Sports

Ciampa chooses Mercyhurst

Peabody native to mind net for D-1 Lakers

By Jean Deplacido
correspondent
Published: December 26, 2008

When assistant coaches from Mercyhurst College first expressed interest in Tabor Academy goalie Stephanie Ciampa of Peabody, she didn't know anything about the Erie, Penn. school. A lot of folks outside women's college hockey don't.

But when a close look reveals that the Lakers are a powerhouse, currently ranked No. 5 in the nation and winners of every College Hockey America title since 2003.

That impressive resume wasn't lost on Ciampa and after an official visit, the sharp netminder committed to Mercyhurst — and is ready to step right into the role of backup goaltender next fall.

"Honestly, I had never heard of the school before and didn't know if I was really interested at first," said Ciampa. "It all happened so fast, and after my official visit I knew I liked everything about the team and the school."

Ciampa had her heart set on playing D-1 hockey, and the sport is very popular in Erie.

"This is just what I was looking for, a really good program that a lot of people support," said Ciampa. "They always draw a ton of fans. While a lot of colleges only get a couple of hundred for a game, over a thousand turn out at Mercyhurst. Women's hockey is a big thing around campus, even more popular than the men's team and they usually win more games. I really love the team and the people there."

It's no surprise assistant coaches Paul Colontino and Louis Goulet liked what they saw when they scouted Ciampa at the Assabet Valley's Labor Day tournament appearance in Vermont. After all, Ciampa was named tournament Most Valuable Player as Assabet won it all.

The commitment comes on the heals of a tough stretch for Ciampa. The three sport captain for the Seawolves is recovering from a shin stress fracture and spent six weeks on crutches. She missed hockey tryouts and the first couple of games, but is back at full strength now.

"It was something that built up over time from all the wear and tear of constantly playing sports. I missed the last third of field hockey, and then had to sit out our (ice hockey game) with our big rival Nobles," said Ciampa. "It's great to be back, and after a rough start we are doing well. We're 5-3 now and off until after New Years. Things are looking good, and we hope come March we'll be back in the New England Prep School (Division 1) championships."

At Mercyhurst, Ciampa received an academic scholarship for next year. Currently, Hilary Pattenden, a freshman goalie from Vancouver, is getting the bulk of playing time for the Lakers over two seniors.

"I was told they were looking for somebody to push Pattenden, and whoever was playing well would get the start. The coaches said it would depend on the opponent, and whoever they thought was ready. Getting the whole college choice business out of the way is a load off my mind," said Ciampa.

Ironically, when Ciampa was given a tour of the Mercyhurst Ice Center the projector was set up in the locker room to show her a highlight film from last season, and the first audio track was "Shipping Up To Boston" by the Dropkick Murphys, a tune that is near and dear to every Boston sports fan's heart. Ciampa didn't need any convincing at that point after being welcomed by coaches and players, but she did feel right at home.

Most of the players and all of the coaches are Canadians. Two of the women are current Canadian National team members, Valerie Chouinard and Meghan Agosta.