Michelle Jay’s top shots of 2017-18 season

Did you know that it’s possible for a rink to be so cold that the camera battery you charged before the game dies in the second period? I found that out the hard way this season.

I also learned how incredibly lucky I am to live in Boston, where the best of the best in women’s hockey basically come to me. I was privileged to photograph NCAA vs USports action and NCAA regional tournament action, crossing two new teams off my list in the process. I shot one of the most exciting Beanpot Finals in recent history. I saw the 2018 Patty Kazmaier Award winner, Daryl Watts, numerous times. I’m also grateful to be the Boston Pride’s team photographer and the Boston Blades are just a short drive away.

That’s not to mention the opportunities that I had to travel this year. This season took me to New Jersey to shoot the first NWHL game to be played in an NHL rink at the Prudential Center (yet another rink to cross of the bucket list). I went to Stamford for a Whale game. And, perhaps the most fun, spent a whirlwind 24-hours in not-so-sunny Florida for one of the NWHL vs Team USA games before the Olympics.

The places that women’s hockey takes me never ever ceases to amaze me. And the same can be said for the people I meet and the stories I get to tell through my camera by covering the game. I get to capture people living their dream at every game I attend, while also living out mine.

I can’t wait for next season!