Mavericks Look To Turn The Corner
The 2000-01 edition of the Minnesota State University, Mankato women's hockey team will have a new look as the program looks to turn the corner in its third season.
Head Coach Todd Carroll will have the task of blending returning players from last season's squad and newcomers into a contender in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.
"We will be a very different team this season," said Carroll. "The first-year players are a talented group who are eager to step in and play, and the returning players are committed to turning things around. We will be a better team than last year, but so will the other teams in the league. It will be an exciting year in the WCHA."
Twelve players are returning from the 1999-2000 team that posted a 8-25-2 record and had a 3-19-2 mark in the WCHA. Sophomore forward Tristin Stephenson made a strong debut by leading the team in points (32), assists (17), and power-play goals (7). Stephenson's 15 goals stood second on the MSU charts. In national rankings, Stephenson finished tied for 10th in power-play goals and tied for 22nd in freshman scoring.
Joining Stephenson on the Maverick forward lines will be juniors Ashleigh Miller, Erin Hafermann and Cara Samuelson. Miller, the 1999-2000 team Most Valuable Player, was third on the team in goals with 14, and also tied the school-record by scoring a point in six consecutive games. Hafermann assisted on 15 goals, which was second on the squad, and served as a co-captain in 1999-2000. Samuelson was second on the team in scoring in the inaugural season of 1998-99, and was seventh in 1999-2000. Other forwards returning to the Mavericks in 2000-01 are juniors Tina Serafin and Mandy Krause.
On defense, junior Jody Rankin returns as team captain after being voted MSU's Most Improved Player in 1999-2000. She has missed only one game out of 64 in her career.
Joining Rankin on the blueline are senior Heather Nadeau and sophomores Anne Rickbeil and Natalie Otten.
Between the pipes for the Mavericks returns 1999-2000 WCHA Co-Student Athlete of the Year Katie Beauduy. Beauduy posted a 6-8-1 mark in her freshman season to go along with a 4.67 goals-against average and a .861 save percentage. In her eight losses, Beauduy was supported with only nine goals by the Maverick offense. Beauduy also tied the school record with her 51-save performance against eventual WCHA champion Minnesota-Duluth on Nov. 20, 1999.
"Our returning players will play a key role in our success this year, both on and off the ice," said Carroll. "They are committed to turning things around this season, and we need them to exhibit strong leadership for our incoming first-year players."
Freshman will play a large role for the Mavericks in 2000-2001. Forwards Kristina Koga, Courtney Canniff, Amanda Osborn and Sheri Maisonneuve are new to the program, while Amy Egli will see game action for the first time after redshirting in 1999-2000.
The defensive corps will be bolstered by the additions of Sandra Hood, Jenny Kern and Jenny Oldefendt.
Shari Vogt is expected to see some time in goal for MSU in 2000-01.
"The new players have a great opportunity in front of them, and we are confident that many of them will make an immediate impact," added Carroll. "The previous two season helped the returning players mature and grow together as a team. They now realize the type of commitment, attitude and discipline it takes to be a successful team in the WCHA. We plan on this season being our best yet."
By Michelle Traen, MSU Asst. SID
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