Lauren Cherewyk loved every minute of her junior year at Boston University.
Off the ice, the former St. Albert Slash and Edmonton Chimos’ forward is en route to finishing her communications degree. On the ice, the Terriers, in just their fifth year, won the Hockey East Championship to advance to the NCAA quarter-finals, only to lose to Mercyhurst 4-1.
Cherewyk is impressed with how quickly the Terriers have grown and advanced to the status of elite contender.
“Every year we're getting better and while our program is still new, every year we're going further. Making it to the final is a good indication of how we're progressing,” she said. “The campus and people are awesome, the coaching staff, the team is continuing to grow. We're starting to get some new players and it's adding to our team dynamic.”
As a player, Cherewyk says she's come a long way since her days in the St. Albert minor hockey system. The biggest step has been living away from home for the first time. But even with the distance, Cherewyk said she couldn't do it without the support of her family, including three older hockey brothers, even if it's just a short text message saying, 'Saw your game, great job.'
“Anything like that keeps me going. It constantly reminds me how proud they are of me and makes it all sweeter,” said Cherewyk, who scored 12 goals (five game winners) and added 16 assists in 35 games this season. “The biggest thing is that they're so supportive. Even though they can't necessarily make it here as much as they would like to because everyone is working and busy, they always stay up to date. My brothers are all strong and they taught me to keep pushing forward and do the best you can do and don't settle for anything less than that.
“I've also learned mental toughness. I don't get to see my family that often so you learn to be tough and it translates into hockey and workouts for you to be more focused.”
Even though BU didn't make it deep in the NCAA tournament, Cherewyk says it was an invaluable experience and a proud moment for the Terriers to be able to raise their first banner as Hockey East champions. Not only was it special for the team, it was great for Brian Durocher, who coached the team to a 64-57-14 overall record after leading the men's hockey club to five NCAA tournaments as an assistant coach.
“We were all so proud of each other that we made it this far, and for our coach too,” said Cherewyk, who compiled 31 goals (10 game winners), 33 assists and 32 penalty minutes in 105 career games at BU. “Going into Mercyhurst, we did the best we could. We didn't get the bounces we wanted but they will be hosting the Frozen Four next year and we plan on making it there and beating them in their own rink.”
In showing how dedicated Cherewyk is to her family, she actually turned down an internship opportunity in marketing with the Edmonton Oilers in order to spend one more summer relaxing with her brothers and parents.
The aspiring advertiser says she would love to take another bite at that chance, or with any major junior hockey club in the Canadian Hockey League.
“That's definitely a dream. I would love to take that opportunity. Starting with a WHL team would be great. I want to keep hockey in my life as much as possible when it's over,” said the St. Albert Catholic High School grad. “I like the creative aspect of turning nothing into something. I love going to advertising classes. The teachers are fun and they make the class upbeat.
“I have another year to focus on hockey and school and then I will have a better indication where it will take me. I just know it's an awesome school here, so whatever direction I go will be a good one.”
