Q+A with UConn women’s hockey head coach Chris MacKenzie — Must-read news from the week

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Rapid fire questions with Chris MacKenzie

The UConn Huskies first joined Hockey East in 2002-03, after playing a year independently and a year in the ECAC. It took over 20 years to get to the top of the mountain, but the program finally captured both its first conference regular season title and first tournament title back in 2023-24. Over the last few years, the Huskies have been part of setting the standard for league play, with a combined 65-33-11 record dating back to the start of the 2022-23 season. 

This past year, they repeated as regular season champions, and made it to the semifinals of the conference tournament before being eliminated. This season, though they’ve lost some major pieces following graduation in the spring, they’re returning one of the stars in Hockey East, as well as bringing in some new faces who will add immense talent to their already deep lineup. 

For more, here’s Coach Chris MacKenzie in his own words. 

Please note the interview has been edited for length and clarity. 

The Ice Garden: After winning the regular season trophy for a second year in a row — and doing so in dramatic fashion the last weekend of the season against BU — what stands out to you about the 2024-25 season for your team as a whole?

Chris MacKenzie: Winning the regular season title for the second time in a row was a total team effort and credit to everyone in the program whose hard work paid off. I believe we learned to better manage high expectations, higher competition and some adversity along the way.  

TIG: Though she was honored on senior day, it was announced earlier this spring that netminder Tia Chan is returning for a fifth season between the pipes. How important is she to your team, and what are you looking forward to most about having her back in the lineup again this year?

CM: We are excited to have Tia back in net to lead the way and help nurture our younger goaltenders. Like many of our upperclassmen, we will be leaning on her for steady play and influence within our program.

TIG: One of the additions to your team is one of the top scorers from the conference last season in Julia Pellerin. What are you looking for from her as she moves into her junior season in Hockey East, now as a Husky? Additionally, Teagan Vaughan will be joining the team from Assumption — what are you looking for from her as she joins your blueline?

CM: Julia is a proven offensive player in our league and we are thrilled she chose to be a part of our program. Her speed and vision will be a welcome addition to our program. Teagan is a fierce competitor who will help provide veteran leadership to a young but talented D-core.

TIG: Just a few weeks ago, both Ava Rinker and Jada Habisch were selected in the PWHL draft. What can the Minnesota Frost and PWHL Seattle expect from both of these players respectively, and what are you most excited about to see from them as they move forward into the PWHL?

CM: We were thrilled to see Ava and Jada get drafted and start the next chapter of their hockey careers! Everyone in our program was happy to see their recognition and success.

TIG: Finally, with the season starting in a few months, what is one thing you’re most looking forward to in the 2025-26 season?

CM: Personally, I enjoy the process of a team coming, preparing and growing together. The process of preparing a team for an upcoming season is rewarding. 

I know our team is looking forward to finally being together and playing in a very competitive environment.

UConn opens its 2025 season in just a few months, looking to three-peat at Hockey East regular season champions and regain the tournament title. Be sure to catch the Huskies when they return to the ice, and keep an eye out for more Hockey East coverage from TIG once all 10 teams are back in action soon.

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Around the hockey world 

Walter Cup champion Dominique Petrie returns to Southern California to inspire the next generation of players — The Ice Garden 

We’ve got a couple of features to highlight this week, with the first being an outstanding piece from Giselle Velazquez on the return of Minnesota Frost forward Dominique Petrie to her home state with the Walter Cup earlier in the week. For what the trip back to SoCal meant to Petrie, take a look at the piece above. 

From the rink to the track: Erica Rieder’s detour to professional cycling — The Ice Garden 

Another great read, this time from Sally Hoerr. Sally details how current SDHL defender Erica Rieder took time off from hockey in order to pursue her dreams of making the Olympics — just as a cyclist instead of an ice hockey player. You’ll need a TIG subscription to read this one, but it’s worth the time and the money. 

Pressure is privilege: The mindset driving Megan Mossey’s Rise — The Hockey News

Last time I spoke to you in this newsletter, I mentioned a podcast episode from THN’s very own Chris Sinclair, and this time I’m bringing Chris back again. This time, for Sinclair’s piece on 16-year-old Megan Mossey, a defensive standout for the Etobicoke Junior Dolphins in the OWHL. Be sure to give this one a look for some insight into one of the next up-and-coming stars of the game. And give Sinclair’s podcast another listen, as a new episode just dropped today. 

Boston Fleet name Kris Sparre to succeed Courtney Kessel as head coach — Boston.com

The final PWHL team in search of a coach found their leader this week, as the Fleet announced the hiring of Kris Sparre to serve as the second head coach in franchise history. The move comes after Courtney Kessel departed the team to take over as head of Princeton. For more, check out the piece.

Five ways the Sirens can improve attendance — The Ice Garden

Missing PWHL hockey? Yeah me too. But what better way to think about next season than to look through some ideas for ways to draw better attendance moving forward in the New York market. Sierra Mainard has some great ideas in this piece, and you’ll definitely want to give them a peek as soon as possible.