Boston College Athletics
Richardson Selected to USA Hockey Under 22 Select Team
September 06, 2002 | Women's Hockey
Sept. 6, 2002
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - Women's ice hockey assistant captain Gen Richardson participated in USA Hockey's 2002 Women's National Festival last month in Lake Placid, N.Y. The senior from Monroe, Conn. was invited to be a member of the women's under-22 select team and compete in the National Festival. The 62-player roster included nine members of the U.S. Olympic Team that captured the silver medal at the Salt Lake Olympic Games in 2002.
Participants in the festival were divided into three teams that had daily practices and took part in a round-robin tournament. Richardson was a member of Team Red, coached by Tim Gerrish of Saranac Lake, N.Y. From her outstanding play, she was then chosen to fill an open spot on the select team to compete in a three-game exhibition series against Canada.
Richardson, commenting on how it felt to be named to the team, "I was really excited, my whole hockey career has seemed to be a just-miss, and I'd played with some girls who had previously made the team over the past couple of years. I wanted to be there. So when he asked me to stay after the festival, it was really exciting."
Richardson is no stranger to competition at this level. She also participated in USA Women's Hockey Festival in 2002 as a member of the Teal Team. "Its always fun to play at a high level, against tough competition."
Overall, the senior captain learned a lot. "I learned a lot from the Olympic coach, Ben Smith. He gave me some feedback about things I need to work on to improve my hockey career." She also looks to bring her experience back to the Heights. "There were definitely some drills that I will be able to incorporate into our practices. We are always trying to improve the level of play at BC, and there are some things that Coach Smith and the Olympic program taught us that I hope to bring to the team this year."
As an Eagle, the senior defenseman has never missed a game in her three-year career. She was last year's leading scorer from the blue line, recording seven points. She also earned second team all-league honors in the ECAC for her performance as a junior and is prepared to lead the team to success this year. "I am really excited about being elected assistant captain. I will be able to speak my mind and help lead the team from the ice. I can use my personal hockey experience to help the younger girls improve."
Richardson expects success for the 2002 season. She commented, "we have gotten better and better over the years. We have been constantly building and are now in position to really compete at a high level. I am ready to get back on the ice with the team."
