TEMPE, Ariz. — As the final buzzer echoed through Mountain America Community Iceplex on an emotional senior night, graduate forward Sam Murphy wished she wouldn’t have to take the words “Sun Devils" off her chest.
“Leaving this team is going to be the biggest heartbreak of my entire life,” Murphy said. “It feels like the morning of death. I don't think any amount of time wearing this jersey will be long enough.”
The Sun Devils (12-8-1-1) fell short 3-1 to Grand Canyon (17-10-1) on Saturday, Feb. 14, in Tempe. After surrendering the third midway through the third period, junior forward Breanne Powell was able to get ASU on the board with a power-play goal and her 10th goal this season.
Murphy wasn’t the only senior tonight playing her heart out. Senior goalie Quinn Eatinger played a vital role for this ASU team over her four years in the maroon and gold.
“It's something I don't want to take off,” Eatinger said. “It's emotional. I have so much support from my friends and family here, they got me here and it means the world.”
Throughout Eatinger’s career as a Sun Devil, she played in 49 games and won 34 of them, holding off 1,237 shot attempts in the crease. Over her career, Eatinger and her teammates were able to communicate on the ice at an elite level, helping ASU to defend shots and win games regularly.
“I don't want to mess with their strides or ‘Oh, she's gonna go for it, I need to change what I'm doing’,’’ Eatinger said. “Leave it up to them to do a great job.”
As Eatinger departs at the end of the season, the Sun Devils look to freshman goalie Mya Glaister to follow in Eatinger’s footsteps and be the next face in net.
In addition to Eatinger’s transition, the mindset is shared amongst the locker room. Senior forward Evelyn Olson also reflected on what the sport of hockey has given her throughout her seasons at ASU.
“I would advocate to anyone, play a sport as long as you can,” Olson said. “I don't think anything prepares you better for later on in life.”
A sport can be a life-changing experience for anyone, especially with improving many skills for their future that athletes like Olson will use once departed from Tempe.
“It's learning how to communicate with your teammates and take instructive criticism,” Olson said. “I feel confident going to the next chapter of my life.”
There are always positives and negatives when it comes to moving forward from things you truly love most. Still, the bond between Murphy and Powell will remain as tight as the Gordian Knot.
“Sam and I have our pre game rituals and have the same sense of humor,” Powell said. “We fire each other up and when we get to let loose and have fun before the games, it puts everyone in a good mood.”