BEAUTS’ ACCURSI TALKS MERCYHURST, ICE BREAKER TOURNAMENT IN BUFFALO THIS WEEKEND

By Jane Norton

The NWHL and Buffalo Beauts urge all hockey fans in WNY to support women’s college hockey and attend the 2019 Women’s Ice Breaker this weekend at Harborcenter.

On Friday, Mercyhurst takes on Minnesota Duluth at 4:30 p.m. EDT, followed by Colgate and UCONN at 7:00 p.m. EDT. The Third Place game is on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. EDT, and the Championship Game is at 7:00 p.m. EDT. Tickets are just $10 for regular daily admission, $5 for students and seniors, and available online now at www.linktr.ee/wcha.

We hope you will support these great teams, players, and the Women’s League of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA).

Beauts star Taylor Accursi attended and played for Mercyhurst from 2013-2017 before joining Buffalo’s NWHL team. As a senior, she finished second on the team in scoring with 23 points, had nine goals and led the Lakers with a +13. 

The day before the Ice Breaker kicks off at Harborcenter, we had a quick conversation with Accursi about Mercyhurst.

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If you’re in Buffalo this weekend, any chance you’ll be able to make it to any of the games at the Ice Breaker at Harborcenter?

I will! I have plans to attend the Mercyhurst game that’s happening at 4:30 p.m. on Friday! They play Duluth so it should be an exciting game.

Guess it’s seven or eight years ago now, but do you recall why you chose to attend and play for Mercyhurst?

Two reasons: because of the success that they have had when it comes to hockey, and they have a very good sports medicine program there.

How was your experience at the school?

I had a great relationship with all my professors. They helped to shame into the person I am today.

It's great to see two former NWHLers - ex-Beaut Kelley Steadman and inaugural season Riveter Beth Hanrahan - serving as assistant coaches at Mercyhurst. Was wondering if you knew Kelley and had any thoughts on what she brings to the program as a coach.

I never got to play with Kelley, but I have met her a few times and right away it made sense to me that she was a Beaut. She's a great human.

What is your favorite memory from your time at Mercyhurst?

Without a doubt, walking across the stage at graduation. It felt pretty amazing having worked extremely hard on the ice and in the classroom. It was really rewarding. 

Can't let you go without asking about your Beauts. Overall, what can you share with the fans about how the team - almost all new players - has come together to have a good start tot he season?

We have come together pretty fast actually. We have become a tight-knit family and it already feels like we have all known each other forever!

Hope you have a good time at the Ice Breaker!

Thanks! This weekend with the tournament going on at the Harborcenter, it will be a great opportunity for the fans of Buffalo to watch some good college hockey. I hope a lot of people can join me and make it out to the games. 

Photo Credit: Mike Hetzel