"I think women's hockey would gain more respect if the hitting was reinstated. In the world championships of 1990-91, hitting was allowed. It slowed the game down a bit, but the players would eventually adapt. The speed would return."

Shewchuk, though, does not see the dismal fan support here at Harvard as an extension of these prejudices. Instead, Crimson fans expect a wining team, regardless of its gender. A team that finishes the regular season 9-17 just isn't going to draw the fans.

"All we can do is win, and hope the fans come. It's great game, but if no one ever sees it, they can't ever appreciate it."

Shewchuk and her teammates hope to remedy this situation next year. The core a good team remains, considering four of the top five scorers are returning. Also returning for another season in the pipes is junior Jen Bowdoin, the starting goalie for the past two years, Shewchuk believes this nucleus is strong enough to contend for the Ivy championship for the next couple of years.

However, if Shewchuk gets her way, the Crimson may be hard pressed to contend next year.

Last week, she played for Team Quebec in Vancouver for the Canadian National Championship. Her team placed second to Alberta, but Shewchuk can find consolation knowing she led her team in scoring, ahead of four girls already named to Team Canada--the Canadian Olympic team which will represent the country in 1998 in Nagano, Japan.

Considering her success playing for Team Quebec at Nationals, Shewchuk hopes she has a shot at the team. Eight slots are still open. If she does make the tryouts, Harvard will be well represented in the Winter Games. Mleczko and Sandra Whyte '92 are currently training with the American National Team. But Shewchuk cannot take anything for granted. The other competitors for the Canadian team are playing in Quebec and Canada, and consequently get more press and consideration from the coaches than a player in the ECAC.

"It's hard being down here and trying to get the exposure. The system of play they play on the team is very important to them. These other girls are playing that system right now."

It may have slightly hindered her chances to make the Olympic team, but Shewchuk does not regret her decision to attend Harvard instead of a high-powered Canadian college team.

"Harvard has a great women's hockey program. We have a great bunch of young players that can put the puck in the net, a great coach and a great goalie. Hopefully, next year we'll have a winning season, a chance to win the ivy championship and a berth in the playoffs."

Of course, Harvard will have a better chance of attaining some of these goals if Shewchuk decides to play next year. She wants to play here, but if the Canadian teams calls, she'll be ready.

"I definitely want to play for Canada, but it's not up to me. It's up to the powers-that-be. I can only wait and see."

Harvard women's hockey fans can only do the same.