The William Smith ice hockey team, which is receiving votes in the USCHO.com poll, will be back in action this weekend, Dec. 6-7, when it welcomes Manhattanville to The Cooler for a weekend series. Friday's game is set to begin at 7 p.m. with Saturday's faceoff scheduled for 4 p.m.
 
The Herons will dedicate Friday's game to Morgan's Message. Morgan's Message strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletes. They aim to expand the dialogue on mental health by normalizing conversations, empowering those who suffer in silence, and supporting those who feel alone. It honors the life and legacy of former Duke lacrosse player Morgan Rodgers.
 
On Saturday, William Smith will hold a Christmas toy drive. Any and all donations of new and unwrapped gifts are welcome. Donations will be collected in the lobby during the game.
 
Here's a quick look at the teams.
 
ABOUT THE HERONS

• William Smith enters the week with a 5-3-0 record. The Herons are looking to bounce back from a pair of losses to Bowdoin (5-1) and UMass Boston (2-0) in Boston last weekend.
• Sophomore Bella Hacker leads the team with six points on three goals and three assists.
• Senior Kelly Howe shares the team lead with three goals and first-year Finley Crosby has three assists.
• Junior Mia Iwicki has played the majority of the minutes in goal. She is 4-2-0 with a 1.98 GAA and a .949 save percentage.

 
ABOUT THE VALIANTS

• Manhattanville is 2-5-1 on the season. The Valiants were also in Boston last weekend and went 0-1-1. They tied UMass Boston 1-1 but took the shootout. On Sunday, they were beaten by Bowdoin 4-1.
• Danika Aubin leads Manhattanville with two goals, four assists and six points.
• Harper Weisbeck is right behind her with three assists.
• Olivia Cimorelli has played every minute in goal. She has a 2.86 GAA and a .913 save percentage.
• Erin Murray '25, who earned All-American honors in goal for William Smith last year, is an assistant coach for the Valiants.

 
SERIES HISTORY

• This weekend will be the ninth and 10th meetings between William Smith and Manhattanville.
• The Herons hold a 4-3-1 edge in the series between the former ECAC West rivals.
• William Smith has won both meetings in Geneva.
• Last year in Rye, New York, Manhattanville took the weekend set, 1-0-1.

 
MEDIA COVERAGE

• Live Stats
• HWS All-Access