Beavers Look For Continued Improvement
Bemidji State University started a women's hockey program in 1998-99, and last year's team made school history with the most improved record by any Beaver team after posting a 15-18-2 overall mark in 1999-2000.
Despite the fact that 23 first-year players appeared on the roster last year, the Beavers chalked up a 10-0-0 slate in regular season non-conference games.
This season, the Beavers return their top eight scorers along with standout sophomore goaltender Bre Dedrickson as they enter year two in the WCHA. Dedrickson proved to be a rock in goal last season after seeing action in 25 games. She posted an .885 save percentage and a 9-14-2 record. Sophomore Katie Anderson also showed promise in her first year with a 4-4-0 record before being sidelined with a knee injury.
Three Bemidji State players topped 30 scoring points last season, led by freshmen forwards Lill Raynard (17-19=36), Kerri McEwen (19-15=34) and Alicia Kinsman (15-19=34). The triplets skated as the Beavers' top offensive line most of the 1999-2000 season, and they should provide a great deal of scoring again in the 2000-2001 campaign.
Sophomore forward Amy Shepler (13-13=26) brings her power-play expertise to the ice again this season for Bemidji State. Shepler led the team with five power-play goals a year ago, and ranked fifth on the team overall in scoring with 26 points.
Anchoring the defensive corps for BSU this winter will be sophomore Lisa Peters. Peters ranked fourth on the team in scoring with 13-14=27 points, but her strength and skating ability on defense are perhaps the most significant contributions to the team.
"We had a chance to see our first recruiting class on the ice last season," said Ruthann Cantile, Bemidji State head women's hockey coach. "Now that we have another recruiting class on the way in, we will look for more consistency throughout our lines.
"Our difficult schedule has given our hockey team an opportunity to play against some of the best players in the world, and I'm proud of the way our players have met that challenge and pushed themselves," Cantile added.
"We are optimistic that we will continually get better as we move through the season."
- by Al Nohner, BSU SID
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