With one of the hallmarks of the Quinnipiac Bobcats program highlighted by a legacy of strong leadership, the contributions of Zoe Boyd as team captain during 2022-23 proved essential in a 30 win season. Enjoying 135 career appearances with the Bobcats, her final season proved highly memorable. From an exciting outdoor game at Fenway Park to a thrilling return at the NCAA Tournament, this fascinating time culminated with a celebrated accolade, signifying a wonderful commemoration to her career.
Accumulating a career high with 14 points, Boyd, raised in Caledon, Ontario, also showed tremendous resiliency, blocking 22 shots. Boasting an undefeated mark when Boyd logged at least one point this season, the result was an impressive 11-0-0, testament to her presence. Also demonstrating highly disciplined play, Boyd served merely four penalty minutes.
Bringing a tremendous sincerity, one in which the appreciation for team and teammates alike is reciprocal, Boyd’s presence is highly positive. Certainly, the constant effort to set a good example and help create a culture of belonging are emblematic of the prestige of her role as team captain.
“It was an honor to be named team captain. Quinnipiac women’s ice hockey is a group of leaders and that is part of what makes our team and program so strong. I care a ton about the team and always have. So, to be chosen to lead was special, yet being alongside a tremendous group made my job very easy.”
Among the numerous highlights in 2022-23, the chance to grace the ice for an outdoor game at Fenway Park provided a seminal moment for Boyd and her fellow Bobcats. Although the first outdoor game at Fenway Park over a decade ago may have been perceived as novelty, it has become a significant staple for Hockey East. Providing the players with a compelling experience that stands as more than an exhilarating time, but a rite of passage.
Facing off for a Friday afternoon tilt versus the Harvard Crimson on January 6, 2023, the excitement of the Frozen Fenway series provided a major league feeling to start the New Year. Having never relinquished the lead, Olivia Mobley, Nina Steigauf and Madison Chantler contributed goals for an energized Bobcats squad in a 3-1 final, while star goaltender Logan Angers recorded 20 saves
“Playing at Fenway was such a special opportunity for us. It truly was a tremendous experience. The first time stepping out on that ice and soaking in our surroundings was surreal and something I know the group will never forget.”
Following Fenway, the nationally ranked program enjoyed another four consecutive wins, riding a strong wave of momentum. Prevailing versus Dartmouth, Colgate, Cornell and Brown, prevailing by a cumulative score of 14-5, the Bobcats also started February on a winning note, with three straight triumphs. Of all the regular season games in February, none held as much emotion as Senior Night. The majesty of the event saw numerous careers honored.
Taking place on the 11th, Boyd was among nine honorees, representing the end of an era for Bobcats brilliance. Joining Boyd were the likes of co-captain Lexie Adzija, Logan Angers, Alexa Hoskin, Shay Maloney, Sadie Peart, Kate Reilly, Jessica Schryver and Courtney Vorster. Prevailing in a 5-1 final versus the Union Dutchwomen, five different skaters placed their names on the scoresheet. Worth noting, Hoskin logged the game winning tally, while fellow seniors Maloney and Peart also scored, enhancing the sense of celebration on a special night.
Fittingly, Boyd and her fellow seniors played key roles in the postseason, extending the sense of celebration. Worth noting, Peart scored the game-winning goals in both quarterfinal wins versus the St. Lawrence Skating Saints, advancing to the semifinals. Although a conference title eluded this highly talented Bobcats roster, an invitation to the NCAA Tournament allowed for one of the most magical and emotional wins in program history.
Facing off versus the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Columbus Regional, the Bobcats rallied to tie the game at 2-apiece in the third period as Reilly found the back of the net. With Maloney scoring in the first, it marked another heroic contribution from members of the Class of 2023. An exhausting triple overtime resulted in freshman Madison Chantler bringing an end to the third longest game in NCAA history, as Angers logged 50 saves. Worth noting, the win provided for a great brush with history. Not only did the Bobcats enjoy NCAA tournament wins in consecutive years, it also marked 30 wins in both years.
Although the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes enjoyed home ice advantage, prevailing in a 5-2 final, the result did not dampen Boyd’s sentiments. Feeling a tremendous sense of achievement in five fantastic seasons, helping maintain the Bobcats standing as both, a proud and winning program, the opportunity to foster friendship and serve as role model for younger players represented one of the happiest times in her hockey odyssey.
“Getting to the NCAA tournament again this year was special. Of course, receiving the Coaches Award meant a lot to me, but the truth is I ended my career this year on such a high note because of my experience at Quinnipiac as a whole. When we suffered a painful loss In the second round of the NCAA tournament, with a heavy heart, I reminisced on my last five years here. I could not help but feel anything short of grateful.
I remember looking around the locker room at all the faces and also thinking about those who had already left. I thought about how everyone had shaped me and made these years the best of my life. I was consumed with this overwhelming feeling of love and gratitude.”
The exclamation point for an accomplished Boyd involved the prestige of the Bobcats Coaches Award. Past winners have included the likes of Chelsea Laden and Cydney Roesler, both enjoying professional stints in the PHF, along with recent teammates Randi Marcon and Taylor House, among others. Joined by a group of distinguished team award winners including Rookie of the Year Madison Chantler, Best Defensive Player Courtney Vorster and Most Valuable Player Shay Maloney, all are intertwined in Boyd’s closing chapter with the Bobcats, one defined by perseverance, commitment and respect.
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“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”
