Anchorage forwards Zoe Hickel and Jordan Smelker get a shot at the National Women's Hockey League's inaugural Isobel Cup this week after they helped the Boston Pride sweep the New York Riveters in two games in the circuit's semifinals over the weekend.
The Pride beat the Riveters 6-0 Friday and 7-4 Saturday, and in the finals face the Boston Beauts, who knocked out the Connecticut Whale in three games. The Cup finals, best-of-3, are Friday, Saturday and, if necessary Sunday, in Newark, New Jersey,
Hickel delivered a power-play goal Friday and two even-strength assists Saturday. In 17 regular-season games, she went 3-4--7.
Smelker didn't have a point in the semifinals, but was strong in the regular season wit 9-10--19 totals in 17 games.