ve played and to be a resilient team. A trait that bids well for a team poised for a playoff run.
Looking ahead, the Gaels play five of seven games at home before the start of the playoffs, something that’s exciting for the coaching staff. McHaffie explained how confident they are coming into home games and being in their own space. “I know the girls really love to play at home, so it certainly makes a difference,” she said.
With the Gaels in a comfortable playoff position, the importance in the final stretch is going to be staying healthy and managing the workload according to McHaffie. They’ll look to continue to build at home against the Carleton Ravens in front of 2000 local Kingston students on Jan. 23 at 11:00 a.m.
Tags
Final Stretch, Morgan McHaffie, Varsity, women's hockey
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