By Chris Zorbas
 
The Windsor Lancers women's hockey team is looking forward to the 2019-20 season as an opportunity for growth. After a transitional 2018 campaign in head coach Deanna Iwanicka's first year, the Lancers and Iwanicka are excited about both the culture and leadership as well as improved depth in her second year at the helm.
 
"This year's team has strong leadership combined with enthusiastic youth," explained Iwanicka. "We are seeing a positive change in the culture and an increase in overall depth."
 
Though the Lancers lost captain Rachel Chantler, they return both Ashley and Amy Maitre, their entire goaltending core as well as forward Jessica Gribbon. Gribbon's four goals last year tied her for the team lead along with Alix Reiter who also returns this year.
 
In addition to the returning veterans, the Lancers are welcoming forwards Maggie Peterson and Avery Mertz to the program. Peterson attended Iwanicka's hockey school and share's a hometown with her new coach in Edmonton, Alberta. Mertz, who originally committed to the Laurier Golden Hawks, was a late addition and earned a spot after dominating on the ice at camp. Iwanicka called both players "foundational building blocks" in both what the Lancers want to do on the ice and off it in a culture sense.
 
With an experienced core and fresh talent, the Lancers are optimistic about the potential of the team. However, coach Iwanicka says the same reasons for optimism can be misleading, young players sometimes falter early, but there's no doubt the program is trending in the right direction.
 
"I'm really excited about the combination of veteran leadership and youth in this team," concluded Iwanicka.
 
The puck drops on the 2019-20 season this Friday, October 18th when they host the Brock Badgers at 7:30pm at the Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex. Tickets for the game can be purchased online at goLancers.ca/tickets.
 
On Saturday, October 19th, Windsor will head over to the Atlas Tube Centre to face the York Lions at 4:00pm as part of the Hocktoberfest International Girls Hockey Tournament. Admission is free.