There 
was definitely no sophomore slump for Lenore’s Sky Brown.
In her second year manning the nets for the University of Wisconsin - Superior women’s hockey team, the goaltender posted impressive statistics - including a 1.96 goals against average and a .933 save percentage. The daughter of Kim and Orville Brown won a career-high six games for the Yellowjackets.
“Sky had an awesome sophomore season and we look for her to carry that experience and confidence into next year,” wrote UW-Superior head women’s hockey coach Dan Laughlin in an email interview. “She continues to improve each season and that shows her character and work ethic in wanting to be in goal every game night. We look forward to Sky returning in 2017 and being that goaltender that carries your team far into the post season.”
Brown’s puck stopping prowess earned her All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honourable mention. A fellow teammate also received honourable mention and two Yellowjackets were named to the first team.
“Receiving ALL-WIAC honours was very exciting,” Brpwn wrote in an email intervbiew. “It was a privilege to be recognized by the conference. It was very exciting having four players get mentions.”
A Virden Collegiate Institute alum, Brown started her college career at Castleton State University in Vermont. She opted to transfer partway through her first season to UW-Superior. Although she quickly established herself as a strong netminder last year, Brown flourished as a sophomore. In Februrary, she was named the WIAC Athlete of the Week after a 40-save performance.
“My second year brought more ice time which meant more excitement on the ice. Not only that it brought me closer to my teammates,” Brown wrote. “My second year brought more expectations from my coaches and my teammates, which lead me to being more successful on the ice.”
Brown has also enjoyed life at UW-Superior away from the arena. The school has an enrollment of about 2,600. Located on the western end of Lake Superior, Superior is across the bay from Duluth, Minn. It has an estimated population of 26,705.
“I love the small school atmosphere,” Brown wrote. “I also really enjoy the city of Superior. It has many things to do while being spread out enough that it doesn't feel like a city but more like a town.”
At UW-Superior, she is studying exercise science and biology.
“I really enjoy learning about the human body and what it takes to keep it healthy. It is really interesting to see how the body functions and what you can do to help it perform better.”
During her athletic career, Brown has had the firm backing of her family.
“The support of my family has been something that keeps me motivated. My parents have been my biggest supporters. They watch every game whether it be in the stands or online when they can't make the games. Knowing they are watching makes me want to perform at the highest level I can.”
Brown developed her talents in Manitoba playing for both the Yellowhead Chiefs and Westman Wildcats AAA midget programs. It was with the Chiefs where she first realized she wanted to play after her high school days were over.
“Yellowhead had taught me to play hard and never quit even when the luck wasn't rolling your way. My senior year I played with Westman. This is where I learned to use my skills in every game. I learned how to be a better teammate and a better goalie. While playing with Westman I stepped up my level of game, all due to the coaching staff who taught me so many things.”
