With construction on schedule, the opening of Thomas F. Sullivan Arena this summer means a new athletic opportunity for women is close to becoming a reality.

The college began the process of introducing women's ice hockey as a varsity sport this winter. A full-time head coach is expected to be on board by July, and women will take the ice as a club team this fall. The transition from stick practice to club competition and eventually varsity status is expected to take until September 2004, at which point, Athletic Director Ed Cannon says, the women's team will play an ECAC schedule.

"We've begun recruiting players and building the program throughout the past year," he says. "Our goal is to play prep schools and other college club teams during an inaugural season next winter, in preparation for a varsity schedule the following season."

While recognizing that women's ice hockey is one of the fastest growing sports in the northeast, Saint Anselm College made a commitment to initiate the program when it brought back football in 1999. Locker rooms, training facilities, offices, and other amenities in Sullivan Arena will be identical for both the men's and women's hockey programs.

Over the past few months, staff members in the offices of admission and athletics have fielded a number of inquiries from interested players. "I have read several outstanding admission applications from women who want to skate for Saint Anselm College," states Nancy Griffin, director of admission.

Based on what he has seen so far, Cannon adds, "I have no doubt we will build a quality program and a future of success. We're pleased to announce our planning schedule and look forward to dropping the puck this fall."

The arena will also boost overall quality of life on campus, with special events, concerts, recreational skating, and other activities on the schedule once the facility is fully operational.