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As the Saint Benedict hockey team opens their season with a game against St. Norbert College this Saturday (Nov. 2), junior Tara Frey (River Falls, Wis.) finds a familiar face in their opponent. 
 
This is Frey's second season with the Blazers after transferring from St. Norbert after her first year of 2011-12, and this will be the first time she has faced the team since leaving.
 
"I initially was drawn to SNC because of how nice everyone at the school and on the team was. It seemed as though it would be an inviting place to call home," said Frey. "The Packers only being a couple minutes away did not hurt at all either," she joked.
 
After having difficulty balancing school with athletics, Frey decided to make a change.
 
"I decided to come to CSB because I heard that there was a great nursing program and I was able to go for nursing while still playing hockey (which was not an option at SNC)," said Frey. "I did actually look into going to CSB before I even started looking at SNC. It was a great school and I loved it but am really glad I was able to experience both places."
 
Last season, Frey was named assistant captain despite being new to the team. She finished the season fourth on the team in both goals and points. With four goals and seven points in her first season, Frey solidified her spot on the team and proved that she was worthy of being an assistant captain. Frey stepped up throughout the season last year increasing her leadership skills and further bonding with her team.
 
"The team is full of incredible people so it was an honor to feel welcomed in that way," she explained.
 
After practicing hard for the past few weeks, the Blazers are ready to begin their season and start their road towards the postseason. "The first few weeks of practice have been great which is making everyone very eager to get going," said Frey.
 
When asked about how she feels facing off against her old teammates Frey responded saying, "I talk to my teammates from SNC on a regular basis. It is always great to hear from them or see them, so it will be amazing to get the chance to play 'with' them all again."  
 
The Blazers will start their season this Saturday at 2 p.m. at the St. Cloud Municipal Athletic Complex, and look to begin the season with a win in order to start their momentum rolling through the rest of the season. The Blazers will be back at home again in two weeks (Nov. 15) to face St. Olaf before hitting the road to Northfield the next day.