Athlete Spotlight: Brenna Greene

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

SALEM, Mass. -- This week's athlete spotlight features women's ice hockey player Brenna Greene (Haverhill, Mass.). Greene played a huge role this past Friday, scoring the game winning goal with just two minutes remaining to give Salem State a 4-2 victory over Johnson and Wales.  

Greene talked about what she and her teammates were saying late during the game as they looked to break the 2-2 tie. "All of us just kept saying we're going to get the next one. No one cared who put it in as long as someone did. Coach Dana actually looked at me during the third and told me he had a feeling I'd be involved in the game-winner somehow, so that definitely instilled some confidence in me." 

"Scoring the game-winner was awesome. I don't score a ton of goals back on defense, so getting to score the game-winner in a conference game that means a lot in the standings is awesome." 

Before the game this past Friday, her niece was born just hours before the puck dropped, as she is know a proud aunt. "My niece was also born on Friday, so I like to think that her coming into the world gave me some luck and helped me score that goal!" 

The Haverhill native talked about how her team bounced back on Friday night after a tough weekend on November 10 and 11 in upstate New York. "I think we were just eager to get back out and play a game after our weekend in New York. We knew we had it in us to play better, and I think that's exactly what we did." 

Greene, who is currently majoring in Business, talked about what changed in the second and the third periods this past Saturday against UMass Boston after the Vikings gave up three goals during the first period.  "We didn't come out like we should have, and for that we paid the price. We definitely locked in for the second and third, and that helped us keep them from scoring and try to get one on the board to try and make a comeback." 

Salem State is looking to bounce back tonight against Salve Regina, Greene stated. "We just have to come out fast against Salve [Regina]. We can't come out flat footed like we did against UMass Boston. I think if we set the pace and play to our potential, we will be fine." 

She expressed the different routines she has before practice and before games. "Before practice I just warm up with the team off ice and then go and have my daily chats with [the athletic trainer] Morgan until I have to put my equipment on. Before a game, I am very particular about what I do. We warm up as a team, I do my own stretching because my body is aging rapidly and needs a little extra care before games, walk around and try to put off getting in my equipment. I try to spend as little time in my equipment as possible before a game." 

As for her off-season routine, this is what she had to say. "During the off season I try and be good about having a gym routine. We usually have a team lift packet that I follow pretty closely. I try to skate a couple times a week, there's no conditioning better than just getting out on the ice. I tried running this past summer too."  

She mentioned how she can make an impact and be a game-changer. "My biggest impact is stopping the other team's rush. As a defenseman, I just need to do my job stopping the other team and getting the puck to the forwards so they have a chance to go and score."  

Greene started playing hockey when she was three years old. She talked about how she got involved in the game, and expressed what the future holds once she graduates. "I got into the game of hockey because of my dad. He was a huge fan of the sport and coached me and my brothers growing up. I would love to be able to coach once I am done playing hockey. I've always been drawn to the idea of coaching."    

Her favorite memory as a Viking was when Salem State defeated Plymouth State 2-1 on the road in the first round of the NEHC playoffs on February 16, 2022. "There's so many awesome memories being a Viking. I think getting our first playoff win my sophomore year against Plymouth is probably one of my favorite memories."  

A game that resonates with the senior was when Salem State defeated the University of Southern Maine 2-1 on the road late last season. "I think a game that resonates with me is our OT win over USM last season. It was one of the last games of the year and it was just so fun to go out there and get a win like that." 

A person goal she has for this upcoming season is to improve their record from last season. "I think just winning as many conference games as possible is my goal. Maybe even beating our record from last year, just always looking to improve."  

She has a message for anyone who wants to play the sport of hockey. "I think anyone who's thinking about playing [hockey] should absolutely do it. There is such an awesome culture around hockey and I think anyone who has the chance should involve themselves in it."  

The Vikings are led by a new head coach, Ray Kizzie who took over the job just before the season started. She talked about what he means to the team. "Coach Kizzie means a lot to all of us. Obviously, coming in on such short notice isn't ideal, but he's made the transition smooth for all of us. He's doing an awesome job laying a good foundation for the program." 

As for her go-to meal before a game, this is what she had to say. "I ALWAYS get Tropical smoothie before games if I can. I usually get the chicken bacon ranch flat bread with a peanut butter cup smoothie."  

A person who has inspired the Haverhill native is her former high school coach. "My high school hockey coach Sarah Oteri Doucette. She did a lot for me while I played for her and I still have a relationship with her to this day."  

A vacation she would like to go on is anywhere in the tropical.  

A professional player she likes to watch is Torey Krug. As for who she admires she stated, "I admire any of the women trying to get the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) going. Players like Hilary Knight."  

An interesting fact about Greene is that she is the youngest of four kids and all of them can skate.  As of right know, she still hasn't decided on whether to come back for a fifth year for her masters degree, but she said she is looking into it.  

Greene and the Vikings will conclude their three-game home stand tonight at the Rockett Arena against Salve Regina. Game time is at 7:00 p.m.