Along with the 11 incoming freshmen, only one player who was on the Rainy River Community College women’s hockey team that finished fifth at last season’s ACHA Division 2 National Tournament will be part of the squad in 2012-13.
Sophomore forward Janet Scherrer is the only returner from last year’s team that went 11-3-3 in ACHA games. Scherrer recorded nine points in 17 games.
The departed players to graduation include two All-Americans — goalie Katie Stearns and defensive player Jenna Brady. Two other departed players of note are defensive player Thea Sauca, who is now playing NCAA Division III hockey at Marion University, and forward Brittany Johnson, who transferred to North Dakota State University.
RRCC head coach Evan Amdahl, who is entering his fifth season at the Voyageurs’ helm, said this year’s strengths include work ethic, team closeness and camaraderie, while depth is a weakness.
Given a lack of depth on the team, he said he is concerned the most this season about injuries.
Amdahl said the team goals are to “challenge and make a run for (the) national championship,” while he is looking forward this season to “watching the girls work together and grow as teammates.”
“Focus on the little things everyday and winning will take care of itself,” he said.
Amdahl said the teams to watch out for on the schedule include the club team from the University of Minnesota Duluth, North Dakota State University and the University of Alaska.
The Voyageurs open their season this coming weekend when they host Iowa State University on Saturday and Sunday at Kerry Park Arena.
Amdahl said the other home games in 2012-13 will be played at Bronco Arena.
