Simcoe’s Holly VanNetten Scores First NCAA Goal, Steps Into Bigger Role for Mercyhurst
For most college freshmen, earning ice time in overtime is rare. For Simcoe’s Holly VanNetten, it’s becoming a habit.
The former Stoney Creek Sabres defender has quickly become a key part of the Mercyhurst Lakers NCAA Division I women’s hockey team — and this past weekend, she delivered her biggest performance yet. VanNetten not only scored her first NCAA goal, but also set up the overtime winner in the series opener, capping off a breakout weekend that earned her Atlantic Hockey (AHA) Conference Defenceman of the Week honors.
It’s a big step for a first-year player, and one that reflects how much trust she’s earned from her coaches as the season has unfolded.
When asked to walk through that first goal, Holly described the moment “My forwards played with pressure and managed to turn the puck over and bring it low to high,” VanNetten said “My d partner, Abby Poitras, made a great pass over, and I just wanted to get the shot through quick because Delaware does such a good job at blocking shots. My forwards had great net presence, and though I couldn’t see the goalie, I watched my puck go all the way in. It was a surreal feeling — and hopefully now that the first is out of the way, the goals will flood.”
That confidence has been growing week by week for the Lakers, a team that looks poised for a strong season in the AHA Conference. Mercyhurst has consistently been one of the NCAA’s most competitive programs, and their 2025 campaign has been no exception — playing with structure, grit, and an emerging mix of veteran leadership and young energy. With a recent string of wins, the Lakers are tightening their grip near the top of the standings, looking every bit like a contender.
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On Friday night VanNetten also proved how ready she is for the moment setting up an OT winner. “Shalls picked the puck up in our zone and made some great moves to bring it into the offensive zone,” she recalled. “I saw my teammate Sophie driving to the net, so I stayed high. Shalls made a nice pass over, and I managed to find the net drive for a redirection into the back of the net. It was my first NCAA point, and it came at a really important time. For my coaches and teammates to trust me on the ice in that situation feels great.”
That trust is something the freshman doesn’t take lightly. “It’s definitely nerve-racking, but feelings like that help my confidence grow,” she said. “It helps me in big moments like that one. I just want to keep proving myself, keep gaining trust, and help my team win a championship.”
For VanNetten, the adjustment to college hockey has been significant — but so has the support. “It’s definitely a big step up,” she said. “You’re playing against the best hockey players from all over the world, and it shows.” Yet, her experiences back home in Ontario prepared her for this moment. Competing at a high level with the Sabres helped her get comfortable in fast, pressure-packed games, setting a foundation for success at Mercyhurst.
What’s made the journey even more special is knowing she’s representing her hometown. “It’s amazing to be able to inspire younger players, especially young girls,” she said. “Being from a small town makes it even more special — it’s cool to see people you know doing well, and I hope my success can help younger girls see that it’s possible for them too.”
Now, with her first goal and assist under her belt and her minutes increasing every weekend, VanNetten’s focus remains on one thing — winning. “This past weekend was a great confidence boost going into the next push before Christmas,” she said. “My end goal is to win — and that’s the team’s goal too. We’re all here for one reason, and that’s to win a championship.”
And if the early part of her season is any indication, Holly VanNetten is doing much more than settling in — she’s becoming a difference-maker on one of the NCAA’s most competitive teams.
You can follow Holly and the Murcyhurst Lakers on instagram
@hollyvannetten
@hurstwhockey
