WCHA Rivals Irwin and Prevost Become Teammates in the CWHL

Sometimes, the world of women’s hockey can be a small one. Players can be opponents on one level of play and becomes teammates in the next.

In the CWHL, Haley Irwin and Marieve Prevost fit the bill. Rivals at the WCHA level, Haley Irwin competed for the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs under Shannon Miller, while Prevost played for Miracle on Ice member Mark Johnson at the University of Wisconsin Badgers.

“Any games in the WCHA are pretty competitive and intense, but any time it’s a Wisconsin Duluth match up, you can guarantee it's going to be a close hard fought game. It's definitely a great rivalry!” stated Prevost.

Irwin enjoyed a Frozen Four title as a freshman in 2008 (ironically, current Stars teammates Caroline Ouellette and Julie Chu were her assistant coaches at UMD), while Prevost claimed titles in 2009 and 2011, while she had a runner up finish in 2012.

After so many visceral contests in the WCHA, the two were linemates in the Montreal Stars exhibition match versus the French National Team on August 31, 2012. The thought of these rivals playing together was an unlikely pairing. “We were big rivals but we’re both done with school,” stated Irwin.

Playing on a line together certainly had a positive effect on their performances. Prevost logged five points (including a hat trick), while Irwin accumulated three points. Despite leading all scorers in the game, Prevost remained humble.

“I worked very hard all summer so I was just hoping to have a good game and a good first impression," she said. "Sometimes you can play very well and not get a point. I was just pleased with how I played.”

 “It was great to play with her,” stated Irwin.

Prevost mentioned, “It was great to play alongside Irwin. She's a very good player and it was easy to play with her. I thought our line worked well that game and we created a lot of chances.”

Stars General Manager Meg Hewings was happy with their performance. “It was fun to see that line in action. Prevost has a great tenacity.” Their fellow linemate, Noemie Marin, a former participant for Canada in softball at the 2008 Beijing Summer Games also benefited from their presence. She logged two goals and two assists.

Despite the intense rivalries that encompass women’s hockey in the WCHA, Irwin had nothing but praise for her new teammate.

“I played against her a couple of years and she’s a great player.” A Clarkson Cup would put Irwin into the Triple Gold Club (a player that wins a Clarkson Cup, IIHF World Championship, and Winter Games gold). “It’s not a long list. It would be an honor to be a part of that.”

With her NCAA Frozen Four, she would only become the third women’s ice hockey player (behind Caroline Ouellette and Jenny Potter) to have achieved a grand slam. Prevost is quick to acknowledge the highly accomplished Irwin, “She's a very strong power forward who can create a lot offensively. She's a player you definitely need to be aware of when she's on the ice.”

While hockey has had its share of odd couples (Mario Lemieux and Warren Young in 1985, Eric Lindros and Brent Fedyk in 1992), Irwin and Prevost will certainly be counted upon to help their new club, the Montreal Stars, claim a third consecutive Clarkson Cup. Having both enjoyed titles with the Canadian national team (Prevost with the Under 22 team at the MLP Cup, and Irwin with the Senior Team at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games); the two both bring a winning attitude to their new club.

All quotes were obtained first-hand unless otherwise noted.