Women's Teams Gear Up For Beanpot At Bright

The 14th annual Women's Beanpot Tournament, to be held at Harvard tomorrow, presents a bit of a crossroads for the sport.

Women's ice hockey has become increasingly popular and competitive at the collegiate level.

At the same time, many universities have had to make major cuts in their athletic budgets, putting the sport in a fragile position.

The four teams in the Beanpot Tournament find themselves in contrasting situations.

Traditionally among the nation's top three teams, Northeastern has dominated the Beanpot for the past several years.

This year's team includes players from the U.S. national team: Jeanine Sobek, Laura Shuler, Kim Hamam and Shelley Rooney.

However, the team's future success could be jeopardized by its own athletic department, which may take away its athletic scholarships and reduce the squad's status to club level.

In the wake of the controversy, rumors have circulated that sugggest that veteran Coach Don McCloud may resign.

If Northeastern does lose its women's ice hockey scholarships, it will follow in the footsteps of Providence and New Hampshire, the nation's other top women's teams.

Both Harvard Coach John Dooley and Boston College Coach Tom O'Malley agree that the current trend will create more parity.

"Year in and year out Northeastern has really been the team to beat in the Beanpot, " Dooley said. "Their scholarships have really helped them."

"Women who have in the past looked at the big three [Providence, UNH and Northeastern] will also look elsewhere," O'Malley said. "If they want to play hockey here they can find a great program. We're a team of the future."

Harvard's first-round opponent, BC, reaps the benfits of an athletic department which receives rabid alumni support. Although officially a club sport, it skates at Conte Forum (BC's ultramodern hockey/basketball complex), and has had increased recruiting success.

"I couldn't be happier with the way things are going. We're about two years behind Northeastern and Harvard but we're getting there," O'Malley said.

Harvard recognizes the rising talent of BC (12-2), which has beaten Rensselaer, BU and Yale.

"BC should be a varsity team. They have outstanding freshman, an excellent goaltender [Kerry Tieranan, 1.00 GAA], an excellent facilities," Dooley said. "They have all the makings of a good team."

BC's first line of Lisa Tullimieri (13-11-24), Amy Teianan (8-12-20) and Tracey Ladossiere (6-9-15), will lead the way for the Eagles.

"In past years we automatically knew we'd get shelled, 11-0, 12-0, but not any longer," O'Malley said. "We're a hard-skating team and if we come to play, we'll walk out with our heads high."

Boston University (which takes on Northeastern in the first round) also performs at the club level, but it has an excellent goaltender in Michelle Mesnick.

The terriers are in the same somber position that the Eagles were a few years ago.

BC, however, had the advantage of strong administrative support from Athletic Director Chet Gladchuck. The Eagles also were able to attract promising recruits.

It remains to be seen, however, whether BU will receive enough support to move from the Physical Education Department (where non-Varsity teams reside) to the Athletic Department. After which, BU could successfully compete for top prep school players.

O'Malley has a lot of respect for the Terrier's program, even though his team has downed BU three times this season.

"BU always comes to play, and they have a great goalie who can keep them in the game," O'Malley said.

Although the Crimson has had a tough time recently, losing close Ivy League games to Department, 7-6, and Brown, 4-3, the team's play has been of a higher level this season. Harvard looks poised to compete against the top hockey teams in the Boston area.

Harvard boasts U.S. national player Sandra Whyte, who plays on one of hockey's most potent lines with senior Ginny Simonds and sophomore Joey Alissi; Jen Minkus, who centers a much-improved second line; and all-Ivy defensewoman Bev Stickles.

A talented crop of six freshmen have also been added to the Crimson's roster. Erin Villiotte has been a "blue-chip" goalie, and Winkie Mleczko and Diana Clark have performed well on the blueline.

In last year's Beanpot final, Harvard lost to Northeastern, 2-1 after relinquishing a one goal lead with 4:00 left in the game. In order to win this year's championship, Dooley said he feels his team will need improved timing and tighter defense.

"This is the bulk of our season, and we need everyone focused on hockey," Stickles said.

"The games come fast and furious [in February]."

The four teams come into the Beanpot from all different levels of hockey and with different interests at stake, but each team dreams of carrying the ol' Beanpot trophy around the ice--even if it isn't at the Boston Garden.

"I love the Beanpot. It's a great idea and it gives the women something to look forward to," O'Malley said. "We haven't won it yet, but our day will come."

THE 1992 WOMEN'S BEANPOT TOURNAMENT

At Bright Arena, Harvard University Free Admission

First Round: Tuesday, February 4, 1992

Harvard vs. Boston College at 6 p.m.

Northeastern vs. Boston University at 8 p.m.

Second Round: Tuesday, February 11, 1992

Consolation Game at 6 p.m.

Championship Game at 8 p.m.