BEVERLY, Mass. (11/4/2024) – The excitement is palpable as the Nichols College women’s ice hockey team kicked off their season with an impressive 2-0 weekend, achieving back-to-back victories over Framingham State University. Graduate student Grace Melanson has been honored with the Conference of New England (CNE) Player of the Week award, while freshman Angalisa Caceda has made waves as the Rooke of the Week, as announced by the conference.
Melanson had a stellar performance, finding the back of the net four times and contributing one assist, accumulating a remarkable four-point weekend. Caceda also made an immediate impact for the Bison, netting three goals and providing an assist throughout the team’s successful week.
In a spectacular display, Melanson scored a natural hat-trick during the crushing 6-0 victory against Framingham State. Her scoring prowess was on full display as she found the back of the net in each period, culminating in a power-play goal in the third that marked her fourth goal of the contest. This achievement makes Melanson the first Bison skater to score four goals in a single game since Megan Buxton accomplished the feat during the 2021-22 season against Neumann.
Meanwhile, Caceda quickly adjusted to the collegiate level, making her mark with her first collegiate goal on Thursday night against Framingham State while also providing an assist. She followed up her strong performance with another standout effort, scoring two goals, including a power-play shot, which propelled Nichols to a commanding 3-0 lead after the first period. Notably, her second goal clinched the game-winning tally.
This remarkable duo becomes the first pair of teammates to earn conference recognition in the same week since February 3, 2020, when former players Kayla Currin ’22, ’23 and Julia Carroll ’23 received weekly accolades.
Nichols (2-0-0) is now set to commence CNE play as they prepare to host Curry College on Friday, November 8th. The highly anticipated puck drop is scheduled for 5:40 p.m. at Levy Rink.
**Interview with Grace Melanson: CNE Player of the Week**
**Interviewer:** Good afternoon, Grace! Congratulations on being named the CNE Player of the Week! How does it feel to receive this honor after such an impressive start to the season?
**Grace Melanson:** Thank you so much! It feels incredible to be recognized, especially after our team’s strong performance this weekend. We worked hard in the off-season, and it’s rewarding to see our efforts pay off.
**Interviewer:** You scored a natural hat-trick in one of the games! Can you walk us through that moment? What was going through your mind as you were racking up those goals?
**Grace Melanson:** Honestly, it was a surreal experience. Each goal just seemed to come at the right moment. I was focused on playing my game and supporting my teammates. I think the energy from the bench and our fans really pushed me to keep going. It was definitely a team effort!
**Interviewer:** Speaking of teamwork, how important do you think collaboration is for your team’s success this season?
**Grace Melanson:** Collaboration is everything in this sport! Each player brings unique strengths to the ice, and it’s crucial that we communicate and support each other. Our chemistry has really improved, and I believe that’s why we were able to secure those two wins this weekend.
**Interviewer:** With a 2-0 start, what are your goals for the rest of the season?
**Grace Melanson:** I think we need to keep our momentum going and focus on consistent performance. Personally, I want to continue contributing to the team and help us make it to the playoffs. We have a lot of talent, and I believe we can go far if we stick together and work hard.
**Interviewer:** That’s a great mindset to have. Lastly, what would you like to say to your fans and supporters?
**Grace Melanson:** I just want to thank everyone for their incredible support! It means so much to us as players. We hope to keep making you proud and look forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming games!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Grace! We wish you and the team the best of luck this season!
**Grace Melanson:** Thank you! I appreciate it!
