Transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Superior to play for that school’s women’s hockey team has turned out to be a great decision for Lenore’s Sky Brown.
“There are so many good things about playing for the Yellowjackets,” the daughter of Kim and Orville Brown wrote in an email interview. “It’s hard to say what my favourite thing is. I love being a Yellowjacket because you become a family with not only your own team but all the teams on campus.”
After a midget AAA career that included time with both the Westman Wildcats and Yellowhead Chiefs, Brown started her post-secondary career at Castleton State University in Vermont. Partway through her first season she transferred to Wisconsin-Superior.
In 2016, the goaltender was named All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honourable. This past winter was her third season with the Yellowjackets, who compete the NCAA Division III level. Brown went 1-3 last season with a 3.54 goals against average and .864 save percentage.
Now headed into her final season, the Yellowjackets will be counting on Brown not only for strong play between the pipes but also leadership.
“We have the talent and skill set with these younger players, but Sky and other seniors will play a big part in leading them through the ups and downs of a long season,” U of W-Superior head coach Dan Laughlinwrote in an email interview. “Sky will be an anchor for us in the net next season. Goaltending is the heart of the team and she will be called upon to bring her best with every opportunity. I look forward to her best next season and I know that she is determined to do so as well.”
In addition to hockey, Brown enjoys other facets of life at U of W-Superior. The school has an enrollment of about 2,450 undergraduate students. Brown is majoring in exercise science with a minor in biology.
“I love being part of both these departments because the professors love what they do and the small class sizes allow you to get to know your fellow students that share similar goals,” Brown wrote.
She has also liked living in Superior. The community had a population of 27,244 in the 2010 census. It is located at the western end of Lake Superior. Superior and its neighbor across the bay, Duluth, Minn., are collectively known as the Twin Ports. Together they are considered the largest freshwater port in the world.
“I love living by the lake because it means bonfires at the lake every weekend with friends,” Brown wrote.
Throughout her life – and especially while she has been state-side studying and playing; Brown has had the strong backing of her family.
“There are no words that can describe the support from my family. I wouldn't be where I am without them and I will always appreciate it. They allowed and encouraged me to pursue my dreams without thinking twice,” says Brown.
