Lauren Hoffman of Marcy plays hockey for the Union College women's team. She's tied for the team lead in scoring (2 goals, 6 assists, 8 points) for a rebuilding Dutchwomen's squad that is just 5-24-1 this season. She led the team in goals her freshman year with seven. She also plays softball for Union (she was the 2008 All-Mohawk Valley Player of the Year as a senior for Whitesboro High School).
Question: You are tied for the team lead in scoring on a team that isn't doing so well. Do you have mixed emotions about that?
Answer: No. Many of the points on the scoreboard have not truly represented how well we have played as a team. It's a tough situation because we are trying to rebuild our program, and although we don't post the most points in the league, we are playing better as a team with each game.
Q: Most of your points are assists. Are you a playmaker or do you think you should be scoring more goals?
A: My style of play has always been to pass before I shoot, which is sometimes not the best mentality to have. Obviously, if the shot is open I am going to take it, but I just love to set up my teammates. As for goals, I always strive to score every shift, every game.
Q: You're only a sophomore right now. What does Union need to be more competitive as you move into your junior and senior years?
A: The offseason is huge. It's a time for recovery from the ice, but also a time for strength and conditioning. Once the season ends, we get a week off and go right back at it by running five days a week and lifting three times. It's a huge commitment, but the more work you put into the workouts, the better the result.
Q: You also played with the Syracuse Stars when the team won four straight championships from 2004-07. How did that experience help you?
A: It's one of the best girls' hockey programs in New York state. You compete against the best girls' hockey players in the nation while being able to perform in front of all of the college coaches ranging from DI to DIII. The level and speed of the game has mentally and physically prepared me for the next level.
Q: Have you adjusted well to college hockey?
A: I would be lying if I said it was easy. College hockey is a whole new challenge. Everything about the game is faster, more intense and the girls are bigger. If you aren't willing to put the dedication and work ethic in seven days a week, you won't get the results you are looking for. Last year as a freshman, I felt like I adjusted pretty well and I learned quickly what I can and can't do on the ice. At the college level, every team you compete against has 20 girls who were once the best players on their club team.
Q: You played softball in high school where you were the All-Mohawk Valley Player of the Year in 2008. You also play softball at Union? Which is your favorite?
A: Hockey has always been my first love because my father and brothers grew up playing hockey and I was always at the rink as a kid, always wanting to be on the ice. But now it doesn't really matter to me because usually whatever sport I am in is the sport I like the best at the time.
Q: Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career?
A: The biggest influences in my sports career have been the specific coaches for the different sports that I have played. Bob Hunter, my Syracuse Star coach, prepared me extremely well for college hockey and taking my game to the next level. He was one of the many reasons that I put so much effort and dedication into the sport. My father was the primary influence because he didn't let me take a break. He would tell me the things to work on, but also tell me the things I excelled at. The rest of my family also was an influence on me. For every sport - whether it was field hockey, softball or hockey - they always pushed me. Sometimes the criticism was difficult to accept, but in the long run, it got me where I am today.
Q: Who is the biggest influence in your life?
A: Easy answer. My parents.
Q: Complete this sentence: “If I could map out my future, it would include ...”
A: Long term: A degree, a solid job and eventually raise a healthy and happy family. Short term: a box of chocolates.
Contact Fran Perritano at fperritano@uticaod.com