The Wisconsin women's hockey team begins its 2003-'04 campaign this weekend as it takes on Vermont at the Kohl Center in a pair of games. Last year, the Badgers had an overall record of 22-8-5. This year's group aspires to put up similar, if not better, numbers than the previous squad, but,it will not be easy.
The Badgers graduated numerous seniors who were keys to last year's run. They have been replaced with eight new freshman faces, whose youth and inexperience may be an obstacle for the team. Nonetheless, the returning members from last year's squad are confident in the first-year Badgers.
\I think we brought in eight great freshmen, and they all can play. I think we did a great job in recruiting,"" forward Jackie Friesen said.
One gaping hole that will be hard to fill is the one between the pipes. Now graduated goalie Jackie MacMillan had 707 saves with a save percentage of .917 last season for the Badgers. These high numbers will be hard for any of her potential replacements to replicate.??
""We have three goaltenders in camp right now but there isn't a lot of experience amongst them,"" Head Coach Mark Johnson said. ""That's certainly going to be a hole and a work in progress.""
Johnson plans to rotate the three goalies, sophomore Jessica Bernal, sophomore Meghan Horras and freshman Christine Dufour in the first few games to scout who will play in goal for the majority of the season.
The advantage these goalies have is the strength of the Badgers defense. Returning several key elements such as junior Nicole Uliasz, junior Molly Engstrom and team captain junior Carla MacLeod, the Badgers' defense is unrelenting and tough for the opponent to break through.
""We're gritty, we're fast and we want the puck and we will beat [the opposition] to it,"" said Friesen.
This will be Head Coach Mark Johnson's second year at the top spot on the women's hockey team.?? Well-known for his achievements on the ""Miracle on Ice"" U.S. men's hockey team of 1980, Johnson is respected by the players because of his history of success in hockey. His calm presence and emphasis on hard work seem to have rubbed off on the Badgers as they prepare for the upcoming 2003-'04 season.
""I would describe this team as very hardworking,"" Freisen said.
Hopefully the Badgers will see the fruit of their labor, as the season begins this Friday night against Vermont.?? The Badgers will come into the game with a No. 6 preseason ranking. The rankings mean very little to the team as they are just looking forward to taking the ice.
""We have waited a long time for the game to roll along,"" said senior forward and assistant captain Steph Millar.
It is important that the Badgers stick to their game plan against Vermont. Last year Vermont recorded three wins and 25 losses. So the Badgers could easily overlook Vermont, although with their intense focus it seems highly unlikely.
""We have to come out with speed and intensity, and overwhelm them right from the start ... we have to jump on them from the start,"" Millar said.
The Badgers look to kick off what they hope to be an exciting and successful year.
""Every game is meaningful to us ... I'm excited for the season to start, and to take the ice,"" Johnson said.
Although many seniors have graduated and there are plenty of new faces in Badger camp, expectations remain high as the UW women's hockey team drops the puck for the first time this season at home against Vermont.
