The Antagonist
Mavericks forward and University of Wisconsin transfer Lindsay Macy is back to her old tricks: scoring goals and intimidating opponents
by Dan Myers
Issue date: 10/12/06 Section: Womens Sports
Lindsay Macy just wasn't happy at the University of Wisconsin.
Yes, the Owatonna, Minn. native finished second on the Badgers in scoring during her first two seasons in Madison. And yes, her size, speed and skill had already made her one of the top players in the WCHA. Wisconsin was on the verge of winning its first national championship, and boasted the conference's best player - Macy's line mate Sara Bauer.
But something about the UW just wasn't right.
Following the 2004-05 season - one that saw her score 19 goals and 24 assists - Macy decided enough was enough and transferred to Minnesota State.
"I wanted to be closer to my family, but that's about it," Macy said. "I liked my teammates, I liked the coaches. But it just wasn't a good fit.
"I didn't think I was playing to my potential. When you're not happy, you don't play well."
What was Wisconsin's loss was MSU's gain.
After spending a year on the bench due to NCAA transfer rules, a year Macy spent getting faster and stronger, she returned to the ice for the Mavericks in 2006 - scoring two goals and four points in the team's first three games.
More importantly for head coach Jeff Vizenor and the rest of the Mavericks, Macy brought with her an attitude and competitive fire few Mavericks, if any, have ever possessed.
"She tries to get in your head," said MSU captain Shera Vis, who also played against Macy during her days at UW. "She can be annoying to play against because she's tough and she'll get in your face."
Unlike many gifted trash-talkers of the day, Macy says she doesn't hit the ice with catchy put-downs or clever lines designed to intimidate opponents.
"It's not something I like to do," Macy said. "Sometimes, its not good for team morale, sometimes it is, so you have to learn when to do it and when not to do it. It just happens in the heat of the game."
Her intensity endears her to teammates but aggravates opponents.
"When she's on your team, you love her," Vizenor said. "But when she's against you, you hate her."
Macy says her demeanor comes from playing with boys as a youth in Owatonna.
"It's something I grew up doing because I played with boys all the time and you learn with the boys. My brother was a fighter in the USHL, so I learned it from him too."
Macy's talking made a transition to MSU a difficult one at first. Many of new her teammates remembered playing against her. Macy's tendency to work her opponents physically and verbally earned her few friends after her transfer.
"I didn't really get along with a few of the girls right away," Macy said. "I had one ask me if I was bi-polar because I was so mean on the ice and chilled off. It was expected anywhere I went."
Macy's ability quickly made believers of her teammates. After a season practicing with the Mavericks and a summer spent playing hockey with many of her teammates, Macy is embraced by teammates and is now just another player on the team.
"We have a close-knit team, so I'd like to think I fit in well," Macy said.
Along with her mental toughness, Macy has also given the Mavericks a physical presence on offense, something MSU has lacked for years.
"She's a grinder in front of the net," said Mavericks goalie Brit Kehler, who played against Macy during her freshman year. "She works hard and gets to pucks that you wouldn't think she has any chance of getting."
"She's always a threat when she's on the ice," Vis said. "You always need to worry about her."
Dan Myers is the Reporter Sports Editor