For the first time in school history, skates enter the hockey arena for the University of Alabama women's hockey team

By WVUA 23 Digital Media Reporter Nicole Griffin

“This team has the privilege and opportunity to set the standard by which all future Alabama women's hockey teams will be judged,” said Kevin Davis, head coach of the University of Alabama women's hockey team.

The University of Alabama women's hockey team's cleats are on the ice for the first time and they're looking forward to their first-ever season.

The beginning

“What’s the worst that could happen,” Keara Duffany said as she reflected on starting the hockey team. Luckily for the other girls, she pursued her dream of making this hockey team a reality.

Because this is the premier hockey team, all players will have the opportunity to “build the program from the ground up,” Duffany said.

When the idea first came to her in the spring of 2023, she began reaching out to others with a passion for the sport and taking steps to bring this team to the rink.

The coaching staff

Kevin Davis, the head coach, and Ana Laxton, the assistant coach, lead the team.

Kevin Davis

Davis, originally from Denver, Colorado, was a former Alabama hockey player from 2010 to 2013. He's thrilled to be able to come back and continue his Alabama hockey career, as he's currently coaching instead of at the rink with his skates.

“They are all very ambitious. They are all very motivated and incredibly capable,” Davis said. “Therefore, the opportunities for each of them and for the program as a whole are limited.”

Ana Laxton

Ana Laxton, originally from Long Island, New York, is excited to be the team's assistant coach. She played throughout college, but her life took an unexpected turn when she was offered a coaching position.

“I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and I think that's exactly the case with the program itself,” Laxton said.

Ana focuses on the players on the ice and is also committed to their success off the ice. “They’re all students before they become athletes,” Laxton said.

Nick Reiniger

Nick Reiniger of Annapolis, Maryland, is a defensive coach and player on the men's ice hockey team.

Savannah Prefontaine

Savannah Prefontaine of Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada is the team's general manager. Players and staff praise her and her work very much.

board

President: Keara Duffany

Vice President: Morgan Grzybowski

Treasurer: Teegan Mathey

Insight from a player

Meet Claire Carson, a current freshman and rookie on the team, originally from Ontario, Canada.

Carson has enjoyed meeting girls of different ages, backgrounds and backgrounds. “There are some girls on the team that are seniors…There are just so many different types of people, especially when you meet people from different places,” Carson said.

When the college decision came, she realized the University of Alabama had everything she wanted, including the opportunity to get her skates back on the ice.

The school not only gave her this opportunity, but also allowed her to be part of a team from the ground up. “I’ve never been on a team that’s so new, and I think that’s such a cool thing,” Carson said.

The program faces an exciting season with tough competition.

A look at this season's competition

2024 – First half of the season

• The University of Georgia vs. the University of Alabama – 14-15. September (home)
• High Point University vs. The University of Alabama – 20-21 September (home)
• The University of Alabama vs. University of South Carolina – 4th-5th October (away)
• Auburn University vs. The University of Alabama – 18-19 Oct. (home)

2025 – Second half of the season

• The University of South Caroline vs. the University of Alabama – 17-18 January (home)
• The University of Alabama vs. University of Tampa – 24-25 January (away)
• Georgia Southern vs. University of Alabama – February 1 (home game)

To purchase tickets

General information about the team can be found here.

If you are interested in attending a game, click here.

Home games take place at the Pelham Civic Complex. Address: 500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham, AL 35124