About the Program

Over the past decade, the Bowdoin College women's ice hockey program has established itself as one of the most successful teams in Division III. Playing in the most competitive conference in the nation, the Polar Bears have proven to be one of the top teams in the nation, reaching the NCAA Division III Women's Frozen Four twice and twice winning the NESCAC Championship.

Established in 1984, the team has had numerous individual regional and national honors, including Carol Thomas (1990-91 ECAC Division III Player of the Year) and goalie Erin Miller (ECAC Division III Goaltender of the Year in 1992). More recently, Shelly Chessie, Kirsti Anderson, Beth Muir and goalie Emily McKissock were all named first-team All-Americans during their career. In 2005-06, Kristin Cameron joined the club as a first-team selection.

Former player Marissa O'Neil '05 was named head coach of the Polar Bears in the summer of 2010. She inherits an exciting young roster bursting with talent, having improved on their record in each of the past three seasons. 

The Polar Bears play before some of the most enthusiastic fans in Division III women's ice hockey, and consistently boast one the best attendance marks in the nation. Aiding that cause is the fact that the Polar Bears play in one of the premier rinks in small college hockey, the state-of-the-art Sidney J. Watson Arena that was completed in January of 2009.