Luckily, the break wasn't a serious as it could have been. Springer only missed four weeks of the regular season, and returned just in time for the playoffs.

However, the injury gave Springer a new perspective, as she sat out a month of the season.

"It was good as a learning experience to relate with the player's who didn't always get a chance to play," Springer said.

Springer hadn't faced the predicament of sitting out several consecutive games before in her career, and the experience made her appreciate the opportunities she had to play even more.

"It always sucks not to play, but it bothers me to have someone say I can't play because I'm hurt," Springer said. "If coach chooses to play the other goalie because she's better, at least I'd know that sitting out was better for the team, but to sit out because your injured doesn't help anyone. It just bothers me."

However, dealing with an injury and battling back is an experience most athletes eventually have to face, and Springer says she's stronger for it.

Springer started her comeback just days before the Crimson's playoff run and she didn't have much time to prepare for postseason play.