Kristin Rowland ’22 reveled in having had a front-row seat to watching the team’s meteoric rise throughout the past decade.

“When I was a first-year student, people really didn’t talk about our women’s ice hockey team,” she said. “Since then, it has truly grown in recognition to where we are now one of the great, nationally ranked teams in the country. Having earned the reputation to play at this renowned stadium is so exciting.”

Hailey Gaydos, a high school senior from Newington, Connecticut, drove up with her sister to support the No. 3/4 nationally ranked Bobcats in what felt like a living snow globe as snow blanketed the ice throughout the game.

“With a women’s sport growing as fast as it is and Quinnipiac being as good as they are — and having the opportunity to play on the same ice as some NHL teams is pretty cool — and really cool for the team and the college,” she said. “It’s so inspiring to see.”

“It’s really exciting to watch,” added her younger sister, Cameron. “It’s really cool to see Quinnipiac play on this ice.”

Lauren Jerram ’24, MS ’25, has played the flute, tenor saxophone and, occasionally, percussion in Quinnipiac’s pep band for the past two years. Her uncle was a captain of the men’s ice hockey team in the mid ’90s.

“Everyone is immensely proud of them — from first-years to graduating seniors, they have all done such an amazing job this season and how well they play together,” she said.

Brenna Rose ’22 continues to cheer on the women’s ice hockey team as an alumna.

“When I say ‘Quinnipiac,’ people recognize it for the hockey we have and the opportunities to attend well-known events like this,” said Rose, who lives in New Hampshire. “When I am not able to get to the games, I make it a point to try to catch them on ESPN+.”

Robert Adzija attended the game to cheer on his daughter, Lexie ’22, MS ’23, a forward on the team.

“This is a once-in-lifetime opportunity,” he said. “This is something we will remember and cherish forever.”

Rachel Aaron loves the university’s women’s ice hockey team so much that she decided to join the athletics’ fan engagement team.

“This is one of the well-known parks in the world,” she said. “Having our team out there skating their hearts out for the game, the program, for Quinnipiac is absolutely amazing.”

The game was broadcast live on New England Sports Network.