Clarkson University Women's Hockey Head Coach Matt Desrosiers and seniors, captain Shannon MacAulay and assistant captain Olivia Howe speak at Thursday NCAA Frozen Four press conference

 Thursday, March 17 – Clarkson University press conference

Head coach Matt Desrosiers Opening thoughts:

“Just excited to be here. I thought we had a good day of travel yesterday, got in, a good day of Clarkson University Women's Hockey Head Coach Matt Desrosiers and seniors, captain Shannon MacAulay and assistant captain Olivia Howe speak at Thursday NCAA Frozen Four press conferenc epractice today and we’re just excited to get going for tomorrow. “

What’s different about this experience than your expeirience back in 2014?

I think it’s the word you used there, ‘experience.’ Last time we were here it was the first time for us. We were kind of new to the whole thing. We were the eager beavers at the banquet that were there about 20 minutes earlier than anyone else. This year I think we have an idea what to expect a little bit, especially our upper classmen and myself.

I think that helps calm the nerves a little as well. It gives these guys, our leaders, a little bit of experience helping the young kids out, too, and kind of calms their nerves. I’m sure they’re a little excited.

Playing this undefeated BC juggernaut, a daunting challenge or massive opportunity?

It’s a little bit of both. Once you get to this point in the season it doesn’t really matter who you play, everyone’s going to be a good team. Obviously they’ve had a really good season, something to take note of. A couple of years ago we were up against the same kind of challenge. We were playing a team in Minnesota in the final game of the season that had lost one game in two years. I think it comes down to our team’s mentality going into it. A couple of years ago I think we were confident, we knew we were playing good hockey. I think we have that again this year. I think that’s going to be a huge feather in our cap. We’ve been playing pretty good hockey as of late. Our last game was a really strong game and arguably could have been the strongest game we played all season.

On playing on the Olympic-sized ice surface:

We have not played on it very often. The other three teams have played on surfaces that are big before. For us it’s something that we don’t want to put too much into. For us, we’re looking at it as a way to use it to our strength, to be honest with you. I think we have a quick team, using the width of the ice. We practiced a little this week (at home) in some different situations to allow our players to get a visual and kind of a sense of what to expect. I think once we get into the game it might take a couple of shifts for us to kind of really figure out exactly, especially with that width of the ice, what we’re up against a little bit. After that, I know our team’s pretty confident. I think we’ll settle in fine. I really don’t think it’s going to be much of an issue. There’s been a lot of questions that have come up about it but the same answer always comes out: Both teams are playing on it. Both teams are going to look to use it to their advantage and you kind of go from there, I guess.

Shannon MacAulay, senior forward

On the message you’re sharing with the underclassmen about the whole Frozen Four experience, what to look out for, what the pitfalls are.

Something we’ve been passing down to our underclassmen is taking in every moment and enjoying the experience, but obviously staying focused and knowing what we came here to do. I think that’s a big part of it.

On not having seen BC this year, but having played them the last couple of years in the NCAA tournament. What do you expect from them, know about them this year. I think BC always has a good team. They’re very strong. Very strong skills-wise, too. We know we’re going to get a good battle and they’re going to bring a really good game so we have to prepare that way. Focusing on Clarkson hockey and what we’re good at will help us with that.

How much more are you cherishing the event, knowing you’re getting ready to graduate?

It’s special. Like we talked about, it’s the best way to end your senior year and your career overall. Definitely cherishing every moment. We’ve been here before and being able to share that with our teammates is really special.

Olivia Howe, senior forward

On playing on the Olympic-sized ice surface

The ice surface here is a lot different than at home (it’s larger) and for BC, too. We’ll put that into our own game, too. They have a lot of talented players so keeping them under control will be key.

How much more are you cherishing the event, knowing you’re getting ready to graduate?

I think it’s going to help calm our nerves knowing that no matter what this will be our last weekend, instead of knowing there’s a possibility to continue on in the future. It will good to be able to lay it all out there and know this will be the last weekend no matter what.