Eva Cohen and Gracie Pointer joined the Bentley club women’s ice hockey team as first-time goalies this season. The seniors are fulfilling a dream before graduation.
“Since this is my final semester at Bentley, I’m determined to pursue everything I’ve ever been interested in trying,” Pointer said.
Cohen wanted to play hockey as a kid but had few opportunities growing up in California. Pointer hails from Minnesota, where she played street hockey for fun and worked as a photographer for the NHL’s Minnesota Wild. But she had never played ice hockey until this year.
The fourth-year rookies are proof that it is never too late to try something new in college. Many upperclassmen assume they missed their chance if they did not pick up a hobby in their first or second years. Some even cut back on extracurriculars as graduation nears, believing they need to get serious. But a few, like Cohen and Pointer, are determined to pack as much fun as possible into their remaining months on campus.
The two knew how to skate but never strapped on pads and a mask. Sports have always been central to both of their lives. Cohen played varsity tennis, golf, soccer, lacrosse and beach volleyball in high school. Pointer has played more than 10 sports, ranging from Nordic skiing to dance and archery. She is a varsity cross country and track athlete at Bentley.
The novice goalies faced challenges when starting a new sport. The rules were not well-known. The equipment was complicated. The technique for blocking shots came with some painful bruises. Knowledge is being built through practice.
The first game was a tough, 21-0 loss to Northeastern, but their progress is evident. A month later, Pointer saved 80% of shots on net in a close game against Assumption. Referees and fans are consistently shocked to hear that this is the duo’s first season playing hockey. Cohen said she immediately fell in love with the sport. Pointer described the experience as “an absolute blast.”
The two are grateful for encouragement from their coach, teammates, family and friends. Charlotte Rossicone, the club president, is “impressed by the hard work and grit they show every day”. The Bentley club women’s ice hockey team is a tightknit group, averaging a roster of nine skaters per American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) game.
The women encourage everyone to start pursuing a passion. “New things can be scary because they challenge us, and that’s why they’re so important,” Cohen said. “You’ll learn something valuable, rather than wondering ‘what if’ for the rest of yourlife,” Pointer added.
Reporter Madison Hohmann is a member of the Bentley women’s club ice hockey team
