By: Jess Benninger ’26, staff writer 

Mallory Burdick, a first-year business major, has already proven herself to be a valuable player after just two weeks of playing for LVC’s women’s ice hockey team. 

Originally from Tampa, Florida, Burdick started playing hockey when she was 7 years old after watching her older brother play. Growing up on the sidelines had a great impact on Burdick, and she eventually decided that she wanted to follow in her brother’s footsteps and be a part of the action inside the rink. 

Burdick scored an impressive six goals within the first weekend of the Dutchmen’s season and gives her teammates credit for her incredible start to her collegiate career.

“I could not have done it without my team and my linemates,” Burdick said.  

The forward praises Alexa Spiers, her wing partner, and Katrina Strauts, a center, for their chemistry. 

Burdick has also been honored with the Middle Atlantic Conference Offensive Player of the Week and the United Collegiate Hockey Conference Women’s Hockey Player of the Week awards for her performance. Based on Burdick’s achievements thus far, these will not be the last awards that she will receive throughout her career. 

While playing alongside an incredible group of women has influenced Burdick’s performance so far this season, Burdick is also playing for a reason that is close to her heart. The tragic death of Burdick’s friend and former teammate Mckenna Brown this past summer has greatly impacted Burdick’s drive to play, and she honors her friend by wearing a #34 on her gloves.  

Burdick says that this gesture reminded her that her friend “was with [her] during every play.” 

In the future, Burdick hopes to keep hockey in her life for as long as possible. She plans to coach and aspires to manage an NHL team while doing entrepreneurial work on the side. 

As for the rest of her first season as a Dutchman, Burdick hopes to do well in the playoffs and continue bonding with her teammates.