Each position in hockey is unique in its own way. Defensemen are presented with challenges specific to the position, different from forwards’ intense skating and the mental focus of goaltenders. Players typically specialize in one position, allowing them to improve in that particular style of play.

However, going into the 2024-25 season, graduate student defender Maddy Samoskevich brought some changes to her game — changes rooted deeper than just a simple decision to switch things up. 

Samoskevich changed positions, moving from defender to center. Despite defense and center being completely different spots on the ice, Samoskevich’s switch is not as drastic as it sounds.

“She’s always been an offensive defenseman and the nice thing about playing center is there’s so many similarities, especially how we defend,” head coach Cass Turner said.

Turner said that the decision for Samoskevich to move upfront was mutual, due to her offensive defender playing style. 

Samoskevich also decided to change her positions in honor of her family, as both her siblings were forwards. She grew up in a hockey family, with both her older sister Melissa and twin brother Mackie playing with her. 

“I think I just wanted to be like them and try it out for a year,” Samoskevich said. “Watching my siblings and the love they had for the sport … they were so hardworking because of hockey and seeing all the traits they gained from the sport, it was cool for me to see how hockey took over their lives.”

Additionally, Samoskevich decided to change her number for her graduate season. She previously dawned the No. 7 jersey but now the No. 11 sits below her name. 

“It holds a lot of personal significance to me,” Samoskevich said of her decision.

Samoskevich’s siblings and her nephew all wore the No. 11. With her nephew just getting into hockey, she felt it was the perfect time to switch her number since she was also changing positions.

“Playing with this number and how meaningful it is to me, it’s been making the game a lot more fun,” Samoskevich said.

Samoskevich’s route to Quinnipiac is significant to her family history. She originally did not want to come to Hamden, as her older sister Melissa was also a Bobcat. Melissa skated from 2016-2019, graduating in the top five in program history for goals, assists and points. She also served as the Director of Player Development and Operations during the Bobcats 2022-23 season. 

After graduating from Quinnipiac, Melissa has stayed involved in hockey, serving as an assistant at both Penn State and Princeton. Next season, she will be an assistant coach as the University of Delaware kick-starts its Division I program. 

“My sister begged me,” Samoskevich said. “‘You need to visit Quinnipiac. There’s no other school like this.’” 

So she gave in, and decided to take a look at Quinnipiac. Samoskevich recalls feeling at home the second she stepped on campus, falling in love with the school. Once she met the coaching staff, it was clear to her that she wanted to play for the Bobcats.

“We wanted it to be about Maddy and give her the opportunity to be her own person,” Turner said. “She’s such a confident person and has really come out of her shell, and to see her as a leader in our program is really cool.”

Maddy’s brother may also be a familiar name to NHL fans. Mackie Samoskevich was drafted 24th overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, playing seven games with the Stanley Cup Champions and 62 with the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL. He is currently entering his second season with the Panthers.

As Samoskevich and the Bobcats begin conference play, she is confident in the team’s ability to go far this year.

“I’ve never been on a team like this,” Samoskevich said. “Everyone’s so hard working and wants to win, so I’m really excited for this year, and I think this team is going to do great things.