'It means everything': GVSU Women’s Ice Hockey Club cherishes opportunity to continue playing

STORY BY THOMAS CHAVEZ | PHOTOS BY EMILY RIDDLE | VIDEO BY DARIUS MATHIS

A hockey team stands at the edge of the rink looking onwards.

For 18 years, the GVSU Women’s Ice Hockey Club has extended the playing careers of young athletes transitioning from high school to college. The team members who have played the sport their entire lives said they are grateful for the opportunity.

“It means everything,” said Abbey McCallion, the team’s captain, who is in her final year on the team. “The last four years have been super special in getting to continue to play at a competitive level.”

The team has bonded through their passion for the game, practices and spending time together off the ice. Through it all, the opportunity to continue playing the sport they love is something they do not take for granted.

A hockey player fastens their helmet.
A close-up of a hockey player lacing up their skates.

Several people in hockey gear sit on an ice rink stretching their legs.

Sophomore defensive player, Grace Deacetis, smiles while stretching with teammates at the end of practice on November 20.

Sophomore defensive player, Grace Deacetis, smiles while stretching with teammates at the end of practice on November 20.

Three individuals in hockey gear hug each other on an ice rink.

Senior forward Abbey McCallion celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Eastern Michigan.

Senior forward Abbey McCallion celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Eastern Michigan.

A close up of a hockey player smiling while adjusting their helmet.

A close-up view of a hand with pink nails touching a goalie helmet.

"They’re with each other, four or five months out of the year. It’s kind of a sisterhood for them."

PJ Rapin, head coach

A hockey player leans with stick in hand while skating in an ice rink., image

First-year student forward Mallory Long looks for the puck during a game against Eastern Michigan on January 18.

First-year student forward Mallory Long looks for the puck during a game against Eastern Michigan on January 18.

A hockey goalie catching a puck in their glove., image

Junior Liv Bernard secures a glove save as teammates fire shots on net during practice.

Junior Liv Bernard secures a glove save as teammates fire shots on net during practice.

Three hockey player, two in pink jerseys and one in navy, reach for a hockey puck with their sticks., image

Sophomore defense Kaylie Long passes the puck to first-year student forward Maddie Miller during the game against Michigan on January 31.

Sophomore defense Kaylie Long passes the puck to first-year student forward Maddie Miller during the game against Michigan on January 31.

Two hockey players sit on a locker room bench looking off to the right.

A close-up of behind a hockey goalie standing in front of a goal.
A group of hockey players sit on a locker room bench., image

Members of the GVSU Women’s Ice Hockey Club applaud as they wrap up their postgame celebration after a win against Eastern Michigan on January 18. 

Members of the GVSU Women’s Ice Hockey Club applaud as they wrap up their postgame celebration after a win against Eastern Michigan on January 18. 

A hockey team gathers together, raising their sticks up in the air., image

The GVSU Women’s Ice Hockey Club closes practice with a stick-in huddle, regrouping and refocusing before stepping off the ice.

The GVSU Women’s Ice Hockey Club closes practice with a stick-in huddle, regrouping and refocusing before stepping off the ice.

A close-up of a hockey goalie holding a puck branded with the letters 'GVSU.', image

Goalie Liv Bernard holds the game puck awarded after a shutout win over Eastern Michigan on January 18. 

Goalie Liv Bernard holds the game puck awarded after a shutout win over Eastern Michigan on January 18.