There are a number of different types of leaders and they all do their part in their own way, but a team needs every single one of them to be successful.

Whether it's the vocal leader, the players who leads by example, the positive leader or the emotional leader, they all play a role on a team and this year's Nipissing Lakers women's hockey team has a great mix of all of the above.

The Lakers announced their leadership group this week, adding two new assistant captains to four players who are returning with letters.

Co-captains Kaley Tienhaara and Jackie Rochefort are back, along with assistants Zosia Davis and Brooklyn Irwin and joining them are four-year forward Bronwyn Bolduc and transfer, Robyn Degagne.

Lakers head coach Darren Turcotte said he likes what he sees from this group and his team overall and notes that there are a number of leaders on the team that will all be pulling in the same direction.

"We are not only excited, but very confident in this leadership group. We are fortunate to have many leaders on this team and although these six players will wear letters for us this year, others are also very capable of leading," Turcotte said.

For Tienhaara and Rochefort, they believe that this team is capable of big things and they're both looking to continue what the program has built over the past few seasons.

"It's an amazing honour again to have a letter on my jersey and help be part of the leadership group of this team. We have such a great group of girls, it's always great going to the rink every day and after the season we had last year, we're looking to build on that and take the next step," Tienhaara said. "I'm really confident in the team we have this season."

Rochefort, arguably the league's top goaltender, is excited for what is shaping up to be a great year.

"It's a great honor to be announced as a co-captain and leader of this team. I am excited to once again have the privilege to lead this team to another successful year," she said. "We not only have a great leadership core this year but overall Impressive roster."

For the players who are new to wearing a letter with the Lakers, they both believe they can contribute as not only leaders on the ice, but also off of it.

Bolduc, who has been one of the team's top scorers during her tenure with the program, is excited about the opportunity ahead of her.

"It means a lot to be given the responsibility to help lead a team that is capable of accomplishing great things. I am excited to play an influential role in helping the team strive for our end goal," she said. "I hope to bring an approachable persona and positive attitude on and off the ice for the girls."

For Degagne, a veteran of the OUA, it will be about bringing her experience to the team.

After four years at Laurier, Degagne transferred to Nipissing to wrap up her education, but also get another shot at an OUA title.

She believes this team has the potential to make some noise and is looking forward to being part of it.

"It is an honour to be a part of an amazing hockey program here at Nipissing University. I am grateful to be given the chance to help lead our team this season. I hope to utilize my experience and help create a positive atmosphere this year," she said.

Turcotte believes that with not only this group, but all the leaders on this team, the season has real potential and the roster and program he has developed is poised for big things.

"We have established a culture with our Women's hockey program that we feel very comfortable with and we look forward to having this group continue to establish what we are looking for in our players," he said.