By Tara Sowle
UWRF Sports Information

Kristen and Kelly Hurley are an outstanding combination on the Falcon hockey team.

Their ability to 'sense' one another on the ice has made them an unbeatable force both on offense and defense. They have been playing on the same team for almost 12 years and that has developed into some strong chemistry between the women.

"I don't even have to look, I always know where she is. I know her playing style and she knows mine," explained Kelly.

Coach Joe Cranston has also noticed a spark when the two are playing together. "When both are playing at the same time it's huge for the team."

Injuries have upset the Hurley sisters this year with Kristen missing the first 15 games due to knee surgery during the summer and Kelly had to sit out three games due to a hip injury. But both look to be back at 100 per cent now. Kristen played in her first full game last Friday and Cranston said, " she played great; she came back and played through the pain."

This is their second season on the Falcon team. The two play on opposite ends of the rink with Kelly contributing at forward and Kristen at defense. Both had impressive first years in 2004; Kelly had 10 goals and 19 points and Kristen played in every game and finished with four assists. Both were named to the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll.

They were first introduced to hockey when they were eight years old while growing up in Memphis, Tenn., which isn't exactly a hockey hotbed.

Luckily, they have an uncle, Billy, who played prep and college hockey and even practiced with some NHL teams. His influence, along with receiving hockey sticks as Christmas presents, got the two girls interested enough to join a hockey clinic in Memphis. And they haven't stopped playing since.

Their parents, Ken and Tracie, have also been a source of inspiration. “My Dad is especially good in motivating me to become a better hockey player, because he tells it to me straight up (how I'm playing)." Kelly commented.

"Dad joined an adult hockey league three years ago, so hockey has really become a family thing." Kristen said.

Besides family support, they keep each other on their toes as well as keep each other motivated and competitive. Kelly explains it best, "hockey isn't always easy, and it’s just nice to have someone there who feels the same way you do."

The Falcons have recently broken an eight game loosing streak when they defeated Superior, 1-0.

Kristen knew they could get out of the streak. She is really excited to back on the ice after her knee surgery and her first game was at home against Superior. Kelly also thinks the team could be doing better. "I am not really disappointed, but I know we have not reached our potential." Kelly thinks this year could be a rebuilding one. "I kind of figured we wouldn't be as successful as we were last season because we lost some big names who really helped us out and we brought in so many freshmen."

Kelly has some coaching experience of her own and her advice for anyone joining hockey for the first time is to, "practice, practice, practice. Hockey is not an easy sport; there are so many things that a player must master before becoming a good player - skating, shooting, passing, seeing the game."

She believes a strong work ethic is the most important thing an athlete should work on.

Kristen knows how frustrating a sport can be, especially if you are stuck on the sidelines with an injury, but she knows that, "If you love it then do it. It can be frustrating but remember to always have fun."

Kristen Hurley

Kelly Hurley