The St. Thomas women’s hockey team had a unique roster this season that featured 11 freshmen, many of whom contributed substantially in their first year on a team that finished 20-6-2, won the MIAC championship and finished No. 6 in the country.

Coach Tom Palkowski was hoping for contributions from his younger players going into the season.

“I was expecting a few of the freshman to play well right away based on how I had seen them play in high school, but you never know how the transition to college is going to go,” Palkowski said. “Luckily it worked out, and these girls earned their stripes.”

Goaltender Kenzie Torpy played perhaps the biggest role of the freshmen on the team, as she was in net for every Tommie game.

“Kenzie really stepped up her game for us,” Palkowski said. “It’s great to have a goalie who can play all but about two and a half periods as a freshman when goaltender is probably the most important position out there. She did a great job.”

Torpy never took her starting spot for granted.

“Once I was given that first start, I knew that I had to work even harder,” Torpy said. “It was amazing to feel the confidence that the team and coaches had in me as the season went on.”

Leah Schwartzman and Becca Zarembinski were also big factors for the Tommies on their top lines. Schwartzman finished the season with 21 points while Zarembinski finished with 20.

“Leah and Becca were great, particularly on our power play, and they got better and better as the season went on,” Palkowski said.

Going into the season, the team dynamic was a concern, as the roster featured 11 freshmen and only seven seniors, but any fears were quickly put to rest.

“The seniors and upperclassmen were so welcoming to us. They encouraged us and pushed us to compete and be at our best,” Schwartzman said. “The seniors became some of my best friends (and) have helped me so much both in hockey and in life.”

Zarembinski also enjoyed how the team came together.

“The older players took us under their wing from the start and led us the rest of the season by example,” Zarembinski said. “The team chemistry was great.”

Palkowski was very proud of the seniors’ leadership this season.

“They led by example on the ice, off the ice and in the classroom,” Palkowski said. “The way they took in the freshmen before the season started really laid the foundation of this team that allowed the younger players to feel comfortable.”

Schwartzman knows that the seniors will be missed but is confident that other players can step up.

“We definitely have some big shoes to fill with the seniors leaving because they were unbelievable leaders on and off the ice,” Zarembinski said. “But I am really excited to see what the future holds for us. We will only get better with time.”

Palkowski sees more success coming for the women’s hockey program.

“Not only will it be nice to have a lot of freshmen coming back as sophomores who have played, but I also feel that the players who did not get on the ice a lot this year can step in and play well in the future,” Palkowski said. “I’m excited to see what we can do next year.”

Taylor Smith can be reached at smit9660@stthomas.edu.