Women’s Hockey: Giaquinto headlines ’24-’25 leadership group

By Joe Eachus

It’s a new era and a new leadership group for BU women’s hockey.

Graduate defender Tamara Giaquinto will don the “C” for the ‘24-’25 season, and classmate Julia Shaunessy will serve as an assistant captain. Joining Shaunessy with A’s are seniors Callie Shanahan and Maggie Hanzel.

“I am very grateful and excited that Tamara accepted our offer to be this year’s team captain. [She] embodies what we value as BU women’s ice hockey players,” coach Tara Watchorn said.

Giaquinto, of Toronto, Ont., scored five goals and added ten assists for 15 total points in ‘23-’24, all career highs.

Shaunessy had seen limited action due to a variety of injuries across her undergraduate career, but returns for a fifth season as an expected mainstay in the lineup and locker room presence. 

“There was no doubt in my mind that she would be a captain for us this season,” Watchorn added.

For the rising seniors, Shanahan has played in 47 contests for the Terriers, with a 2.55 GAA and .914 save percentage. Watchorn praised her starting goaltender, saying that “[h]er commitment and attention to detail is unmatched in everything she does… but what makes Callie such a great leader on this team is the combination of her work ethic with her positive attitude, optimism, and spirit.”

Despite missing the entire first semester due to an offseason injury, Shanahan returned in January and posted a career-best 2.20 GAA. She was once again invited to USA Hockey’s 2024 World Championship evaluation camp.

Hanzel became a regular last season after seeing minimal playing time her first two seasons, and immediately made an impact, scoring nine points. Watchorn described the defender as “mature beyond her years.”

All four players will be wearing letters for the first time as Terriers. BU women’s hockey opens their season on Oct. 1, hosting Merrimack at Agganis Arena.