Liberty women’s D1 hockey takes mission trip over winter break

Over the winter break, an experience that was over three years in the making finally came to fruition. 

The five-time ACHA National Champion women’s D1 hockey team had the opportunity to make a difference on more than just the ice as the players spent nine days on a mission trip in Hämeenlinna, Finland. 

While the trip was twice delayed due to COVID-19, the Lady Flames finally took flight to the Nordic country Dec. 27, where they received the opportunity to work with a Finnish church and connect with hockey teams in the area. 

The team led youth group and Sunday school, even receiving the opportunity to speak in services. 

Liberty University’s Women’s D1 Hockey team takes on Maryville University in the Lahaye Ice Center on November 18, 2022. (Photo by: Chase Gyles)

 “The trip was such an incredible experience as a both a hockey player and person,” sophomore forward Zosia Adamek said. 

“Getting to experience the Finnish culture was incredible. It was also exciting to see how God worked in the lives of not only the people we went to serve but our own team.”

In addition to local ministry, the team had the privilege of playing one game against a Tier 1 professional team, along with two additional games against a U-18 Hämeenlinnan Pallokerho (HPK) juniors’ team. 

“It was so fun to play a professional team,” Adamek said. “I think it was by far one of the most exciting games our team has played. Using hockey as a gateway made sharing the gospel simple. By using hockey, we had a common ground of interest, which allowed for easy conversation once you got past the language barrier. All around, it was an unforgettable experience that I was honored to be a part of.”

Women’s D1 Hockey takes on Hockey Training Institute on September 30, 2022. (Photo by KJ Jugar)

The trip proved to be life-changing, not only for those the team reached out to, but for members of the Lady Flames as well. 

 “Seeing relationships form was amazing, but even seeing girls on our own team come to Christ for the first time was amazing  …  a trip that was worth going on,” sophomore forward Brielle Fussy said. “It was cool to show Christ through our sport in a different country and seeing how effective it was.” 

Along with the Lady Flames coaching staff, numerous other Flames hockey coaches tagged along as well, including men’s D1 Head Coach Kirk Handy. The men’s team previously took a trip of their own to Finland in January of 2020 and plans to visit Finland next winter.

Since returning from the Northern territory, the Lady Flames have gone 2-1 against opponents. While their 57-game winning streak saw an end against McKendree University on Jan. 20, the Lady Flames remain in prime position within the ACHA rankings, poised to make another national championship run. 

The team will hit the ice once again Jan. 26-28 to host the No. 5 ranked Minot State Beavers in a three-game series at the LaHaye Ice Center. 

 Cote is a sports reporter for the Liberty Champion. Follow her on Twitter

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