WOMEN'S HOCKEY CANADA WEST PREVIEW2009-10-08

Armed with an older more experienced team, the Huskies will look to improve on the 10-13-0-1 record from one year ago. In 2008-09, the Huskies proved they were a team not to be taken lightly. Highlights included remaining in the CIS Top 10 for all 17 weeks of the national poll, as well as becoming the first team to defeat the eventual Canada West champion University of Manitoba Bisons.

Huskie top line of Breanne George, Shaye Christiansen and captain Chelsea Purcell reeked havoc on other teams scoring 73 of the team’s 194 points last season. All three return to help boost the team’s offence. Other offensive power returning is sophomore Danny Stone (13 goals, six assists) and Kelsey Tulloch (seven goals, 10 assists). George was named a Canada West Second Team All-Star, while Stone was named to the conference’s all-freshmen team.

The Huskies will need to replace starting defensive partners Crystal Kappel and captain Robin Ulrich. Both graduated in 2008-09. The two combined for four goals and 14 points. Ulrich was a conference all-star in the last two seasons.  Blueliners Kristen Bews (three goals, nine assists) and Madison Duffin (one goal, six assists) will be looked at to step into the holes left.

Returning to the bulk of netminding duties will be 2007-08 Canada West All-Star Vanessa Frederick. Frederick, who had an injury plagued 2008-09, played in 10 games with a 3.26 goals against average and a .891 save percentage. Two seasons ago, Frederick posted a 9-6 record and a .903 save percentage. With the departure of both Chauntal Armet and Lisa Lafreniere, rookie Brianna Workman will back up Frederick.