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However, Stone’s most impressive accomplishment is likely her work between the boards of Bright-Landry Hockey Center. Heading into the 2014-15 campaign, Stone had earned 402 victories, the highest total in Division-I history. She had won ECAC Coach of the Year three times; she had coached nine ECAC Players of the Year and two four-time All-Americans.    

“She is one of the most respected coaches ever,” Reber said. “That goes for both men’s and women’s coaches. To have the honor of playing with her as my coach is something that I hold very near and dear to my heart.”

Such experience is a valuable asset at the Frozen Four, which will take place beneath the weight of increased media scrutiny and one-or-done desperation. However, the Crimson players—Katie’s kids—express confidence in their commander.

“In tight games where we just need her to settle us down, she’s always there to do that,” junior goalie Emerance Maschmeyer said. “Coach Stone is calm and collected in a lot of situations, and that’s what we need…. Everyone looks up to her and listens.”

—Staff writer Sam Danello can be reached at sdanello@thecrimson.com.