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Hockey: Western Springs natives Katie Cipra, Emma Jurusik part of historic trip to Ireland

Northeastern competes in first NCAA women's games played outside of North America

Cipra, a sophomore from Nazareth, and Jurusik, a freshman from Lyons Township, traveled to Belfast, Northern Ireland. Northeastern, ranked third in the country, twice played defending national champion Clarkson in the inaugural Women’s Friendship Series, playing to a 3-3 tie and posting a 3-1 win. "It was pretty unbelievable to be the first teams to do it," Jurusik said, "pretty special." Cipra, high school teammates with Jurusik on the Chicago Mission, had traveled to the Czech Republic and Germany in grade school to play with a select team. She'd never been to Ireland, though. The team arrived Dec. 31, and practiced for three days before the game. They also had the opportunity to take in some culture. (Kevin R)

By Joshua Welge

Cipra, a sophomore from Nazareth, and Jurusik, a freshman from Lyons Township, traveled to Belfast, Northern Ireland. Northeastern, ranked third in the country, twice played defending national champion Clarkson in the inaugural Women’s Friendship Series, playing to a 3-3 tie and posting a 3-1 win. "It was pretty unbelievable to be the first teams to do it," Jurusik said, "pretty special." Cipra, high school teammates with Jurusik on the Chicago Mission, had traveled to the Czech Republic and Germany in grade school to play with a select team. She'd never been to Ireland, though. The team arrived Dec. 31, and practiced for three days before the game. They also had the opportunity to take in some culture. (Kevin R)

"In Dublin we learned a lot about the buildings and architecture," Jurusik said. "Traveling through Belfast we learned about the city and the struggle between Northern Ireland and [the Republic of] Ireland. It was cool to see the culture of both cities." The games were played at the SSE Arena in Belfast, which hosts a pro team called the Giants. Northeastern was able to attend two of their games. "It was like a good-sized junior professional rink," Jurusik said. The stands were pretty packed for Northeastern's games, one side completely filled. "I think we did really well," Cipra said. "Obviously [Clarkson] is a really good team as well. We were nervous going in, but excited as well. It turned out pretty well." (Kevin R)

The Belfast showcase event has featured men's teams under the "Friendship Four" banner the last four years. "They were really good games, high intensity, it was very back and forth," Jurusik said. "It was also cool having a bunch of fans. They were really into it. I'm just grateful for the opportunity." Growing up, Jurusik had watched her brother play in tournaments in Austria and the Czech Republic. "I hoped that I would eventually get the same opportunities," Jurusik said. "It was cool to finally get it." Cipra, a sophomore forward, has tallied three points in 17 games this season. Cipra and Jurusik, a freshman forward, have helped Northeastern to a 13-2-2 record and its highest national ranking since 2002. The playoffs start in early March. "We are doing very well," Cipra said. "We're third in the NCAA, No. 1 in our league. It's been a successful season." (©William Cherry / Presseye)