1. Overview
Eom Su-yeon (엄수연Eom Su-yeonKorean Hanja: 嚴秀然) is a prominent South Korean ice hockey player, born on February 1, 2001. As a versatile athlete capable of playing both as a defender and a forward, she has represented the South Korean national team in numerous international competitions. Her career highlights include participating in the Winter Youth Olympics individual skills challenge, being a key member of the unified North and South Korean team at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, and leading the South Korean U18 team to a gold medal at the 2019 IIHF World Women's U18 Championship Div IB Qualification where she was recognized as the Best Defender. She also played college ice hockey in the NCAA for the St. Lawrence Saints women's ice hockey program.
2. Early Life
Eom Su-yeon was born on February 1, 2001. From a young age, she developed a passion for ice hockey, which would later lead her to an international career.
3. Playing Career
Eom Su-yeon's ice hockey career spans youth, junior, senior national team, and collegiate levels, marked by significant achievements and a versatile playing style.
3.1. Youth and Junior Career
Eom Su-yeon first gained international attention for her participation in the ice hockey girl's individual skills challenge at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics in Lillehammer. She demonstrated exceptional skill by qualifying for the finals, ultimately ranking 5th. During the preliminary rounds, she consistently placed in the top three in the Fastest Lap, Shooting Accuracy, and Skating Agility events, showcasing her all-around abilities.
In 2019, she was a pivotal member of the inaugural South Korean Women's U18 team that competed in the 2019 IIHF World Women's U18 Championship Div IB Qualification Tournament. The team delivered an outstanding performance, going undefeated throughout the tournament and securing the gold medal. Eom's individual contribution was recognized when she was named the Best Defender of the tournament, highlighting her crucial role in the team's defensive success.
3.2. Senior National Team Career
Eom Su-yeon has been a regular presence on the South Korean senior national team. She was a representative for South Korea at the 2017 Sapporo Winter Asian Games. In the same year, she also competed in the IIHF World Championship.
Her most notable international appearance came at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, where she was part of the historic unified team composed of 35 players drawn from both North Korea and South Korea. The team was coached by Sarah Murray and competed in Group B against formidable opponents including Switzerland, Japan, and Sweden.
3.3. College Career
Eom began her college ice hockey career in the United States with the St. Lawrence Saints program, competing in the ECAC Hockey conference of NCAA Division I during the 2021-22 season. Notably, she made a midseason transition from playing as a defender to a forward. On February 4, 2022, she scored her first collegiate goal in a 3-0 victory against Princeton Tigers.
4. Playing Style and Position
Eom Su-yeon's primary position in ice hockey is that of a defender. However, during her college career with the St. Lawrence Saints, she demonstrated adaptability by making a midseason switch to play as a forward. This positional change showcased her versatility and offensive capabilities, as evidenced by her scoring her first collegiate goal while playing in the forward role.
5. Major Achievements and Awards
Eom Su-yeon has garnered several significant achievements throughout her playing career:
- 2019 IIHF U18 Women's World Championship Div IBQ:** Gold Medal (Team)
- 2019 IIHF U18 Women's World Championship Div IBQ:** Best Defender (Individual Award)