This week’s Flashback Friday goes to the inaugural 2002-03 women’s hockey team.

Front: Jennifer Smith, Cherie Hewitt, Sarah Wilkinson, Stephanie Eavis, Heather Macdonald, Lori Jones, Rebecca Francis Middle: Tara Digout (Trainer), Amy Simpson (Asst. Coach), Maryelle Hannam, Melanie Brown, Apryl Bonia, Megan Lewis-Post, Rachel Devries, Natalie O’Grady, Robin Sheedy, Melissa Vezina, Lesley Jordan (Head Coach) Back: Amy Graham, Mandy Wintink, Tara Mullowney, Lindsey White, Paula Oake, Maura Singer, Leah Kutcher, Lindsay Colven

The 2002-03 team hit the ice with loads of energy and enthusiasm as their first season as a varsity team at Dalhousie got underway. Under the leadership of first-year head coach Lesley Jordan, the Tigers finished with an 8-4-2 record, which was good enough for third in the AUS. Also contributing to the Tigers success was fifth year veteran Amy Graham, who carried the Tigers offensively, with nine goals and 13 assists, earned an AUS second team all-star nod.

Going into the post-season the Tigers faced off against UPEI in the quarter finals. Thanks to a great performance by goalie Jennifer Smith, the Tigers won the game 4-1 and advanced to the semifinals where they would eventually fall to StFX. This Tigers squad laid the foundation for the tradition of excellence still maintained by our current women’s team.