Princeton’s women’s ice hockey team entered the weekend with momentum and confidence as they prepared for an exciting home-and-home series against the Stonehill College Skyhawks. After nearly a whole month away from competition, with their last game played on December 6th, the Tigers returned to the ice eager to reestablish their rhythm and continue building on an already impressive season. Any concerns about rust were quickly put to rest during Saturday afternoon’s matinee, as Princeton delivered a dominant 8-1 victory over Stonehill at home.
The win not only snapped the Skyhawks’ two-game winning streak but also extended Princeton’s own streak to eight games, highlighting the Tigers’ consistency and depth as they head into the heart of the season. From the opening puck drop, Princeton set the tempo and controlled play in all three zones.
The Tigers struck first midway through the opening period, capitalizing on sustained offensive pressure. Mackenzie Alexander opened the scoring with a goal assisted by Ani Kozak, setting the tone early. Just moments later, Issy Wunder doubled Princeton’s lead with a goal of her own, assisted by Emerson O’Leary and Teja Gatfield. Princeton’s dominance was evident on the stat sheet, as they outshot Stonehill 25-2 in the first period alone, suffocating the Skyhawks defensively and limiting their scoring chances.
Stonehill managed to respond early in the second period, breaking through with a goal from Bailey Feeney to cut the deficit to 2-1. However, any momentum the Skyhawks gained was short-lived. Later in the period, Jane Kuehl restored Princeton’s two-goal cushion with a well-executed finish, assisted by Katherine Khramstov and Riley Sorokan. Once again, the Tigers dictated play, outshooting Stonehill 15-4 in the second frame and taking a 3-1 lead into the final period.
Princeton put the game completely out of reach in the third period with an explosive offensive performance, scoring five unanswered goals. Megan Healy opened the scoring early in the period, netting her first collegiate goal with an assist from Sorokan. Kuehl followed with two consecutive goals to complete her hat trick, with assists from Brooklyn Nimegeers on the first and Sorokan and Gabby Kim on the second. Midway through the period, Alexander added her second goal of the night, assisted by Issy Wunder and Sorokan. Ellie Dimatos capped off the scoring with her first collegiate goal, assisted by Wunder and Hannah Fetterolf.
The Tigers’ dominance was further reflected in the shot totals, making for a relatively quiet afternoon for goaltender Uma Corniea, who faced just 11 shots on goal. Princeton’s balanced scoring, defensive discipline, and relentless pressure showcased a team firing on all cylinders as it continues its strong run.
