Lots of Youth

We are now about two weeks into our official season and I can't help but look at all the new players and think -- Are we really this young? With 18 skaters and 9 of them being new faces, it is definitely going to be a challenge to get everyone on the same page this year!



In the past few days, we have started to work on systems with forechecking and defensive z0ne coverage. What pleases me about the team this year is the willingness and eagerness to learn. I almost feel like a mom with kids...... I said almost. I don't know if that can be attributed to youth or my stellar coaching. To help me sleep at night, I'll say it's a little bit of both.



Next weekend is our first game against Chatham College. Chatham plays in the ECAC West league and typically, we don't get a chance to play teams from leagues outside of our own or the MIAC. I'm really not sure what to expect. Currently, we are still attending to some injuries as sophomore Lynn Switaj, our returning top scorer from last season, has not fully practiced with the team yet.



There is never good news with any injury but the positive spin is that the girls on the team will have the chance to step up their level of play. As freshman, it's important to establish your role early on and we have numerous players who are capable of controlling the outcome of a game, including upperclassmen who have more experience under their belt.



Recently, team captains were named as juniors Jamie Sauer, Courtney Bean, and Carolyn Thiess were chosen by their peers. All three are defensemen and all three bring a different element to the locker room and the ice.



I know I say this all the time but I am very excited with the leadership we have and with the talent potential that I've seen the past few weeks. There definitely comes a time when practice is enough and let's see who can put the puck in the net when it really counts. The puck drops for us next Saturday at 3:00 pm and you can call Ticketmaster to reserve your seats now.



Hope to see you there!



Carisa