As the days in September dwindle, the hype around the Deborah F. Stanley Arena builds. The Oswego State women’s hockey team looks to bounce back after a disappointing end to the 2021-22 season. The Lakers fell to SUNY Cortland in an overtime thriller with a score of 1-0.

A new season brings new players, challenges, and for Oswego State women’s hockey, a new coach. Former assistant coach Megan Quinn joined the Syracuse University women’s hockey coaching staff which was announced on Aug. 8. Oswego State head coach Mark Digby touched on how important Quinn was to the Lakers program.

“From a skill development standpoint, she was great to have around,” Digby said. “She did a really nice job with our players on the ice. Her ability to teach skating and edge work was very beneficial for everyone, especially our younger players.”

Digby also touched on how important Quinn was to the players off the ice.

“To see a division one athlete and the passion she had for [the program] made [the players] feel important,” Digby said. “More than anything what we want our players to get out of this is that feeling of community when they are here.”

The women’s hockey program was able to find a new assistant coach, Mady Paul, after she reached out to Digby regarding the vacancy. Paul graduated in 2014 from Oswego State and played for the women’s hockey team.

“I sent an email to [Digby] and he got back to me within 24 hours saying ‘do you want to move back? We want you here,’” Paul said. “I knew Digby when he was with the men’s hockey program, and we have very similar personalities and I do not think coaching will be an issue with him.”

There was a quick turnaround needed to find a candidate prior to the start of the season. Digby spoke on how the hiring process came all together. The Laker mentor program, which pairs Oswego State hockey athletes with local minor hockey players, was a huge help in finding Mady Paul.

“When the position opened up, the family that Mady was paired with reached out to her,” Digby said. “We are lucky to have her here and anytime you can get someone that is prepackaged with that passion for the program, I think you are starting way ahead.”

Paul served as one of the captains of the team her senior year. The forward finished her collegiate career with 12 goals and 11 assists in 85 games played. The Lakers tallied 17 wins that season, the second most in program history. Paul spoke on her play style and the team’s mentality under former head coach Diane Dillon.

“I was not the best player, but I worked hard,” Paul said. “I was here to work hard and play hard and our team mentality was that. Our team motto was one more, you can always do one more.”

That mindset is what the women’s hockey coaching staff looks for in players. Paul has already noticed that in this year’s group.

“I think that is something Digby is trying to bring here,” Paul said. “If everyone does not buy into the systems, it will not work. We have kids coming through the door saying, ‘hey can we get on the ice right now’ and [the coaching staff] has to tell them to wait 10 minutes.”

Paul touched on the atmosphere in the coach’s office and how open it is for the players.

“I do not get half of my work done during the day because [the players] are sitting there talking,” Paul said. “I want them to all be together and one time there was 15 players standing there and they were talking to us.”

Six new players are expected to be joining the program this season. With three transfers and three true freshmen, the team is set to replace some key losses.

The women’s hockey team has been trending in the positive direction since Digby stepped onto the bench for the program. In their past two campaigns, the group has strung together 16-win seasons in back-to-back years.

The Oswego State squad under Digby has found success in NEWHL conference play. The Lakers have a combined conference record of 23-8-2. However, Paul is looking past the on-ice results and the game of hockey.

“Most of [the players] will go and have careers,” Paul said. “Building those relationships is so important and I want them to feel like they can come to me for advice. I was never the best player, but I feel I can provide some encouragement and be the voice. This is why I came here, to make a difference. I want to make a difference in someone’s life.”

Photos provided by Mark Digby