FEMALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR RUNNER-UP: Dempsey Steps Up in First Year

For freshman hockey standout Jillian Dempsey, improving on the little things had big results in her rookie season. Sometimes getting better was just a matter of going to practice a little earlier or staying a little later, giving more effort in the weight room, and never being satisfied with a mediocre performance. These small adjustments, accompanied by immense talent, made not only for a star rookie, but for a great hockey player.

After watching Harvard hockey since the sixth grade, Dempsey’s dream came true when she was recruited to play for the team out of high school.

“I didn’t know what to expect coming onto the team, except that Coach [Katey] Stone had an amazing program,” Dempsey said. “But this is the best group of girls I’ve ever played with. It’s the greatest knowing that every time you went on the ice, you would get the best from everyone.”

Bolstered by the hard work of her team and the coaching of Stone, Dempsey was able to develop as a player and learn about the importance of the little things.

The freshman played in all 33 games of the season and earned spots on the ECAC All-Rookie Team and All-Ivy Second Team. The freshman was second on the team with 27 points on 11 goals and 16 assists and earned ECAC Rookie of the Week honors twice during the year.

“[Dempsey] did a tremendous job, as did all the freshmen, this year,” Stone said. “She played in key situations and was a smart player.”

“I think Jillian got a lot of confidence in the beginning of the year...and she just kept trying to get better every day,” junior Kate Buesser added.

Dempsey’s role was particularly crucial given that the offense lost four senior forwards to graduation following the 2009 season, and the defense lost All-American senior goaltender Christina Kessler to injury in January, opening the ice for new players with less experience.

“I think that we beat the odds a lot this year,” Dempsey said. “Especially after losing Kessler, people didn’t think we would do as well as we did.”

The rookie and her team finished 20-8-5 overall, swept Princeton in the ECAC quarterfinals, and garnered home ice for the NCAA quarterfinal against Cornell. Dempsey was responsible for two assists and a goal in the series against Princeton, keeping her team alive in the postseason.

But for the freshman, it has never been about individual success. When she improves or excels, Dempsey attributes the success to the motivation of her team and coach, and her simple love of the sport.

“I love the game,” Dempsey said. “I’ve loved it ever since I started to play.”

—Staff writer B. Marjorie Gullick can be reached at gullick@college.harvard.edu.