That's the Goal

Abbey Levy was named All-WCHA Second Team
as a freshman in 20018-19

Minnesota State goaltender Abigail Levy completed her first career collegiate start with a win and a shutout in last year's season opener, a 2-0 home win over Rensselaer on September 29th, 2018.  

The win was the first of five shutouts for Levy, which tied the school record for most shutouts in a single season at Minnesota State. As well as being named to the All-WCHA Second team and the All-WCHA Rookie Team, Levy also earned Co-Rookie of the year and Most Valuable Player for the Mavericks. To say Levy’s first collegiate year was anything shy of impressive would be an understatement.  

A native of the Big Apple, Levy emigrated to the Land of 10,000 Lakes where the hockey-focused environment at prep power Shattuck-St, Mary's helped to develop her game under the tutelage of goaltending coach Des Christopher, a former Minnesota netminder in his own right. Before beginning her collegiate career at Minnesota State, Levy helped backstop the Sabres to three national championships.

 

Levy, who went 9-18-7 with a .924 save percentage and a 2.35 goals against average in 34 appearances last year, had the second best goals-against average (on Minnesota State's single-season list), tied for second best save percentage, tied for fifth most wins and had the seventh most saves in a single season at Minnesota State.

Following her outstanding debut in 2018-19, the Congers, N.Y., native had the opportunity to travel back home in the summer of 2019 for two weeks in Lake Placid, participating in the 2019 USA Hockey Women's National Festival. This opportunity, which served as a training camp for the U.S.'s top-level players, was utilized to choose both U18 and U22 Select Teams which compete against Canada in the annual U18 and U22 Series. “This was an insane experience that I wish a lot of others could experience as well,” said Levy. “It's something that was a huge step in my athletic career.” 

Levy hopes to continue to move forward from last year's season, building on the work she put in during the summer with the goal of “being a leader for the team and work on being someone who others can look up to even with the upperclassman looking up to me.” 

More importantly, her goals for the team are key for a successful season, which is “coming together better as a family.” Given family plays such an important role in Levy’s life. Whatever the distance may be, her parents work to make it to over 85% of all-season games wherever they are playing. Although being away from family has caused some homesickness to occur over the years; it’s the continuous support she receives from them that drives her motivation on and off the ice. 

Minnesota State head coach John Harrington, who is in his  fifth year in charge of the Mavericks, describes Levy as someone who is “happy go lucky” individual both on and off the ice.  

"She is someone who “doesn’t take things with her, she doesn’t let things build up on her, she learns from things but she doesn’t carry things on," said Harrington. "She’s good with the what’s next approach.” Which are key attributes to have as a player who can than lead with these skills to both mentor and grow the teammates she plays alongside."

Contributed by Schaelly Hildebrandt, Minnesota State Athletic Communications Intern