POTSDAM — North Country Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, says the mantra of the Clarkson women's hockey team, who’ve won three NCAA championships in the past five years, offers lessons that extend beyond the rink.

"Those national championships weren't the result of good fortune. They were a reflection of a great work ethic, players and staff that work hard every day to be better than they were the day before, a commitment to their craft, strong leadership and a willingness to step up when faced with adversity," Jenne said.

She noted those traits resonate with North Country residents. Speaking on the ice during the national championship banner raising ceremony Saturday afternoon, the assemblywoman said the skillset and work ethic that has allowed players to become national champions has also carried over to their personal lives and the classroom.

She recalled meeting with the seniors of the 2017-18 team and learning that their long-term plans included careers in the law, medicine and science and research.

"It is my pleasure and honor to be here to help honor the Clarkson women's hockey team. I have had the good fortune of being able to spend some time with these young women and tell them just how impressed I am with their success," she said.

Assemblywoman Jenne met with the players and staff in April 2017 and 2018 to present them with a proclamation and citations from the New York State Assembly, praising them for bringing a national title back to New York State and the North Country.

She also pointed out that when she met with the team in April 2017 she told them she expected to see them again in April 2018, and that’s exactly happened.

"They are smart and strong women. They are the best of the best, not just in women's collegiate hockey, but in the entire world," she added. "They are leaders on the ice, on campus and in our community, and they are going to do wonderful things throughout their careers," the assemblywoman said.

"They are resilient and on top of their game. I couldn't be more proud to be here on behalf of the New York State Assembly, to honor and praise them," Jenne added.

"We hope there will be more banners flying here," she said, before acknowledging she didn't want to say more and jinx the 2018-19 team. "Congratulations to our 2018 national champions."

She said the weekend, which featured a home and home series between top-ranked Clarkson and 11th-ranked St. Lawrence University, sends a strong message to young girls in the North Country and around the state.

She noted her mother, Sue, was on one of the first girls' sports teams at her high school, created under Title IX.

"Now young female athletes can look up to some of the top athletes in the world playing at rinks in the North Country and serving as great role models off the ice as well," Assemblywoman Jenne said." It sends a great message to our girls, and it is enhanced by the success these college athletes are achieving in the classroom and the active role they are playing in our communities."