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The Yale women’s ice hockey team (2–0–0, 0–0–0 ECAC) will return to The Whale this weekend to face two of its biggest non-Harvard rivals in the ECAC: Princeton (0–0–0, 0–0–0) and Quinnipiac University (6–0–2, 0–0–0). 

Last weekend marked the beginning of the season with games against Saint Anselm College and Sacred Heart University. Now, with two wins under their belt, the Bulldogs will face Princeton and Quinnipiac this weekend at Yale’s own Ingalls Rink — more commonly known as The Whale.

“We had a great first two games to start the season and we’re looking to bring that momentum into the weekend and continue that success against Princeton and Quinnipiac,” captain Greta Skarzynski ’22 told the News in an email. “We’ve been competitive with both teams in the past, so I’m looking forward to seeing the energy this weekend.”

Last weekend, the Elis silenced both St. Anselm and Sacred Heart with 8–0 and 7–0 wins, respectively. 

Quinnipiac and Princeton, however, pose much stronger tests for Yale. Forward Anja Trummer ’25 is looking forward to facing off against this week’s opponents. 

“Though both Princeton and Quinnipiac are sure to be challenging competitors, given our performance so far this season, a successful weekend is to be expected.”

After a year without play due to the pandemic, Skarzynski feels that the team dynamic has remained unimpacted and is thankful everyone on the team has maintained safe, mindful practices in light of Yale’s COVID-19 guidelines. 

Young players on the team are making a big impact on the ice, even after only two games of regular season play. 

“We’re all starting to click which is awesome,” added Olivia Muhn ’25 (0–3–3). “I think it’s going to be a great season for the team.”

Fans, however, will also need to be mindful of Yale’s most recent guidelines for indoor winter sports.

For those hoping to cheer on Yale’s winter sports teams in person including women’s hockey, Yale’s venues will open at 75 percent capacity to fully-vaccinated fans who provide a copy of their COVID-19 vaccination card and valid photo ID. 

In all Yale winter sports venues, masks must be worn at all times and food, drink and children ages 11 and under are not permitted.

The puck will drop at Ingalls Rink at 6 p.m. on Friday for the Bulldogs’ ECAC opener against the Tigers. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.

MADDIE SOULE