“Tip-toeing up to the Freshers' stand I was pleasantly surprised to find a bunch of friendly faces who reassured me that anyone of any standard was totally welcome and would enjoy the support of the entire team. This was no lie! Cambridge can be a pretty tough place to deal with at times, and joining the ice hockey team guaranteed a couple of sessions each week when I could top up my levels of laughter and entertainment. The great variety among the team members in terms of age and character provided a really interesting social group, from which I made some of my best friends all year. The sport itself is incredibly exciting, and the team's encouragement and enthusiasm (including beginners in matches from early on in the season) provided the perfect environment for rapid improvement. I am really glad that I put my reservations behind me and gave ice hockey a go - it has definitely been one of the highlights of my first year at Cambridge.” Chloe Revill, Spanish/English, 1st year SPS student, New Hall College

“I started playing ice hockey last year for the first time, although I was a keen field hockey player and had been known to wobble around on skates during the winter. I had such a blast and am now a total hockey addict! My skating skills soon improved - all the pads helped, as well as our yearly trip to Finland for some intensive training. The best thing about playing, though, is getting to know all the other folks involved, particularly on the bus rides back from Peterborough!” Victoria Harris, British/American, 2nd year PhD student, Selwyn College

"I have never been as fit, alert, and engaged as I have been since I started this sport. The girls on the team, each and every one of them, are the most fun and supportive group I have ever met. Whether it's on the team bus, at the rink, in the changing room or during the Finland trip, the bonding and laughter was something I will never forget. The friendships I have made are for life, on both the women's and the men's team. Cambridge to me is hockey, and I will look back at the opportunities, experiences and people with immense fondness.” Ariane de Hoog, Canadian, 4th year PhD student, St John’s College