Across the storied history of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, countless student-athletes have left their mark on the ice and have continued to excel in their post-collegiate careers. In this special Alumni Spotlight series, the WCHA will highlight former players around the league who have made an impact and gone above and beyond in their respective professional careers.

In the ninth installment of this series, the WCHA is highlighting former Bemidji State forward Abby Halluska, who graduated in 2020 and is now working as a dentist for Park Dental.  While at Bemidji State, Halluska was a three-time WCHA Scholar-Athlete and WCHA All-Academic Team member. In her senior season with the Beavers, Halluska was one of seven skaters to appear in all 37 games. During her four years with Bemidji State, Halluska totaled 57 points off 28 goals and 29 assists in 146 games played for the Beavers. Hallusak played in every game of her career and tied for the second-longest consecutive game streak in program history with 146 consecutive games played
 

How did playing college and or professional hockey prepare you for your current career? 
Playing college hockey instilled a growth mindset, a good reminder to always be open to learning from others around you. I always like to remind myself that I should be around people who will challenge me and make me a better hockey player, dentist, friend, daughter, etc. 

What was your favorite memory from playing in the WCHA?
My favorite memory as a Beaver was advancing to the WCHA final four my freshman year. Although all the team meals are a close second. 

What advice would you give to your college self?
You’re as young as you’re ever gonna be, and I’d tell myself to shoot more pucks. 

What advice would you give to current WCHA players? 
Enjoy it, sounds cliché, but I would go back to playing college hockey in a heartbeat. 

What was the most rewarding part about playing in the WCHA?
The most rewarding part about playing in the WCHA was the connections I made and watching the game grow.   

WCHA Alumni Spotlight Features
Julianna Iafallo, Ohio State
Margot Miller, North Dakota
Emma Yanko, Minnesota Duluth
Gabby Billing, St. Thomas
Baylee Stevenson (Gillanders), Minnesota
Sadie Lundquist, Bemidji State
Sheri Hudspeth (Maisonneuve), Minnesota State
Rachel Herzog, St. Cloud State

For more information on the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, follow the league on X and Instagram @WCHA_WHockey, and online at wcha.com.