The Nipissing Lakers women's hockey team was one goal away from a trip to both the OUA Championship game, as well as CIS Nationals in just their third year of existence.

While they fell short in a triple overtime thrilled, the Lakers refused to sit back and dwell on the loss.

Instead, they reloaded their roster with the plans of taking another run at both an OUA title and a trip to Nationals.

Entering their fourth year, the Lakers have made strides – impressive ones – each season.

From missing the playoffs, to a first round exit and last year's second round, Game 3, three-overtime marathon, Nipissing is poised to once again make some noise.

While there has been turnover throughout their lineup each and every season, a main core of players has remained and really made an impact.

Forwards
Don't expect the Lakers to blow their opponents out of the water, but you can be sure that when they need a goal, they have the players to get one.

Led by returning forwards Kaley Tienhaara, Sam Strassburger, Brooklyn Irwin and Bronwyn Bolduc, the offence will find a way.

And while those may be the team's top-end point getters, the Lakers are loaded with depth, as Ava Keis, Taylor Murphy and Jade Gauthier have all proven to be able to chip in.

And when it comes to playing important roles, you won't find many better than Laura McKenzie and Janica Vossos, who have been key to the team's success since the program started in 2013-14.

Newcomers Hunter Mosher and Jetta Derenoski are expected to jump right in and make an impact at both ends of the ice.

The best part about the Lakers forward group is that they can do some damage with speed and skill, but can also play a gritty game, getting the puck in deep and grinding goals out through hard work and determination.

When the playoffs come around, the ability to play the game both ways will be huge for this team.

Defence
On the backend, maybe the strength of the team, they boast one of the top bluelines in the OUA.

Led by OUA/CIS All-Rookie Zosia Davis (2014-15) and OUA All-Rookies Stacey Henshaw (2015-16) and Molly Sipprell (2013-14), the team has been honoured both province and country wide each year.

Much like their forwards, it's a great combination of offensive skill and defensive awareness.

Added to the three award winners, is Alexane Papineau, who has played both forward and defence, as well as rookies Melissa Tolton and Kirsten MacDougall, who figure to be key this year, as well as in the future.

Taylor McManus provides size and strength and is tough to play against in her own end, adding another layer of difficulty for the rest of the OUA.

Keeping the puck out of their net is the main goal of this group, but they have proven they're able to put up points and get the puck to the forwards, which will be just as important as stopping goals when it comes to victories.

Goaltending
Jackie Rochefort has been a rock for the team and will be counted on once again to lead the charge.

Without a doubt, she is one of the top goaltenders in the OUA, and maybe in the CIS. Her numbers speak for themselves, but it's also about her leadership and ability to make a big save at a big time.

She will get the bulk of the games and entering her fourth year, will pose yet another obstacle for the OUA when they battle the Lakers.

Micaela Stutzki has worked hard, put in the time and will get her chance as Rochefort's back-up this year, likely getting a handful of games to give Rochefort a well-earned day off.

Stutzki has not seen a tonne of action, but has certainly proven herself, playing well when she's been given the opportunity.

Confidence in both goalies will help the team play their style and not worry about who is in net, regardless of the situation or opponent.

This team has improved every season and with the way they have been built, the additions they've made and the work they've put in, 2016-17 could be a big one for the Lakers.

Nipissing begins the season on the road this weekend, taking on Queens in Kingston Saturday and UOIT in Oshawa Sunday.