Finally, its time. The women open their regular season tonight against Clarkson at Appleton. The Golden Knights took all four games against the Saints last year.
Both teams lost key players in the offseason. The Saints lost dynamic scorers Mel Desrochers and Rylee Smith, as well as solid defensive presence Dayle Wilkinson. The Golden Knights biggest loss was Jamie Lee Rattray, who recorded 66 points last year, as well as Brittany Styner, Carly Mercer and Vanessa Gagnon, all who contributed to the potent Clarkson offense. The Golden Knights also lost Erica Howe, their starting goalie, who posted incredible numbers on the way to their National Championship.
The Saints still have some formidable offensive firepower of their own. The top line of Brooke Webster, Abbey McRae and first year Kennedy Marchment, when playing well, can score plenty of goals. And when the second line of Raniwsky, Marks and Heidersbach gets hot, like they did towards the end of last season, they can essentially be a first line of their own. And from the back end, Megan Armstrong, a transfer from UNH, Alex Moore and Kirsten Padalis all have the potential to put the puck in the back of the net.
All that scoring, however, comes from one thing... Puck possession. Without the puck, you cant score (duh). And no matter how good your goalie is, if the other team gets 50 shots on net, a few are going to squeak through. Basically, the Saints have to control the puck. Faceoffs are key, smart passes out of the defensive zone and through the neutral zone. And, I dont think they had an issue with this last year, but for the love of hockey, no offensive zone penalties.
Smart decisions with the puck makes the game a lot easier. If the Saints can control the puck, they can win. If they can't... We'll find out.
Puck drops at 7:00.
All that scoring, however, comes from one thing... Puck possession. Without the puck, you cant score (duh). And no matter how good your goalie is, if the other team gets 50 shots on net, a few are going to squeak through. Basically, the Saints have to control the puck. Faceoffs are key, smart passes out of the defensive zone and through the neutral zone. And, I dont think they had an issue with this last year, but for the love of hockey, no offensive zone penalties.
Smart decisions with the puck makes the game a lot easier. If the Saints can control the puck, they can win. If they can't... We'll find out.
Puck drops at 7:00.
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