Even though Kansas is not known for hockey like Minnesota or Michigan, there are still many students at the school who play on hockey teams. 

Freshman Mary Cowen has played for several club teams, including the Kansas City Stars, Kansas City Star Gold and Kansas City Storm. Cowen began playing hockey after being a figure skater at a young age.   

“I started when I was three [and] went till I was 12,” Cowen said. “When I was six years old, I decided I wanted to play hockey. I told my parents and I begged them for weeks until they let me play when I was seven.”

Senior Bianca Pepe has played hockey for many years and is currently playing for the Kansas City Storm. Pepe got into the sport because of her dad.  

“My dad played hockey, so I just grew up with him always being surrounded by the sport,” Pepe said. “I figured I’d try it too, and I just stuck with it. [My dad] was a goalie, now I’m a goalie. He’s helped coach me [from] his own personal experiences.” 

Not only does Pepe enjoy being a goalie because her dad was one, she also enjoys it because she stays separated from the rest of the game. 

“As a goalie, I’m isolated, so I think it’s just like being a leader,” Pepe said. “It’s such a different position, so I get a different view of the game and I think that’s what I like so much about it.”

According to Cowen, the lack of clubs in the area can make it hard to get into the sport.

“People who want to play hockey here don’t have as many opportunities because there’s not as many teams for girls,” Cowen said. “The closest girls’ team is two hours away. [Whereas] up north, it’s very popular; they have rinks everywhere.” 

Pepe enjoys playing hockey because of how uncommon it is in Kansas.

“With Kansas having a lot of major other sports, it’s kind of hard to fit hockey in,” Pepe said. “[I like it] because it’s a different sport, not as popular, especially living in Kansas. I think it’s cool not playing a big, popular sport.”

Despite the challenges of playing the sport, Cowen appreciates all the valuable connections she has made. 

“Once you play hockey, you have all these relationships that you would never have had before,” Cowen said. “I see all my teammates everywhere [and] I’m always hanging out with them.

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