DECADE IN REVIEW: 2010-2019
Relive some of the top moments from the decade:
Chu, Knight, and Valliancourt would go on to compete again at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia.
Knight would also compete at the 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang. Making the Polar Bears 1 of 2 programs with players in each of the Olympic games since 1998. |
Julie Chu Selected As Closing Ceremony Flag Bearer for the United States.
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The Polar Bears organization was started in 1985 by a small group of people who shared a common philosophy of excellence in education and athletics for women. In the early 1980's, only a few girls played hockey in Connecticut, and those who did played on boys' teams. In states such as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Michigan and Minnesota, many girls played in organized girls' leagues; those girls were identified and actively recruited by college coaches. As a result of the Connecticut girls being "hidden" on boys' teams, they were not identified and lost out on significant educational opportunities.
The Polar Bears were started to allow Connecticut girls to compete nationally so that they could gain recognition and take advantage of the same educational opportunities as girls in other parts of the country. |