By Mia Ines
 
The OUA women's hockey season kicks off this week and they are prepared and optimistic for the new season to begin.
 
As this will be the first time since the 2019-20 season that the team will play a full regular schedule, the blue and gold are set on their journey towards winning a playoff series with the McCaw Cup & U SPORTS nationals as the ultimate prize.
 
After an encouraging 2021-22 season, finishing with a 4-6-3-3 record and fourth overall in the OUA west division, the Lancers have a positive outlook going into the 2022-23 campaign and hope to build upon it. The team earned a home playoff berth for the first time under head coach Deanna Iwanicka and for the team since 2016-17. However, they were unable to finish their season due to COVID-19 protocols and are coming back this season hungrier than ever.
 
Even with the unknown of facing opponents that have been out of touch for Windsor, Iwanicka is certain the new talent and senior athletes will be more than capable to undertake the challenge.
 
"Filling the holes of captain and assistant captain, Ashley & Amy Maitre will not happen overnight," explains Iwanicka. "We've got a fairly young backend but I am confident in the players who have come in as well as those returning. We are ready to evolve and the team culture continues to flourish in the legacy left behind by the Maitre Twins. The hope is that some of these players will grow into these significant on and off ice team roles."
 
Some of the athletes Lancer fans should be excited to see in action are returning goaltender Kristen Swiatoschik, who was recently named an assistant captain and is expected to be a big part of the team's success. Also, forward Maggie Peterson who returns as an assistant captain and will be looked upon to lead by example, both on and off the ice. Coming into the recruiting class, Jack Latham from Oakville, ON has shown to be a standout asset on the backend with great vision and is looking forward to get her stick on the puck.
 
When asked about the team's strengths that will tests the opponent's abilities, Iwanicka states, "our work ethic, our team play, our goaltending, and our depth," are all factors that will drive the team into the season.
 
The blue and gold want to improve on their previous results and work towards winning a playoff series with the statement in mind of BEST; "Best Every Single Time." To help with this, Iwanicka brought in some new blood on the coaching staff including Adam Wagner and Ryan Best.
 
Windsor opens their season this Friday, October 21st against the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks and Saturday, October 22nd against the Queen Gaels at the Capri Recreation Pizzeria Complex. The puck will drop at 7:30pm on both days and tickets are available online at www.goLancers.ca/tickets.