USA Hockey Magazine

JUNE/JULY 2019 Goalie Issue // USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 49 Lindenwood Goalies Impress At The Recent World University Games /// By HARRY THOMPSON Ready To Take On The World k When it comes to the American Collegiate Hockey Association, few schools have developed a winning tradition quite like Lindenwood University. In recent years the Lions have clawed their way near the top in both the men's and women's divisions. One driving force behind the program's success has been the play of its goaltenders. So, when it came time to select netminders to backstop the U.S. squads at this year's World University Games, USA Hockey looked no further than the St. Charles, Mo., school to find two of the best competing in the ACHA ranks. Cooper Seedott, a sophomore from Northville, Mich., and Hannah Stone, a freshman from Killingworth, Conn., were among those selected to represent their country when the puck dropped in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. "It was a really cool experience," said Seedott, who was in net for both U.S. tournament victories. "I never thought this would be something I would have the opportunity to do in my hockey career. It was definitely a once- in-a-lifetime experience." Being selected to represent his country helped take some of the sting out of losing in the ACHA Div. I semifinals for the second year in a row after finishing the season with an overall record of 31-2-0. Not to be outdone, Stone quickly made her mark in the ACHA, rewriting the Lynx record books in her first year of intercollegiate competition with eight shutouts and a 1.26 goals- against average in 19 games. More than just her statistics, Stone impressed the U.S. coaching staff with her poise between the pipes. "It was like my dreams came true," she said. "Every kid thinks about representing the U.S. when they're older and that's what pushes you to get better and work harder. It was like all the time and hard work I put into hockey on and off the ice finally paid off." And she lived up to those dreams, appearing in six games, including a 56-save performance against Canada as she helped the women's squad make it to the bronze- medal game. "I didn't expect to play in that many games but I guess I showed them that I could handle it," Stone said. The confidence that both Stone and Seedott took with them from wearing the USA crest will help them as they train through the summer and get ready for another season at Lindenwood. "I think it'll help me because I know that I can compete at a high level," Seedott said. "As for myself and my teammates who were on the team, it will help us to create a good leadership group in locker room and good a core going into next season." After losing in the finals to Liberty University, Stone feels the confidence she has will only make herself and her team be stronger next season. "It makes me realize that I can keep up and compete at any level," said Stone, who is already hoping for another shot with Team USA. "If I can play at the World University Games I know that no team is going to get the better of me." "It was like my dreams came true. Every kid thinks about representing the U.S." – H A N N A H S T O N E COOPER SEEDOTT HANNAH STONE

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