WOMEN’S HOCKEY PREVIEW ISSUE
F E AT U R E S Team Previews 6
Our schools give you an inside look at their 2011-2012 teams. Find out who’s back, who’s new and where they expect to finish this season.
4 The Path Success Olympian and current OUA Head Coach Vicky Sunohara talks about her return to the university level.
My OUA Decision
18
Former Laurier Golden Hawk Liz Knox discusses her decision to stay in Canada and how it helped her get to the National level.
PLUS 29 - OUA by the Numbers 37 - Play On Champions
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45 - OUA All-Time Champions List
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OUA Uncovered
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The Path to Success
Foreword by Andrea Elliott, story and photos courtesy of Vicky Sunohara
There’s a new boss behind the bench at the University of Toronto this season and she brings a wealth of playing experience with her. Former OUA and Team Canada player, Vicky Sunohara returns to her alma matter to begin her OUA coaching career. Sunohara played for Toronto prior to her national team success which includes two Olympic gold medals and seven world championships. The opportunity to coach in the OUA was too large to pass over and below in an OUA Uncovered exclusive she discusses her excitement to return to the university level.
OUA hockey is another stepping stone that led to my international success. I learned a lot while playing at the University of Toronto and while here, I enjoyed a lot of success, and learned what it took to be a winner. Playing in the OUA is not much different than on the national
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The Path to Success
team. Studentathletes receive a lot of the same resources as those players representing Canada at the Olympic level. The coaching staff in the OUA is some of the highest caliber I’ve seen in any league. Players have access to s t r e n g t h & conditioning coaches, nutritionists, mental trainers and some of the best medical staff that Canada has to offer. I’m really excited about starting this new chapter of my life. I don’t expect to rest on accomplishments. I want to set new goals in coaching. I don’t want to be seen as a good coach because I’m known as a good player. I have a lot to learn. But there are a lot of us who enjoyed playing success that are now turning to coaching. My Team Canada teammates Jayna Hefford and Lori Dupuis are joining my coaching staff this season. I already know we work successfully together on the ice so I’m excited to see how that translates to the coaching side of things.
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Brock Badgers
At a Glance
Brock Badgers By Shawn Whiteley
The Brock University women’s hockey team is coming off its best finish in school history where they posted a 22-5 OUA regular season record. Second year Badgers bench boss Jim Denham will look to continue to build a strong program with a goal of winning their first OUA Championship in the near future. In his first season at the helm, Denham was named both the OUA and CIS Coach of the Year. The 2011-12 Brock lineup will see 12 returnees along with 12 new faces.
Schedule Oct. 5 UOIT, 7:15 pm Oct. 6 Queen's, 7:15 pm Oct. 15 @ Western, 7:30 pm Oct. 16 @ Windsor, 4:10 pm Oct. 21 @ Toronto, 7:30 pm Oct. 22 @ Ryerson, 6:30 pm Oct. 27 Guelph, 7:15 pm Oct. 29 York, 3:15 pm Nov. 4 Waterloo, 7:30 pm Nov. 5 Laurier, 7:15 pm Nov. 16 Guelph, 7:15 pm Nov. 19 Laurier, 3:15 pm Nov. 26 York, 3:15 pm Nov. 27 @ Waterloo, 2:00 pm Jan. 7 @ Queen's, 7:30 pm Jan. 8 @ UOIT, 3:30 pm Jan. 12 Western, 7:15 pm Jan. 14 Windsor, 3:15 pm Jan. 21 @ UOIT, 7:30 pm Jan. 22 @ Queen's, 2:30 pm Jan. 26 Ryerson, 7:15 pm Jan. 28 Toronto, 3:15 pm Feb. 2 @ Guelph, 7:30 pm Feb. 5 @ York, 2:00 pm Feb. 10 @ Laurier, 7:30 pm Feb. 11 @ Waterloo, 2:00 pm
Leading the Badgers up front will be the sophomore duo of Leigh Vanderveen and Jessica Fickel who had great freshmen seasons. Vanderveen was named an OUA All-Star and finished second in OUA rookie scoring registering 25 points including 10 goals and 15 assists in 27 contests. Fickel finished her first season with 21 points adding seven goals and 14 assists in 27 games. Also returning up front are Kristen Dewsbury, Breanne Veale, Sara Brady, Hailey Webb and Katie Howlett. The Badgers graduated forwards Kelly Walker, the 2010-11 OUA Player of the Year, along with Courtney Sutherland and Karolyn McIlmoyle. Page 6
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Brock Badgers
Personnel Key Returning Leigh Vanderveen Jessica Fickel Key Key Departures Beth Clause Kelly Walker Key Recruits Belina Hooper Laura Neu Jaclyn Conacher Kristen Clendinning Samantha Green Alex Nastasiuk Brittany Agius
Brock forward Kristen Dewsbury
New forwards include NCAA transfer Belina Hooper (RIT Tigers), PWHL graduates Laura Neu (Cambridge Fury), Jaclyn Conacher (Burlington Barracudas), Kristen Clendinning (Stoney Creek Sabres), Samantha Green (Brampton, Thunder), and Midget AA graduates Alex Nastasiuk (Barrie Sharks) and Brittany Agius (Orillia Hawks). On the blueline, the Badgers have a talented veteran core led by senior Maja Samborski, a 2010-11 OUA All-Star. Also returning on defense are Courtney Stevens, Rachel Piotrowski and Kaitie Phelan. Newcomers on defense include PWHL grads Brittney Cabral
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Brock Badgers
(Stoney Creek Sabres), Ally Graham (Bluewater Hawks) and Sarah Adams (Brampton Thunder). In goal, Brock will have two rookies in Chantal Bicket (Durham West Lightning) and Emily Kelly (Saugeen Maitland AA). They will have big shoes to fill taking over for five-year graduate Beth Clause, the 2010-11 Brock Female Athlete of the Year, 2011 FISU Gold Medalist and the all-time Brock leader in every statistical category.
Did you know‌ Former Brock goalie Beth Clause is the alltime Brock leader in every statistical category.
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Guelph Gryphons
At a Glance Schedule
Guelph Gryphons By Michelle Pino
Last season the Gryphons finished with a 17-3-0 regular season record, third in the OUA after league play and then lost in the OUA final series to the Queen’s Gaels. This season the Gryphons have one of the largest rookie classes in recent years. The team will feature 14 returning players and 10 rookies.
Oct. 7 Queen's, 4:30 pm Oct. 8 UOIT, 2:00 pm Oct. 14 @ Western, 7:30 pm Oct. 15 @ Windsor, 4:10 pm Oct. 21 @ Ryerson, 7:00 pm Oct. 22 @ Toronto, 4:00 pm Oct. 27 @ Brock, 7:15 pm Oct. 30 York, 2:00 pm Nov. 5 Waterloo, 2:00 pm Nov. 6 Laurier, 2:00 pm Nov. 10 Waterloo, 7:30 pm Nov. 12 York, 7:30 pm Nov. 16 @ Brock, 7:15 pm Nov. 17 Laurier, 7:30 pm Nov. 25 @ UOIT, 7:30 pm Nov. 26 @ Queen's, 3:30 pm Jan. 14 Western, 2:00 pm
Expect fourth-year forward and local Guelph Jan. 15 Windsor, 2:00 pm 20 @ UOIT, 7:30 pm native Tamara Bell to take charge this season Jan. Jan. 21 @ Queen's, 3:30 pm and lead her team back to the Championships. Jan. 26 Toronto, 7:30 pm Bell will once again Jan. 28 Ryerson, 2:00 pm wear the ‘C’ after Feb. 2 Brock, 7:30 pm earning nine goals Feb. 4 @ York, 2:00 pm Feb. 11 @ Laurier, 7:30 pm and 12 assists in 27 Feb. 12 @ Waterloo, 2:00 pm regular season games last year. Returning to lead the Gryphon defence will be Jacalyn Sollis (West Vancouver, BC) who is coming off a great season last year where she was named to the second-team defensive unit as an OUA all-star for the second season in a row. Sollis finished sixth in the OUA for top scoring
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Guelph Gryphons
Personnel Key Returning Jacalyn Sollis Tamara Bell Kim Wong Katie Mora Erin Small
defenseman with 12 points and earned a gold medal with Team Canada at the World University Games.
Key Departing Jessica Zerafa Dayna Kanis Danielle Skoufranis Key Recruits Victoria Head Leigh Nicole Shilton Jessica Pinkerton
Keep your eye on fifth-year forward Erin Small (Pickering, Ont.) to have another great season. Last season she earned 11 goals and 10 assists in 27 games and has the ability to dominate games. Small returns to the team as an Assistant Captain and head coach Carly Haggard expects her to be one of the top players in the league this season. One of the Gryphon rookies to watch this season is Victoria Head (Ottawa). She joins the team after playing for the Ottawa Intermediate AA team last year and will be looked upon to be a dominate power forward this year for the Gryphons. The Gryphons played two exhibition games in September. They faced off against the Grant MacEwan Griffins on September 24 and the Burlington CWHL team on September 25. The regular season opens October 7 against Queen’s at home. The Gryphons could not have asked for a better home
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Guelph Gryphons
opener after being defeated by the Gaels in the OUA Championship two games to one last season. “We are extremely excited about the upcoming season and have already had a very strong training camp. Our sights are once again set on an OUA Championship title,” said University of Guelph head coach Carly Haggard.
Did you know…
The Gryphons came out on the losing end of the longest hockey game in collegiate history (CIS or NCAA) on March 2, 2011. The game lasted 167 minutes and 14 seconds before Queen’s scored the game-winner in game one of the OUA Final.
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Champions for Life
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Laurier Golden Hawks
At a Glance
Laurier Golden Hawks By: Jamie Howieson
The Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks will be in new territory as they enter the 2011-12 season. For the first time in seven years, the Golden Hawks are not the defending OUA Champions after falling to the Queen’s Gaels in the OUA Semifinals one year ago. As well, there will be a new face between the pipes for Laurier as five-year standout Liz Knox of Stouffville, Ont., has completed her time in the OUA and has moved on to the Canadian Women’s National program.
Schedule Oct. 8 @ Western, 4:30 pm Oct. 9 @ Windsor, 4:10 pm Oct. 21 @ Waterloo, 7:30 pm Oct. 22 @ York, 2:00 pm Oct. 29 UOIT, 7:30 pm Oct. 30 Queen's, 3:00 pm Nov. 5 @ Brock, 7:15 pm Nov. 6 @ Guelph, 2:00 pm Nov. 11 Queen's, 7:30 pm Nov. 12 UOIT, 7:30 pm Nov. 17 @ Guelph, 7:30 pm Nov. 19 @ Brock, 3:15 pm Dec. 2 Ryerson, 7:30 pm Dec. 4 Toronto, 7:30 pm Jan. 6 Windsor, 7:30 pm Jan. 7 @ Western, 7:30 pm Jan. 14 @ Ryerson, 2:00 pm Jan. 15 @ Toronto, 2:00 pm Jan. 20 Windsor, 7:30 pm Jan. 21 Western, 7:30 pm Jan. 27 Waterloo, 7:30 pm Jan. 28 York, 7:30 pm
Despite the differences entering the year, this team remains a heavy favourite to capture the OUA Championship as they return a number of talented players. Headlining this list are Feb. 2 @ UOIT, 7:30 pm forwards Katherine Shirriff of Carrying Place, Feb. 3 @ Queen's, 7:30 pm Ont., and reigning OUA Rookie of the Year Feb. 10 Brock, 7:30 pm Laura Brooker of Fergus, Ont. These two players finished third and fourth respectively in the OUA in scoring last season with Shirriff posting an OUA-best 25 assists (32 points) while Brooker was second in the conference in goals with 19 (27 points). Shirriff and Brooker are complimented by a deep and talented group of forwards including captain Abby Rainsberry of Petrolia, Ont., Vanessa Schabkar of Etobicoke, Ont., Caitlin Muirhead of Waterloo, Ont., and Devon Skeats of Whitby, Ont. Page 14
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Laurier Golden Hawks
On the blueline, OUA First Team AllStars Fiona Lester of Peterborough, Ont., and Alicia Martin of Etobicoke, Ont., are back to once again anchor a group of defenceman that are among the best in the country. Alannah Wakefield of Pickering, Ont., and Blair Connelly of Amherstburg, Ont., will also play key roles in providing offensive support to the talented Hawk forwards. In between the pipes, Kristen Kilgallen of Guelph, Ont., appears to be the favourite to take over the starting goaltending duties from Knox. Last season, in five games she posted a 4-1-0 record with a 1.58 GAA and a 0.933 SV%. She will be pushed for playing time by rookie Erika Thunder of Buffalo Point, Man.
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Personnel Key returning Katherine Shirriff Laura Brooker Abby Rainsberry Alicia Martin Fiona Lester Vanessa Schabkar Key Departures Liz Knox Erin Weber Key Recruits Haley Baxter Erika Thunder Danelle Im Jessie Hurrell
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Laurier Golden Hawks
According to head coach Rick Osborne, he believes that this team has what it takes to once again make a run for the OUA Championship. "I believe we have an experienced group of players who will challenge once again for the OUA championship," said Osborne. "With 11 teams now competing and a new playoff format that allows eight teams into the post-season, this could be the most competitive and exciting regular season we have seen in a while."
Did you know‌
Laurier players have captured the last two OUA Rookie of the Year awards – Laura Brooker in 2010-11 and Candice Styles in 2009-10.
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My OUA Decision
Foreword by Andrea Elliott
Photo Courtesy of hockeycanada.ca
Liz Knox is one of the most decorated athletes in Laurier’s women’s hockey history. After the departure of OUA and CIS All-Star goalie Cindy Eadie in 2005-06, there was a hole on the backend of the Laurier team that was in the middle of a consecutive OUA Championship streak. In the 2006-07 season, Laurier found their new goaltending star. Knox, a native of Stouffville, Ont. played her role as a rookie and shared goaltending duties but by the 2007-08 season the position was hers to run with. And run with it, she did. Knox is a four-time OUA Champion, a three-time CIS medalist (two silver, one bronze), a two-time first team, and two-time second team OUA All-Star. Her year to remember was the 2009-10 season where she earned Laurier’s Athlete of the Year along with the OUA and CIS Player of the Year awards. She was then named the OUA’s representative at the BLG (Borden Ladner Gervais) Awards for the CIS Athlete of the Year. Knox was also successful in the classroom and the community, taking home the Luke Fusco Academic Athletic Achievement Award that same year and being named the Outstanding Woman of Laurier and a 2010 OUA Woman of Influence. In addition to her achievements wearing the purple and gold, Knox has also donned the red and white for Canada. She was a member of the Team Canada U-22 team in 2008-09 that won a silver medal at the MLP Cup in Germany and then claimed gold at the 2011 Universiade Games. Knox took the time to discuss the road she took to get where she is today and what it was like to balance her school and national success.
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My OUA Decision
By Liz Knox It wasn’t all that long ago that I was a young teen trying to make a big decision for my future: where to go to university? This daunting question led me to selfinterrogate not only the person that I was at the time, but also the person that I hoped to become. Here is my story: Like most young people reading this, I was lucky enough to be a somewhat talented hockey player. I grew up on skates and played competitively in the Markham-Stouffville Stars Girls Hockey Association for ten years. By the time I hit high school I was playing for the Stars’ Junior team and soon realized the world of opportunity that lay before me. I became instantly infatuated with pursuing a scholarship to an NCAA Division I college or university. I took the necessary steps, like writing my SATs and ACTs, and at sixteen I began talking to different scouts and schools. The latter half of high school was filled with exactly that – hockey, scouts, and official visits; combined, of course with the regular life of a high school senior – studies, extra-curricular sports, relationships – you get the idea.
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My OUA Decision
While hockey was always the first thing on my mind, my parents were adamant that I keep my education in the foresight. I figured I had better investigate what my options were for staying in Canada. I would be lying if I said I instantly changed my goals from NCAA to CIS, but as I became more aware of the opportunities in Canada it became increasingly tempting to stay. My personal turning point came when I received a call from Fran Rider (president of the OWHA) to inform me that I would be a great candidate to apply for Ontario Quest For Gold funding. This had funding had potential to grant me the monetary support I would need to pay for tuition, rent, and books for four years of my undergraduate degree - if I stayed in Canada. To give you a comparison, this would be similar to what the NCAA calls a “full ride”. I instantly fell in love with the idea and when I saw the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks (OUA) playing the University of Alberta Pandas in the CIS Championships on The Score I knew I’d look good in purple.
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My OUA Decision
Without getting into the fine details, by the fall of 2006 I was moving my belongings into Macdonald House at the centre of Laurier’s campus. Through Quest for Gold and an OUA Athletic Scholarship, I received full financial support for all five years that I played in purple and gold, but there was so much more than just that. After playing in the same championship (one year later) that drew me to Laurier, I was asked to try out for the Under-22 National Team. Since my first year at Laurier, I have represented our country on the world stage five times: twice with the Under-22 team, twice with the Senior National team and once with the CIS National team. Still chasing my dream, I am currently in the development program for the National Women’s Team that will compete in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. There I go again with hockey on my mind first! So what, you ask, did I get at Laurier other than the hockey career of my dreams? I found a school that felt like home, a team that felt like family, and an education that prepared me for a future in Canada.
Photo courtesy of hockeycanada.ca The Official E-Magazine of OUA
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Queen’s Gaels
At a Glance
Queen’s Gaels By Chris Lund
The Queen’s Gaels enter this season with great optimism as they retain much of the roster from their 2010-11 OUA Championship season.
Schedule Oct. 6 @ Brock, 7:15 pm Oct. 7 @ Guelph, 4:30 pm Oct. 16 @ UOIT, 2:30 pm Oct. 21 Western, 7:30 pm Oct. 22 Windsor, 7:30 pm Oct. 29 @ Waterloo, 2:00 pm Oct. 30 @ Laurier, 3:00 pm Nov. 4 Ryerson, 7:30 pm Nov. 5 Toronto, 7:30 pm Nov. 11 @ Laurier, 7:30 pm Nov. 12 @ Toronto, 4:00 pm Nov. 19 @ Ryerson, 7:00 pm Nov. 26 Guelph, 3:30 pm
Last season the Gaels overcame a difficult first half and went on a run late in the season. After Dec. 2 UOIT, 7:30 pm winning nine of their final 11 regular season Dec. 3 York, 7:30 pm games, the Gaels entered the playoffs as the Jan. 6 UOIT, 7:30 pm hottest team in the OUA. Overtime playoff wins Jan. 7 Brock, 7:30 pm 14 @ York, 2:00 pm over Windsor and Wilfrid Laurier set up a Jan. Jan. 21 Guelph, 3:30 pm historical OUA Jan. 22 Brock, 2:30 pm Final with the Jan. 28 @ Western, 4:30 pm Jan. 29 @ Windsor, 4:10 pm G u e l p h Gryphons. In Feb. 3 Laurier, 7:30 pm Feb. 4 Waterloo, 7:30 pm game one, the Feb. 11 @ Ryerson, 2:00 pm Gaels won the Feb. 12 @ Toronto, 2:00 pm longest hockey game in collegiate history during the sixth overtime before beating the Gryphons in single OT to earn a berth in the CIS Championships. The Gaels met Laurier once again in the CIS bronze medal
Queen’s forward Morgan McHaffie
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Queen’s Gaels
game and defeated the Golden Hawks once again, earning third place in the country. The Gaels return the majority of their roster from last season and will be counting on the emergence of some young stars this season. Guelph, Ontario natives Brittany and Morgan McHaffie will lead the Gaels up front. In 2010 Morgan was named an OUA second team All-Star in her second season with the Gaels. She also scored the game winning goal in the record setting six overtime game against the Gryphons. On the blueline, Katie Duncan will be a key performer in her fourth season as a Gael. Mel DoddMoher of Stittsville, Ont. emerged as
Personnel Key Returning Morgan McHaffie Brittany McHaffie Katie Duncan Mel Dodd-Moher
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Queen’s Gaels
the Gaels goaltending star during their playoff run. Her 1.09 GAA and 0.968 save percentage earned her a place as a CIS Championship All-Star. Last season’s OUA Championship victory was the Gaels first women’s hockey championship since the 1978-79 season and the team will look to ensure that they do not have to wait that long again as they appear poised to make another deep playoff run.
Did you know…
Queen’s captured their first medal at a national championship last season when they defeated Laurier for the bronze medal.
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Ryerson Rams
At a Glance
Ryerson Rams By Jim McLarty
After four years of Sunday morning games at Canlan Ice Sports York, the Ryerson women’s hockey team, formerly known as the Stingers, has finally earned its horns and this coming fall will become the eighth Rams team to compete under the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) banners.
Schedule Oct. 7 York, 7:00 pm Oct. 9 @ Toronto, 4:00 pm Oct. 15 @ Waterloo, 2:00 pm Oct. 21 Guelph, 7:00 pm Oct. 22 Brock, 6:30 pm Oct. 28 Western, 7:00 pm Oct. 29 Windsor, 2:00 pm Nov. 4 @ Queen's, 7:30 pm Nov. 5 @ UOIT, 3:30 pm Nov. 11 @ York, 7:00 pm Nov. 12 Waterloo, 6:30 pm Nov. 19 Queen's, 7:00 pm Nov. 20 @ UOIT, 2:30 pm Nov. 26 @ Western, 4:30 pm Nov. 27 @ Windsor, 4:10 pm Dec. 2 @ Laurier, 7:30 pm
Since September of 2007, the team played in the Golden Blades Women’s Ice Hockey League and went out on a high note in its final campaign, going undefeated (21-0-3) and capturing the league title while winning a bronze medal at the provincial championships.
Jan. 13 Waterloo, 7:00 pm Jan. 14 Laurier, 2:00 pm Jan. 21 York, 7:00 pm Jan. 22 Toronto, 2:00 pm Jan. 26 @ Brock, 7:15 pm Jan. 28 @ Guelph, 2:00 pm Feb. 4 @ Western, 4:30 pm Feb. 5 @ Windsor, 4:10 pm Feb. 10 UOIT, 7:00 pm Feb. 11 Queen's, 2:00 pm
The transition from Stingers to Rams was given a spark in April, when it was announced that Lisa Jordan, one of the most successful coaches in Canadian women’s hockey, would become the first head coach in Ryerson Rams women’s hockey program history. Jordan is a four-time AUS champion in 14 seasons with the Saint Mary’s Huskies, and was named the 2003 CIS coach of the year. In addition, Jordan is an assistant coach with the women’s senior national team, and has worked with Hockey Canada in multiple roles over the last few years.
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Ryerson Rams
Joining Jordan from the Huskies program are fifth-year transfers Lauren McCusker and Kyla Thurston. McCusker (Newmarket, Ont.) is a former AUS conference all-star and led Saint Mary’s with 24 points last season including six goals. Fellow forward Thurston (Ajax, Ont.) finished 2010-11 right behind McCusker, tallying 11 goals and 23 points for the Huskies. Both veterans will be relied upon to provide on and off-ice leadership for the Rams, who will welcome back just four players from last year’s Stingers program. This includes forwards Courtney Miller (Gravenhurst, Ont.), Victoria Arci (Woodbridge, Ont.) and Megan Higgins (Barrie, Ont.) as well as goaltender Dana Carson (London, Ont.).
Personnel Key Returning Courtney Miller Victoria Arci Megan Higgins Dana Carson Key Recruits Lauren McCusker Kyla Thurston Janella Brodett
Also looked upon to make an impact this year is former ACHA all-star Janella Brodett. The Edmonton native will bring much-valued experience to the program having already
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Ryerson Rams
played at the college level with Grant MacEwan last season and w i t h t h e Lindenwood Lions in 2009-10, where she took home a n a t i o n a l championship. Goaltender Emma Crawley rounds out the Rams list of players to watch, as the Herring Cove, N.S. product joins Ryerson after garnering several league and provincial titles playing for both women’s and men’s teams. Crawley helped Team Nova Scotia to an Atlantic Challenge Cup Championship and also attended the Team Atlantic women’s U18 selection camp in 2009. The jump to OUA competition will be a significant one, and there is no doubt there will be some steep learning curves as the Rams find their way through their first season in the conference. However, with former Head Coach and current Associate Director of Athletics Stephanie White instituting the culture of excellence and tradition with the women over the last two years, and Jordan taking over the helm in 201112, there is potential for the team to make significant strides and become a bonafide OUA squad in the not-too-distant future.
Did you know…
The Rams’ future home will be a revamped
Maple Leaf Gardens
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By the Numbers
A look at stats and figures in OUA women’s hockey.
3 The number of times an OUA women’s hockey studentathlete was named the CIS Athlete of the Week in 2010-11 (Jessica Larabie, G, UOIT, Kelsey Thomson, F, Queen’s, and Jessica Fickel, F, Brock).
10 The number of OUA women’s hockey student-athletes to represent Canada at the 2011 Universiade Games in Turkey. Team Canada brought home the gold medal after defeating Finland 4-1 in the final.
155 The number of points Elizabeth Chiasson scored in her career from 2001-05 at Queen’s to lead the OUA all-time.
2 The number of OUA teams to win the CIS national championship (Toronto, 2000-01 and Laurier, 2004-05). Continued on page 41...
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Toronto Varsity Blues
At a Glance
Toronto Varsity Blues By Jill Clark Photos courtesy of Varsity Blues Athletics
With a key veteran corps, some new rookie talents and a brand new coaching staff, the Varsity Blues women’s hockey team returns for the 2011-12 season ready to take on top talent in the CIS. Under the guidance of first-year full-time head coach Vicky Sunohara, the Blues look to improve upon last year’s sixth-place finish and regain supremacy at the top of OUA.
Schedule Oct. 8 @ York, 7:00 pm Oct. 9 Ryerson, 4:00 pm Oct. 16 @ Waterloo, 2:00 pm Oct. 21 Brock, 7:30 pm Oct. 22 Guelph, 4:00 pm Oct. 29 Western, 4:00 pm Oct. 30 Windsor, 2:00 pm Nov. 4 @ UOIT, 7:30 pm Nov. 5 @ Queen's, 7:30 pm Nov. 12 Queen's, 4:00 pm Nov. 13 UOIT, 4:00 pm Nov. 26 @ Windsor, 4:10 pm Nov. 27 @ Western, 2:00 pm Dec. 4 @ Laurier, 7:30 pm Jan. 6 Waterloo, 7:30 pm Jan. 7 @ York, 2:00 pm Jan. 14 Waterloo, 4:00 pm Jan. 15 Laurier, 2:00 pm Jan. 20 York, 7:30 pm Jan. 22 @ Ryerson, 2:00 pm Jan. 26 @ Guelph, 7:30 pm Jan. 28 @ Brock, 3:15 pm
“We’ve got a great group of student-athletes and w e ’ r e Feb. 4 @ Windsor, 4:10 pm Feb. 5 @ Western, 2:00 pm excited for the Feb. 11 UOIT, 4:00 pm start of the Feb. 12 Queen's, 2:00 pm season,” said Sunohara. “The team has really come together during training camp and I can’t wait to see it all come together this week.” Karolina Urban returns to lead the Blues and becomes the fifth player in team history
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Toronto Varsity Blues
Personnel Key Returning: Karolina Urban Brenley Jorgensen Amanda Fawns Kelly Setter Natalie Hughes Nicole Kesteris Key Departures: Lindsay Hill Emily Milito Key Recruits Jacqueline Scheffel Courtney Tougas Caitlin Maikawa April Looije Krista Funke
to captain the team for three consecutive seasons. She is joined by fellow fifth-year forwards Brenley Jorgensen and Amanda Fawns. Jorgensen has led the team in scoring for the past two seasons, while Fawns leads the forecheck with her quick feet and tenacity on the ice. On top of a key group of returning forwards, which includes veteran Callie Bazak, Brittany Kirby and sophomore standout Amanda Ricker, Sunohara has also added solid size up front in rookie forwards Courtney Tougas and Jacqueline Scheffel. Fifth-year veterans Kelly Setter and Natalie Hughes leads U of T’s defensive corps. They will be joined by some
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Toronto Varsity Blues
familiar faces in Marlie McLaughlin, Marie Claire Geneau and Kaitlyn Bannon, but are also looking to first-year players Caitlin Maikawa and April Looije to step in and strengthen U of T’s play in their own end. 2011 CIS all-rookie goaltender Nicole Kesteris is back for her second season between the pipes. She is joined by Regina native Krista Funke, who is also sure to see significant playing time this season. The Varsity Blues open their 2011-12 regular season on Saturday, October 8 as they travel to take on the York Lions at 7 p.m. U of T returns home the next day to host their first -ever game versus the Ryerson Rams at Varsity Arena. The puck drops at 4 p.m.
Did you know‌
Since 1971-72, the Varsity Blues have captured 17 conference championships, more than any other team in Ontario and was the team of the 90s, winning six OUA titles and placing first in the OUA every season.
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By the Numbers
4 The number of current women’s hockey head coaches who have played or coached for Team Canada. The list includes Vicky Sunohara (Toronto), Karen Nystrom (UOIT), Lisa Jordan (Ryerson), and Dan Church (York).
35 The number of shutouts Laurier’s Liz Knox accumulated over her five year career to head the OUA all-time record list. Knox sits second all-time in the CIS.
6 The number of teams in the OUA’s then 10 team league that appeared in at least one CIS Top 10 rankings list last season (Laurier, Guelph, Brock, Queen’s, Windsor, York).
167 The number of minutes, plus 14 seconds, the longest collegiate game in history lasted as Queen’s and Guelph battled to a 2-1 decision in the OUA semifinal in 2010-11.
17 The number of times the University of Toronto Varsity Blues have captured the OUA championship, the most by any team.
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UOIT Ridgebacks
At a Glance Schedule
UOIT Ridgebacks By Scott Dennis, Photos by Al Fournier and Ian Goodall
Oct. 5 @ Brock, 7:15 pm Oct. 8 @ Guelph, 2:00 pm Oct. 14 York, 7:30 pm Oct. 16 Queen’s, 2:30 pm Oct. 21 Windsor, 7:30 pm Oct. 22 Western, 3:30 pm Oct. 29 @ Laurier, 7:30 pm Oct. 30 @ Waterloo, 2:00 pm
The UOIT Ridgebacks head into the 2011-12 season with a lot of optimism after having their most successful season in program history one year ago.
Nov. 4 Toronto, 7:30 pm Nov. 5 Ryerson, 3:30 pm Nov. 12 @ Laurier, 7:30 pm Nov. 13 @ Toronto, 4:00 pm Nov. 20 Ryerson, 2:30 pm Nov. 25 Guelph, 7:30 pm
In the second half of the 2010-11 season, the Ridgebacks earned points in five of their seven last games and ended the year on a two-game winning streak.
Dec. 2 @ Queen’s, 7:30 pm Jan. 6 @ Queen’s, 7:30 pm Jan. 8 Brock, 3:30 pm Jan. 15 @ York, 2:00 pm Jan. 20 Guelph, 7:30 pm Jan. 21 Brock, 7:30 pm Jan. 27 @ Western, 7:30 pm Jan. 28 @ Windsor, 4:10 pm
The core group of the team will be returning this season, including team leading scorers Feb. 2 Laurier, 7:30 pm Sarah Worthington and Jill Morillo. A Feb. 3 Waterloo, 7:30 pm sophomore jinx was not in the cards for as- Feb. 10 @ Ryerson, 7:00 pm sistant captain Jill Morillo after making the Feb. 11 @ Toronto, 4:00 pm OUA all-rookie team in 2009-10. Morillo had the league's longest goal scoring streak (four games) and led the Ridgebacks with 12 goals. Linemate Sarah Worthington also had an impressive season leading the team with 17 points. Goaltenders Jessica Larabie and Emma Thompson are also back in the lineup, providing the Ridgebacks with a proven tandem in net. Larabie was the first student-athlete in UOIT history to win the OUA and CIS recognition.
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UOIT Ridgebacks
Personnel Key Returning Jill Morillo Sarah Worthinton Rikki Palmateer Jaclyn Gibson Jordan Whately Kara Carter Jessica Larabie Emma Thompson Key Departures Megan Friel Key Recruits Stephanie Spencer
"I am looking forward to the beginning of the season," said head coach Karen Nystrom. "We have a solid group of veterans leading the way and our new recruits are adjusting well to OUA hockey." The Ridgebacks brought in Stephanie Spencer of the Whitby Jr. Wolves this season and the coaching staff is hoping that she will immediately make an impact on the blueline. "We are excited to have Stephanie in the lineup next season," said Nystrom. "She has excelled on and off the ice and has shown continuous growth and improvement during her junior career in Whitby. Our staff is confident she will continue this growth with our program, becoming a 'go to player' within the defensive core." With two games against the second and third place teams in the OUA to open up their regular season, the Ridgebacks
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UOIT Ridgebacks
know that they will have to be in mid-season form to pick up points right away. "The team is having a solid training camp," said Nystrom. "Everyone is working hard to reach our goals and the team is really coming together." Midway through the season, the team will take their first trip out of province as they head to Atlantic Canada to take on the Dalhousie Tigers and Saint Mary's Huskies.
Did you know‌
The Ridgebacks entered the league in 2007 and won their first game in the OUA on November 3 against Waterloo.
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Play On!
Hockey Night in Canada's Play On! is Canada's most amazing street hockey tournament and outdoor hockey festival and recently took place in 17 cities across Canada. This past summer, our OUA women’s teams were invited to participate at all Ontario events. Our player’s stepped up to the challenge winning the Women’s Division in Barrie, Hamilton, Ottawa and Oshawa. Congratulations to our winning teams!! Kara Carter, Violette Long, Melissa Berney, Kayla Jardine, Megan Friel, Jordan Whately and Jessica Larabie made up the Ridgebacks roster which won the event in Oshawa. Dayna Kanis, Tayne Hewer, Sarah McClinchey, Brittney Crawford, Michelle Sabourin, Erin Small, and Jody Hodgins from the Gryphons took the title in Barrie. Blues players Ragan Danford, Brenley Jorgensen, Marlie McLaughlin, Karolina Urban, Amanda Ricker, Amanda Fawns, Kelly O’Hanlon won the title in Ottawa. Kelly MacLean, Caitlin Brydges, Emma McMillan, Brittany Holland, Sarah Endicott, and Elora Brenneman from the Warriors participated in and won in Hamilton.
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Waterloo Warriors
Waterloo Warriors By Dan Ackerman, Photos by Steve Brooks
The Waterloo Warriors women’s hockey program will have a new look and feel for their 10th anniversary season. After parting ways with the coaching staff from last season, the black and gold are bringing a new attitude to the rink under the careful watch of Shaun Reagan and the newly assembled coaching staff.
At a Glance Schedule Oct. 8 @ Windsor, 4:10 pm Oct. 9 @ Western, 2:00 pm Oct. 15 Ryerson, 2:00 pm Oct. 16 Toronto, 2:00 pm Oct. 21 Laurier, 7:30 pm Oct. 23 @ York, 2:00 pm Oct. 29 Queen’s, 2:00 pm Oct. 30 UOIT, 2:00 pm Nov. 4 @ Brock, 7:30 pm Nov. 5 @ Guelph, 2:00 pm Nov. 10 @ Guelph, 7:30 pm Nov. 12 @ Ryerson, 6:30 pm Nov. 19 Western, 2:00 pm Nov. 20 Windsor, 2:00 pm Nov. 27 Brock, 2:00 pm
Reagan was hired as the fourth bench boss of the women’s team and will be looking to turn Jan. 6 @ Toronto, 7:30 pm the Warriors Jan. 13 @ Ryerson, 7:00 pm Jan. 14 @ Toronto, 4:00 pm into a top Jan. 21 Windsor, 2:00 pm team in the Jan. 22 Western, 2:00 pm 27 @ Laurier, 7:30 pm O U A . Jan. Jan. 29 York, 2:00 pm R e a g a n 3 @ UOIT, 7:30 pm brings with Feb. Feb. 4 @ Queen’s, 7:30 pm him a wealth Feb. 11 Brock, 2:00 pm of women's Feb. 12 Guelph, 2:00 pm hockey experience and knowledge. In 2008, Reagan was named the first ever head coach of the Kitchener-Waterloo (KW) Rangers of the Provincial Women's Hockey League (PWHL). In 2011 Reagan
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Personnel Key Returning Caitlin Brydges Jessica Tracey Emma McMillan Kelly MacLean Sara Endicott
guided the Rangers to a 19-12-5 record and a quarter-final berth in the PWHL playoffs. Following a disappointing 2010-11 season where the Warriors finished in the basement of the OUA with a 4-21-2 record, Reagan brings new systems and hopes to the Warriors. “As a first year coach I hope to create a positive and winning attitude within our team,” commented Reagan. “It is our vision that we can look at the upcoming year as fresh start and at the same time, celebrate the team’s 10th year anniversary.” Reagan’s team philosophy will be to ensure that each player is mentally and physically prepared for each game. He hopes to turn the team into a high pressure squad that will force their opponents into mistakes. Reagan’s knowledge of the
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Waterloo Warriors
game will certainly help accomplish those goals. Returning for her final year of eligibility and leading scorer from last season, Caitlin Brydges will be looking to lead Waterloo to their first playoff berth since 2006. Joining Brydges will be forward’s Jessica Tracey, Emma McMillan and Kelly MacLean who sat out last season due to an injury. On the back end fourth year defender Sarah Endicott will carry much of the defensive responsibilities. Although a lot of work is ahead for Reagan and his coaching staff, he looks forward to the challenge of turning the black and gold into a top OUA team. “I’m excited for the upcoming season and look forward to all of the challenges that are associated with building a winning hockey program.”
Did you know… The Warriors host an annual Christmas Tournament that brings together university and minor hockey teams.
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Waterloo Warriors
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Western Mustangs
At a Glance
Western Mustangs By Chris McLachlin
The Lady Stangs come into the 2011-12 season full of optimism after a “disappointing” 2010-11. The team is led by its 4th year players: Katie Dillon (Oshawa, Ont.), Lindsay Gidomski (Mississauga, Ont.), Chantal Morais (Guelph, Ont.) and Tawn Rellinger (Colorado Springs, CO), all of whom have assumed leadership duties for the coming season. These players worked diligently throughout the summer, integrating the rookies, planning a team-bonding retreat and organizing various social activities. Coming back to the Mustangs for a second year are forwards: Emilie Canham
Schedule Oct. 8 Laurier, 4:30 pm Oct. 9 Waterloo, 2:00 pm Oct. 14 Guelph, 7:30 pm Oct. 15 Brock, 7:30 pm Oct. 21 @ Queen’s, 7:30 pm Oct. 22 @ UOIT, 3:30 pm Oct. 28 @ Ryerson, 7:00 pm Oct. 29 @ Toronto, 4:00 pm Nov. 4 York, 7:30 pm Nov. 6 @ Windsor, 4:10 pm Nov. 12 @ Windsor, 4:10 pm Nov. 19 @ Waterloo, 2:00 pm Nov. 20 @ York, 2:00 pm Nov. 26 Ryerson, 4:30 pm Nov. 27 Toronto, 2:00 pm Jan. 7 Laurier, 7:30 pm Jan. 12 @ Brock, 7:15 pm Jan. 14 @ Guelph, 2:00 pm Jan. 21 @ Laurier, 7:30 pm Jan. 22 @ Waterloo, 2:00 pm Jan. 27 UOIT, 7:30 pm Jan. 28 Queen’s, 4:30 pm Feb. 4 Ryerson, 4:30 pm Feb. 5 Toronto, 2:00 pm Feb. 10 Windsor, 7:30 pm Feb. 12 @ York, 2:00 pm
( S c a r b o r ou g h , Ont.), Marianne Filson (Denfield, Ont.), Ally Galloway (Kitchener, Ont.), and Carly Rolph (Guelph, Ont.). Returning defense include Tara Cation (Caledon, Ont.), Kaylee Kearns (Milton, Ont.), Photo by Michael P. Hall
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Western Mustangs
Personnel KEY RETURNING Katie Dillon Lindsay Gidomski Chantal Morais Tawn Rellinger KEY DEPARTING Ellie Seedhouse Jessica Ulrich Taryn Brown
Forward Lindsay Gidomski
Sydney Kidd (Sunridge, Ont.) and Michelle Saunders (Oakville, Ont.). Olivia Ross (Huntsville, Ont.) and Alison Li (Richmond, B.C.) return to tend the net.
KEY RECRUITS Kim Brown Kelly Campbell Brittany Clapham Kendra Deller Katelyn Gosling Nina Mammoliti Sam Nastasiuk Casey Rosen Stacey Scott Madison Turk
The team is also proud to announce its new players. Kim Brown (F/D, Calgary Chaos, Alberta Midget AAA), Kelly Campbell (St. Thomas), Brittany Clapham (F/D, Etobicoke, PWHL), Kendra Deller (F, London, PWHL), Katelyn Gosling (D, London, PWHL), Nina Mammoliti (F, Etobicoke, PWHL), Sam Nastasiuk (F, Brampton, PWHL), Casey Rosen (F, Leaside, MAA), Stacey Scott (F, London, PWHL), and Madison Turk (D, Calgary Chaos, Alberta Midget AAA). Returning coaches include Chris Higgins (Head Coach), Ted Brown (Associate Coach), Brian Shewfelt (Assistant
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Western Mustangs
Coach), Natascha Wesch (Assistant Coach) and Shannon Wise (Assistant Coach). Team Staff include: Melanie Cancilla (trainer), Brian Gosling (Manager), Fiona Luk (assistant manager), Kaitlyn Maddigan (trainer); and Peter Richardson (equipment manager). Chantal Morais commented on last year’s season: “While no one likes to suffer through a year like last year, some important lessons were learned and we have worked hard to make sure those mistakes won’t repeat themselves.” Lindsay Gidomski weighed in on this year: "Last year is in the past. I like being the underdog- nothing to lose and everything to gain. We're a new team with a new attitude and I could not be more excited for this season."
Photo by Craig Glover
Did you know…
Kelly Campbell (first year goalie) has her
pilot’s license.
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All-Time Champions
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Windsor Lancers
At a Glance Schedule
Windsor Lancers By Elisa Mitton, Photos by Edwin Tam
The Windsor Lancer women’s hockey team is gearing up for the start of the 2011-12 season. The Blue & Gold are coming off a solid 2010-11 season that saw them ranked in the CIS top ten in Canada for the first time in program history and also earn a return trip to the OUA playoffs. The graduation of key veterans Jamie Tessier, Cassandra Finn, and Julie Hamilton leaves some spots to fill in the line-up, but graduation brings opportunity for others to step up and shine.
Oct. 8 Waterloo, 4:10 pm Oct. 9 Laurier, 4:10 pm Oct. 15 Guelph, 4:10 pm Oct. 16 Brock, 4:10 pm Oct. 21 @ UOIT, 7:30 pm Oct. 22 @ Queen’s, 7:30 pm Oct. 29 @ Ryerson, 2:00 pm Oct. 30 @ Toronto, 2:00 pm Nov. 5 York, 4:10 pm Nov. 6 Western, 4:10 pm Nov. 12 Western, 4:10 pm Nov. 19 @ York, 2:00 pm Nov. 20 @ Waterloo, 2:00 pm Nov. 26 Toronto, 4:10 pm Nov. 27 Ryerson, 4:10 pm Jan. 6 @ Laurier, 7:30 pm Jan. 14 @ Brock, 3:15 pm Jan. 15 @ Guelph, 2:00 pm Jan. 20 @ Laurier, 7:30 pm Jan. 21 @ Waterloo, 2:00 pm Jan. 28 UOIT, 4:10 pm Jan. 29 Queen’s, 4:10 pm Feb. 4 Toronto, 4:10 pm Feb. 5 Ryerson, 4:10 pm Feb. 10 @ Western, 7:30 pm Feb. 11 @ York, 2:00 pm
On offense, fifth year forward Candace Rapchak is back at the helm of the Lancers and will be this year’s team captain. Rapchak, along with fifth year forward Manon Davis, provide an unmatched commitment to winning and a wealth of experience that will help lead the Lancers back into the CIS top ten for the second straight season. Courtney Spoors, a 2010-11 OUA all-rookie team member and the team’s leading scorer, will also be counted on for her offensive flair and scoring touch.
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Windsor Lancers
Defensively, the Lancers will be led by second year defenseman, and 2010-11 all-rookie team member, Adalena Tridico. An athlete who can play all situations, Tridico will be looked to lead a young Lancer defense. Head coach Jim Hunter has also brought in an impressive recruiting class for 2011-12. Headlining the group of seven are NCAA transfers Alyssa Baldin and Bree Polci. Both standout forwards are eligible immediately and are expected to add significant scoring punch to the Lancer line-up this year.
Personnel Key Returning Candace Rapchak Manon Davis Courtney Spoors Adalena Tridico Key Departures Jamie Tessier Cassandra Finn Julie Hamilton Key Recruits Alyssa Baldin Bree Polci Annie Bracebridge
Baldin joins the Lancers after playing three season with the Wayne State Warriors, where she served as team captain in 2010-11. The Mississauga native finished in the top ten in goal scoring in the CHA conference last year. Polci, a transfer from Quinnipiac University and a native of
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Windsor Lancers
London, Ontario is a talented forward who is transferring back to Canada. She sat out this past season while playing for Brampton in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, and is expected to make a major impact in the OUA this coming season. Also included in the group are defenseman Annie Armstrong from Aurora of the PWHL, Tania Mills from Brampton (PWHL), goaltenders Julia Ouroumis from Whitby and Karlyle Robinson from Ridley College and forward Caitlin Connell from Edmonton. “This year’s recruiting class is very talented and very deep,” commented Hunter. “We feel with this year’s team, we have kept pace with a number of very gifted teams in the OUA.”
Did you know…
The Lancers appeared in the national rankings 14 of the 17 weeks in the 2010-2011 season, with its highest ranking in week five at the No. 6 spot.
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OUA Uncovered
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York Lions
At a Glance Schedule Oct. 7 @ Ryerson, 7:00 pm Oct. 8 Toronto, 7:00 pm Oct. 14 @ UOIT, 7:30 pm Oct. 22 Laurier, 2:00 pm Oct. 23 Waterloo, 2:00 pm Oct. 29 @ Brock, 3:15 pm Oct. 30 @ Guelph, 2:00 pm
Big things are expected from the York University Lions women’s hockey team this season. The Lions have been one of the top teams in the OUA over the last number of years and despite a drop-off last season, the squad features a roster loaded with talent and experience. More than anything, last year proved to be a strong learning experience for everyone on the squad and the Lions head into this season determined move back into the top half of the league standings.
Nov. 4 @ Western, 7:30 pm Nov. 5 @ Windsor, 4:10 pm Nov. 11 Ryerson, 7:00 pm Nov. 12 @ Guelph, 7:30 pm Nov. 19 Windsor, 2:00 pm Nov. 20 Western, 2:00 pm Nov. 26 @ Brock, 3:15 pm Dec. 3 @ Queen’s, 7:30 pm Jan. 7 Toronto, 2:00 pm Jan. 14 Queen’s, 2:00 pm Jan. 15 UOIT, 2:00 pm Jan. 20 @ Toronto, 7:30 pm Jan. 21 @ Ryerson, 7:00 pm Jan. 28 @ Laurier, 7:30 pm Jan. 29 @ Waterloo, 2:00 pm Feb. 4 Guelph, 2:00 pm Feb. 5 Brock, 2:00 pm Feb. 11 Windsor, 2:00 pm Feb. 12 Western, 2:00 pm
“We graduated a lot of players in the offseason before last year and with such a young team, we lacked maturity and didn’t understand how to compete after getting off to a slow start,” said head coach Dan Church. “But we learned a lot from the experience and will not make the same mistake twice. We have higher expectations this season and want to be one of the toughest teams to compete against in the OUA.” The door is wide open for one of the team’s forwards to step up and lead the team offensively with no proven leader on the squad. Last year’s top three scorers all graduated at the end of
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York Lions
the season but many of the current players have found the back of the net plenty in previous seasons and will be looked upon to get back to those numbers this year. “Scoring will be by committee and I think we have a bunch of players ready to break out. Now it is up to them to step up and be go-to players and bring the intention and intensity to the ice every game.”
Personnel Key Returning Sydney McMurter Chloe Milano Kristie Wilson Rebecca Bond Lindsay Brook Jamie Endrizzi Key Recruits Lisa Stathopulos Kristen Barbara Dallas Boyd
Church believes that both Kristie Wilson and Andrea Joyce have the talent and ability to lead this group this year. Wilson is the only one from last year’s top five scorers to return this season and her continued improvement will be vital to the team’s offensive success, while Joyce is a natural goal scorer who put up big numbers in one year with Liberty University in the NCAA. Team captain Chloe Milano is a former OUA all-rookie team member who had 15 points in her rookie season. She has yet to put up the same offensive numbers since but with a bigger role this year, much is expected from her. Joining them are Lisa Stathopulos and Dallas 2011-2012 Lions Captain Chloe Milano
York Lions
Boyd, two other NCAA Division I transfers from the University of Connecticut and St. Lawrence University, respectively. Stathopulos also has experience with the Ontario provincial team and will be an offensive catalyst for the team, while Boyd is Jamie Endrizzi a solid two-way player. Leading the way on the blue line will be Jamie Endrizzi, a strong skater and the veteran of the unit, and Rebecca Bond, a former OUA all-rookie team member. Second-year defender Lindsay Brook is coming off a strong rookie season in which she contributed on both ends of the ice, and rookie Kristen Barbara will log heavy minutes in her first season with the team. Coming out of the Stoney Creek program, she is highly skilled and can play both forward and defence. The team’s only fifth-year player is starting goaltender Sydney McMurter, who will provide a steady presence in net. Two years ago she was one of the top goalies in the OUA in save percentage and goals against average, and she has worked hard in the off-season to get back get back to those numbers this year. Backing her up will be second-year Lion Jessalyn Bogacki and rookie Megan Lee. Bogacki earned time in net last season, including an impressive performance against nationally-ranked Laurier early in the year, before an injury cut short her rookie season.
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York Lions
Together, the trio will be one of the strong points on a team focused on defence. “Our goaltending will be better than last year. Sydney brings a level of professionalism and experience as a fifth-year player that she can use to her advantage, while Jessalyn and Megan bring youthful enthusiasm and a desire to compete. I anticipate friendly competition in practice as all of them try and force me to play them.” The Lions will need strong play from every member of the team to climb back into the league’s elite this season. The veterans have tasted success in the past and the rookies will be counted on to make an immediate impact as the squad looks to build on past accomplishments and reach new heights.
5th year goalie Sydney McMurter
Did you know…Head coach Dan Church also holds the same role for the Canadian national women’s senior team. He was at the helm for the IIHF 8 Nations Tournament in Vierumaki, Finland and will also be the head coach for the 4 Nations Cup
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Comments, Questions or Ideas Please Contact Samantha Magalas 1119 Fennel Ave. East, Suite 230 Hamilton, ON, L8T 1S2 Phone: 905-870-9773