Growing up, the only collegiate women's hockey teams you ever really heard of in the Midwest was the University of Wisconsin and University of Minnesota. Over the years as the sport grew, the college teams offering women's hockey also grew.

In middle and high school I didn't know that UW-Eau Claire had a women's hockey team. Probably for a couple of reasons: 1) They weren't doing so hot and 2) It's a D3 program.

But the past two seasons they've grown, especially during this current season--due in part to the Athletes, Coaches, Trainers and Athletic Department. So here's a recap and some recognition of their success/accomplishments for the season thus far.

1. Congrats on breaking a record & beating River Falls!

2. Kudos on all your early morning practices-- being up way earlier than most college students can function!

3. Props to you for missing weddings, birthday celebrations, graduations etc... because you're dedicated to your teams success!

4. Thanks for being so fun to watch!

5. Way to push through pain, injuries, tough losses, sacrificing parties, long roadies because you love the game!

6. Way to be so positive when it comes to being one of the most underrated yet hardest working team for UWEC athletics!

7. Props to being a great student and athlete at the same time!

8. Nice job having an awesome record thus far: 14-5-1

9. Kudos on having dedicated fans, even though there aren't many that attend!

10. Way to give 110% in everything you do!

11. Congrats on having some insanely awesome singing/rapping and dancing skills!

12. Kudos on being some of the most down to earth, kind, giving athletes on campus!

Good luck UWEC Women's Hockey team as you continue conference play! What other things will be added to the 2016-2017 success list?