"Congrats to Shiann, Kati and Maya on winning the most coveted trophy in women’s hockey, the Walter Cup,” said Quinnipiac Women’s Ice Hockey Head Coach Cassie Turner. “They made a meaningful impact for the Victoire and our Bobcat family is incredibly proud of their accomplishment.”

Quinnipiac is well represented in the Professional Women's Hockey League, with 16 alumnae represented — ranking 5th most in the prestigious league.

“It speaks to their love for the game, desire to improve and ability to lead while being great teammates,” Turner said. “Seeing Bobcats continue to raise the standard and succeed at the highest level is a tremendous source of pride for our entire program and a testament to the culture our alumnae continue to build within the game.”

Darkangelo expressed appreciation for the foundation she developed at Quinnipiac.

"Winning the Walter Cup is a dream come true. I’m incredibly grateful for the journey that brought me here. Attending Quinnipiac University played a huge role in shaping the player I am today. One of the biggest lessons I continue to carry with me is the importance of resilience and attention to detail, both on and off the ice,” she said.

She credits Quinnipiac for becoming a better person.

“For anyone considering Quinnipiac, be ready to work hard, show respect and grow as both a person and an athlete,” Darkangelo said. “Thank you to Coach B and the entire coaching staff for impacting my career and making me a better person.”

Turner revels in seeing Darkangelo as a trailblazer in the sport.

"Shiann’s long-term commitment to the game and her development set the standard for professionalism, love for the game and commitment to her team,” she said. “To see her now win the Walter Cup 11 years into her professional hockey career after helping pave the way through so many different versions of women’s professional hockey before the PWHL even existed, could not be more well deserved. Seeing her lift the Walter Cup in the air was amazing.”

Turner called Darkangelo’s commitment to the women’s sport “incredible.”

“I’ve heard from coaches and general managers throughout her career that she has been a culture-driver everywhere she’s played and someone who positively impacts every team she joins,” Turner said.

Labad said winning the championship in her first year felt really special.

“It’s something I’ve worked toward my whole life, so seeing it all come together is pretty surreal,” she said. “Quinnipiac prepared me really well for pro hockey. I was held to a high standard every day. The habits, culture and competition level at Quinnipiac definitely helped make the transition to pro hockey easier.”

She encourages current and future players to pay attention to the culture of the program and people in it.

“Being somewhere you feel confident, but also somewhere that pushes you, supports you and genuinely cares about your development, makes a huge difference,” Labad said. “I’m really grateful for my time at Quinnipiac and proud to represent the program.”

Her success is a testament to her drive, Turner said.

“What a year for Maya! Being drafted in the fifth round by her hometown team was already such a special moment, and to now win a Walter Cup in her first season in the PWHL makes it even more incredible. Watching her go from Bobcat standout to Walter Cup champion has made us all so proud.”

Labad has always had the ability to change games with her speed and her heavy shot, creating offense in ways that separated her from so many others at the NCAA level, Turner said.

“What has always made her such an impactful player, though, is her commitment to the details — winning pucks back, disrupting plays, elevating the players around her and consistently doing all the little things that help teams win,” Turner said. “Those qualities showed up all season long and were a meaningful part of her contribution to this Walter Cup championship team, both on and off the ice.”

Tabin said she feels so proud to have won the cup.

"It feels amazing to win the Walter Cup,” she said “It makes it so much better that we did it for each other. We have such a special group."

Quinnipiac taught her many things, she said.

"My favorite thing would have to be being mentally tough and getting a little better each day. Also, that the details matter, how you show up matters," Tabin said. "I’d also say it’s amazing what you can accomplish when you put your mind and body to the test and push a little bit further than you thought you could. Quinnipiac taught me that.”

Turner said she has been watching Tabin’s growth for years and said it was particularly apparent during the most recent Walter Cup run.

“She played big minutes, was trusted in key moments and showed just how complete her game has become,” Turner said. “Her skating continues to be such a difference-maker, and what has been especially impressive is the way she has developed into a strong, physical two-way defender who truly cares about the details in her game.”

Turner said one of her favorite moments this year was getting a call from Tabin sharing that she made the final group to try out for the Olympics.

“Knowing how long and hard she had worked for that opportunity, it honestly brought me to tears. To then see her earn the chance to become an Olympian and carry that confidence into such an impactful season has been incredibly special to watch,” Turner said.