The Windsor Lancers women's hockey program opens the 2009-10 season this weekend with a new confidence and some new faces on the ice and behind the bench.
Last season, the Lancers finished with a 12-13-2 record and were just one point shy of a playoff spot. Under new head coach Jim Hunter's guidance, the Lancers will be looking to take another step forward and break into the post season.
The Lancers head into this weekend's games after a solid training camp and are anxious to get the season going. On the ice, the Lancers return 14 players from last year's team while also adding another group of top recruits to the program.
In goal, Jamie Tessier is expected to once again carry the load while newcomers Kassey Paone and Brittany McMillian will provide depth in net for Coach Hunter. Tessier, a native of Copper Cliff, ON was the backbone of the Lancers last season, posting a GAA of 2.02, and was the CIS athlete of the week during the season.
On defense, the Lancers return the core of their blueline from last season. Veterans Kelly Meincke, Jackie Leavoy, Laura Ansell and Laura Coloumbe will anchor the blueline along with top recruits Cynthia Hebert and Caroline Kriscuinas.
The Lancers will have to start the season without top blueliner Cassandra Meloche who is out four to six weeks with a broken wrist.
They'll be joined by a pair of recruits who'll be looked upon to add some scoring punch this year. Rookies Lindsay Hoogstraten and Stephanie Hebert both had strong training camps and will play a key role this season as the Lancers push to earn a playoff berth in 2009-10.
The Lancers start a six game home stead outside the confines of South Windsor Arena this weekend. Windsor opens the season against the Guelph Gryphons on Saturday October 10th on the main bowl of the WFCU Centre. Game time is 4:10pm, and fans are asked to enter through the community rink entrance.
The Lancers will then move to Windsor Arena for their second game of the weekend against the Brock Badgers on Sunday October 11th. Game time is set for 5:35pm.
