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Volume CXVIII, No. XXIII |
December 8, 2005 |
King dethrones opposing defenses
Blazer hockey team gets a lift from first-year standout
Staff writer
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Patty King flies across the blue line during an afternoon practice at the Municipal Athletic Complex in St. Cloud. It's her speed that makes her impossible to catch and a threat down the ice. Besides fast feet, King knows the game. |
In a 10-1 win over Concordia-Moorhead on Nov. 20, King scored four goals and had one assist, a second-period goal to junior Stephanie Kendrick.
"I don't remember the last time I scored four goals," King said.
On the season, she has three assists and a team best six goals for the Blazers (2-1-1 MIAC, 2-3-1 overall).
"Her speed coupled with her knowledge allows Patty to get to where she needs to be to score," first-year coach Neil Andrushak said. "Being able to read the play, put herself into position and get a good shot is her strength on the ice."
King attended Cretin Durham Hall, where she was a multi-sport athlete and played hockey all four years. During her senior year, Cretin Durham made an appearance at the girls State High School Hockey Tournament.
Now a first-year at CSB, King is making waves. Although she is no stranger to the game, the first-year proves to be a transitional period for most; relearning the game, teammates, opponents, facilities and schedules.
"We have been impressed by all the first-years so far this season," assistant coach Anne Mortenson said. "They have stepped it up and are taking lead from the seniors.
"The team has really come together," she said. "We saw good things that first game, but saw the team finally click against Concordia."
Mortenson agrees with Andruschak on the quickness of King and finding open ice. The puck support from the rest of the Blazers has helped King accomplish what she has so far this season.
"It's been great," King said. "They're all amazing. I can't describe how much fun we have."
The team dynamic that supports King has come from another change within the team.
Andrucschak may be partly responsible for the cohesiveness of the Blazers. Practice begins with team initiated warm-up, and the women are constantly reminded to be creative.
"Coach emphasizes that it is important to work with each other and learn how to react in situations on the ice. [We allow the women] to focus on making decisions that are best for them," Mortenson said.
Each player is able to take charge of their game, allowing for creativity, which is producing a good start to the Blazer season.
"The whole conference has improved," Andruschak said. "But each week we see improvement from everyone. She is a student of the game. She is always out there asking questions and wanting to get better."
Confidence is what flows off the blue practice jersey, and can be seen in her solid puck handling, but King's off-ice personality may not reveal what kind of athlete she is.
"She can be shy," Andrucshak said. "But once you get to know her, you see that she is really outgoing. It always takes some time."
The Blazers take some time off this December for winter break, but back to a rigorous schedule in 2006..
"Everyday [King], as with the rest of the team, gets a little more comfortable and get a little more confident," Andruschak said.
