Madison Novotny. Photo by YSM Media.

“Losing just isn’t an option,” said Madison Novotny, captain of the Utica Pioneers women’s hockey team. The Pioneers demonstrated that mentality by winning the 2024 Utica Kickoff Tournament, defeating No. 5 Elmira College in an overtime thriller on Nov. 2. 

Last year, the team also won the tournament in overtime, but this time, it was Novotny who emerged as the hero.

Novotny, a graduate student from Tampa, Florida, chose to attend Utica University after spending three years at a boarding school in Lake Placid, a town renowned for its hockey legacy. She was drawn to the physical therapy program, the facilities and competition. After serving as an assistant captain last season alongside Erica Sloan, who graduated in May, Novotny has stepped up as captain this year.

“Erica and I would sit down and talk about expectations to get on the same page,” Novotny said. “I know that if I had any questions, issues, or struggles, I’d be able to reach out to her.” 

Sloan has been a significant influence on Novotny, who now faces the challenge of filling her shoes. Sloan was a standout captain, holding a school record and earning numerous honors.

Novotny, however, has also enjoyed a successful career, receiving multiple accolades. She was named to the UCHC All-Rookie Team in her freshman year and has been a three-time First Team All-UCHC selection, along with an All-Tournament Team honor in 2024.

“This is my last year, but it’s also the last year for Stefanini, Modlin and Hawthorne,” Novotny said. “We want to win, no matter if it’s a scrimmage, practice, or game. We just want to beat the other team.”

Throughout her tenure, the Pioneers have faced significant challenges, including overtime losses in the UCHC tournament. In 2022, they lost to Manhattanville College, and the following year, they fell to then-No. 1 Nazareth College in the championship game. The year after that they fell to Nazareth again in another 2-1 nail biter. The captain is determined to break that streak and plans to use the urgency of this being her final season to motivate her teammates.

“Our culture here is unmatched compared to everywhere else,” Novotny said. “We are all driven by the same goal. We respect each other on and off the ice, and it’s just a very good environment here.”

As Novotny leads the Pioneers into the 2024-2025 season, the team is eager for what lies ahead. They entered the season ranked No. 13 and have started with a 2-0 record. With her sights set on a UCHC title, Novotny aims to add another piece of hardware to her collection. 

Next, the Pioneers will face Chatham University in Pittsburgh on Nov. 8 and 9.