Could this be the year?
The meteoric rise up the OUA standings year after year has seen the Nipissing Lakers women's hockey team improve every season and come within reach of an OUA championship.
While it's far from an easy feat to accomplish, that is the goal as they enter this season with a solid core returning and an impressive influx of talent skill.
The Lakers open up on the road this weekend, facing the UOIT Ridgebacks and Queen's Gaels – two tough tests to begin the season.
Last Season
Nipissing finished in fourth place with a 16-6-2 record, just five points out of first.
Led by an aggressive attack, the Lakers led the OUA in goals for with 75 and in just 24 games, a clip of over three goals a game.
And just because of their tenacious attack, the defensive side of the game didn't suffer, as they only allowed 45 goals, ranking them fourth in the league.
Being strong in the defensive end, but also being able to pile up goals is a good recipe for success at the OUA level and with a number of players back for a fifth year and stability throughout the lineup, there is no need to think that will change in the near future.
The Playoffs
The Lakers have qualified for the playoffs every year except their inaugural season.
They have advanced to the second round in all but one of those years and have made it all the way to the OUA finals in another of those campaigns.
Last year, the team outlasted the Ryerson Rams in three games in Round 1 before losing two extremely close games – including Game 1 in overtime – to the eventual champions, the Queens Gaels.
The post-season has always brought out the best in Nipissing, even as a lower seed. They have truly been a tough team to beat every series since 2015-16 and it is safe to say that won't change as they look for another run to the McCaw Cup finals in 2018-19.
Who's Back
For many returning players, they have seen the team make impressive strides from underdog to competitor to favourite.
As a program, they refuse to buy in to the hype, however, they do have a fire under them to continue making positive strides and make this one to remember.
3
Katelyn Heppner D
5
Stacey Henshaw D
6
Zosia Davis D
7
Melissa Tolton D
8
Jade Gauthier F
9
Brianna Gaffney F
11
Jetta Derenoski F
12
Kaley Tienhaara F
14
Myriam Latraverse F
17
Sam Strassburger F
19
Bronwyn Bolduc F
22
Ava Keis F
29
Danika Ranger G
31
Mercedes Chircop G
44
Madison Solie D
51
Maria Dominico F
91
Hunter Mosher F
92
Taylor McManus F
93
Marilyn Fortin F
Who's New?
There aren't a tonne of new faces in the lineup this season, but there are some key acquisitions at key positions.
Graduating players is a constant at the university level and the Lakers have dealt with seeing top players move on, however, they have been able to weather any potential storm with strong recruits and the consistent improvement of any returning players.
For those in their third, fourth and fifth year, the strides that have been made are nothing short of impressive and for those entering the program will be able to jump in contribute.
4
Jordan Ashe D
21
Kaitlyn McManus D (Played 2016-17, not 2017-18)
24
Keara Amson F
39
Cassie Roberge G
62
Natalie Graham F (Played 2016-17, not 2017-18)
How They Win
Well, this one is tough because it's basically any which way.
For a team that can score, but can also defend and has great goaltending, the possibilities are endless.
They can win 5-4, they can win 1-0 and everyway in between making them a threat to the entire league during the regular season or during the playoffs.
Discipline will always be a factor, however, the team's special teams are often near the top of the league, so it can be a positive when looking at the big picture.
Coaching Staff
Darren Turcotte Head Coach
AJ Shiverdecker Assistant Coach
Blair Kitlar Assistant Coach
Mike Watson Goaltending Coach
Wayne Eyre Head Trainer
Dr. Mark Bruner Mental Skills Coach
Andrea Rochefort Power Skating Coach
Home Opener/Key Dates
With their first two games on the road, the Lakers won't host until Oct. 19 when the Rams pay a visit to the Gateway City.
Ryerson is the team Nipissing eliminated from the post-season last year, so it should be a solid matchup to kick off the home portion of the season.
On the other hand, their first regular season game is against the team that eliminated Nipissing, so two weekends of strong opponents will make for an interesting start to the season.
Nipissing will face Laurentian twice, first at home Nov. 2, with the rematch on Nov. 25 in Sudbury.
And one of the rivalries that has been developed between Nipissing and Guelph will continue on Nov. 11 on the road and Feb. 8 at home, on the final weekend of the regular season.
