Chartiers Valley grad Annie Katonka helps Plattsburgh State claim national title

There are few words that can describe this past season for Annie Katonka.

The Chartiers Valley grad helped lead the Plattsburgh State women’s hockey team to the NCAA Division III title. The Cardinals topped Hamline, 4-0, in the championship game March 16.

“It is an awesome feeling when you work all year for it, and you finally achieve it,” Katonka said. “It still hasn’t sunk in it. It’s just awesome.”

It was the fifth national title in six years for Plattsburgh State.

Katonka had a major part in capturing the program’s seventh overall title. In the opening game of the NCAA tournament, Katonka scored the game-winner. The goal came 45 seconds into overtime to advance past Endicott, 3-2.

“It was a team effort,” Katonka said. “Their goalie played well, but we knew we were capable of winning. It was motivating. We knew if we didn’t win, we wouldn’t move on to the next round or the final four. We had the mindset of not losing the game.”

It was a breakout season for Katonka. The sophomore led Division III in goals (31), power-play goals (11) and was second in points (54). Katonka said her relationship with linemates — senior Courtney Moriarty and sophomore Abby Brush — helped her find success.

“I don’t want to say I surprised myself, but I surprised myself,” Katonka said. “I gained a lot of confidence. My linemates helped me all year. All my teammates did.”

People took notice of Katonka’s successful season, and she received All-American honors. She was one of four Cardinal players named to the 2018-19 CCM/American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) Women’s Division III All-America team. Katonka received first-team honors.

“That is something when you come in as a freshman you want to work towards,” Katonka said. “At our rink, there is a wall with all of the team’s All-Americans. Seeing some of the Plattsburgh legends up there, you want to see yourself up there. Every girls wants it.”

Katonka’s breakout season came a year a solid freshman debut. As a player at Chartiers Valley, injuries marred her senior season — a broken hand and then a broken arm cost her most of the season.

But once she got on campus, she quickly adjusted to the college game and finished with 12 goals and 11 assists in her rookie season.

“I hadn’t played much hockey right before I came to college,” Katonka said. “The college game is much faster and more skilled. I came in and embraced my role on the team.”

The Cardinals have entered the offseason and will soon focus on off-ice conditioning. But Katonka expressed her excitement for next season. Plattsburgh State will start the year with a target on its back as the defending champion.

Katonka is fine with that.

“It will be motivating,” Katonka said. “It is fun playing with a chip on your shoulder. We know everyone is going to want to beat us. It gives you extra motivation knowing no one likes you.”