Although it’s her rookie year with the Ottawa Senators, Melissa Boal, with her exceptionally hard shot and standout hockey sense, is making an impact. When it comes to Senators stats, Boal stands second in points behind veteran Christin Powers.

Samantha Poyton, Boal’s linemate from Wayne State University, where the two played D1 hockey until Boal graduated last year, remembers what it was like to play with the skilled, left-shooting sniper.

"Melissa is a talented player, with a crazy good snap shot. She knows the game well and has good vision of the ice whenever she is playing. She always knew had to find an open player to make a play," says Poyton.

When she graduated from Wayne State last year, Boal was the program's all-time leader in points (219), goals (117), power-play goals (43), power-play points (90), short-handed goals (8), first goals (20), CHA points (95) and CHA goals (49). Boal is one of four players in recorded NCAA women's hockey history to compile over 100 goals and 100 assists. Not too shabby.

Another one of Melissa’s linemates from Wayne State, Lindsay DiPietro, offers insight into Melissa’s impressive stats.

"Her ability to change speeds and create open ice so she can use her shot is one of her biggest assets," says DiPietro.

Boal started playing at four years old with the Almonte Pakenham Minor Hockey Association. She made the transition to girls hockey in her second year of Atom. She played in Ottawa with the National Capitals Competitive Program (NCCP) from Atom to Junior and it was with the NCCP that she has some of her greatest hockey memories.

"If I was to pinpoint one of the biggest highlights of my hockey career it would have to be the entire season I played Midget AA with the NCCP. As a team we went 32-0-2, undefeated, and capped the season off by winning Provincials, the only time I have accomplished that in my career," says Melissa.

Despite all the accomplishments, Boal claims that she has to work hard at being confident and consistent, even though her stats would say differently. But she never has to work at loving the game.

"Nothing comes easy except for my joy and passion for the game," she says.

Playing with the Ottawa Senators in the CWHL allows Boal to continue to live out that passion past college hockey.

"I know a lot of talented players stop playing once their college careers are finished," she says. "There are so many talented and gifted athletes that play in the CWHL… some of the greatest players in the world."

photo by Kevin Allen

“What’s underneath the equipment” is a weekly profile of a CWHL athlete written by Anne Douglas (www.herhockeyonline.com).