Going Out in Style: Princeton 3, Union 0

From left to right: Danielle DiCesare, Rachel Weber, Paula Romanchuk, Charissa Stadnyk, Julie Johnson, Heather Landry, Anne-Marie Ervin

Barring a series of miracles that would dwarf the "Miracle on Ice" at the 1980 Olympic Games, yesterday was Princeton's last home game of the season. They head into the playoffs as the number seven seed, and thus would only return home if they and the number eight seed, Brown, made it to the finals. Trust me, it won't happen.

But the Tigers ended the regular season with a fine game, and rewarded the large Senior Day crowd. Coach Jeff Kampersal started all six of his seniors in uniform, and each played a role in the victory. Primarily it was goalie Rachel Weber who provided the biggest noise--she stopped 15 saves to get the shutout.

None of the seniors got goals, but they did provide assists to the underclassmen who got them. The first goal was by Sally Butler, who ends the season with the most goals on the team. She was assisted by senior Heather Landry. This goal came after a scoreless first period. The Tiger added a second goal in the period on the power play, and it was two seniors who made perfect passes: Julie Johnson to Paula Romanchuk behind the net, who dished to Ali Pankowski in the slot.

The Tigers added a goal in the third when Denna Laing scored on a power play on feeds from Gabie Figueroa and again Landry.

I had told my friends in the crowd before the game that I thought Weber would get the shutout, and though the dominating Princeton D held Union to 15 shots, some of Weber's saves were cat-like.

During one of the intermissions, the mother of senior Danielle DiCesare had a great idea, and I hope it becomes a senior day tradition. As usual, the team hung the road jerseys of the graduating seniors (including Anne-Marie Elvin, whose career was cut short by concussions but served as the team's manager) on the balcony. Mrs. DiCesare pulled them down and they were worn by the mothers of each of the players. Not only was this a nice family moment, but it enabled us to see who belong to who.

Also as usual, the Tigers held a skate-around after the game for young fans. I'm not young, nor do I skate, but a large crowd headed onto the ice. The kids skated and got autographs, and the adults hobnobbed with parents and players and took photos. Such a lovely way to end the season.

I will not be attending the playoff games in Harvard next weekend. It's an uphill battle; since realignment ten years ago no seed lower than a five has ever won an ECAC quarterfinal. In addition, Princeton has not played well in Harvard for the last few years. But anything can happen. After the end of the season, I'll be back to post a wrap-up.