By Mia Ines

The Windsor Lancers women's hockey team is ready to be back on the ice and looking forward to growing during the 2021-22 season after nearly two years without competition. 
 
"It feels surreal. Natural but foreign at the same time," explains head coach Deanna Iwankica. "There is nervousness around if we forgot something or not knowing what we forgot. It's about making sure we are doing all the things that we routinely did prior to the pandemic but it is also exciting in a lot of ways."
 
Coach Iwanicka feels lucky to have had no departures of senior athletes over the pandemic and the returning veterans are enthusiastic and willing to take the lead for the incoming new talent. Captain Ashley Maitre and assistant captains Amy Maitre, Jessica Gribbon and Maggie Peterson have demonstrated huge positive impacts for the team and will bring their experience and leadership to the squad. 
 
The blue and gold are self-motivated and pushing each other towards their common goal of a successful season. The team has a long-term vision that defines their success as "continuing to show progress, continuing to work towards a championship program, and continuing to reach our goals by 2023," said Iwanicka. "In general, the goal is to have the best team we've had in the last few years, having better results, and ultimately to build on the culture we've established." 
 
The puck drops on the 2021-22 season this Friday, November 5th when they host the Brock Badgers at 7:30 pm at the Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex. Tickets can be purchased at goLancers.ca/tickets or fans can watch the game live at OUA.tv.