One of the greatest to wear number 16 for the nationally prominent Elmira Soaring Eagles, it was only fitting that Emma Crocker became the sixteenth player in program history to reach 100 career points. With career totals of 65 goals and 140 points, only her heart and character proved more impressive.
Raised in Abington, Massachusetts, Crocker belonged to one of the greatest eras in program history. Enjoying 109 wins, plus three NCAA tournament appearances, every season resulted in conference supremacy. As a side note, Elmira also qualified for the 2020 NCAA Tournament, the event cancelled over pandemic concerns.
The breakthrough for Crocker took place in 2020, brilliantly becoming a key figure in Elmira’s offensive picture. Recording a superlative 44 points, her 21 goals eclipsed her previous two seasons combined.
Highlighted by seven power play goals and six game winning tallies, for which she was recognized as the NCAA statistical leader, the feat allowed her a treasured place in program lore. Becoming the third Elmira player to lead the NCAA in game winning goals, Crocker joined a distinguished group including Cassidy Delainey and the iconic Laura Hurd.
Amassing a phenomenal haul of hockey hardware in 2020, including First Team All-America honors and the United Collegiate Hockey Conference (UCHC) Most Valuable Player Award, Crocker followed it up with another pair of proud achievements. In addition to the UCHC Playoff MVP Award, recognition as Elmira’s Female Athlete of the Year served as the crowning touch,
“In 2020, I was the Female Athlete of the Year, and the UCHC Tournament MVP. Those accomplishments mean a lot to me. I am proud of them because I worked hard and had a breakout junior year just before Covid hit.
Looking back now, it makes it even more special because I got to do these things and feel these moments with my teammates, who are now my lifelong friends. They helped get me those awards and I will always remember them.”
Designated for Elmira’s Class of 2021, Crocker gained another year of eligibility as a Graduate Student. With the 2020-21 season schedule condensed due to pandemic concerns, it was not how Crocker wished to close the curtain on a compelling career with the Soaring Eagles.
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