"We've Come to Play"

Whether they are practicing, going through a pre-game skate, facing off at the beginning of the second period or heading into overtime, the 2000-01 Ohio State University women's ice hockey team will be committed to working hard every day.

Second-year head coach Jackie Barto knows that in order for her young Buckeyes to be successful in only their second year of play, they will have to add desire and discipline to an already strong work ethic, a combination she hopes will equal a winning season.

"Last year showed us where we need to go," Barto said, "This year we have more experience, which will help us to play disciplined. We will come to play every day. One of our goals is to be the hardest working team in the country."

Barto is quick to emphasize the positive aspects of the team's 8-26-3 record last year, namely the Buckeyes' fourth-place tie with St. Cloud State in the regular season WCHA standings, followed by a 4-2 victory over Wisconsin in the consolation round of the WCHA Championships which earned them an impressive third place finish overall.

Without question, the Buckeyes' success in the latter part of their first season will provide the momentum as almost all of the team returns from last year to face a grueling schedule that includes defending national champion Minnesota and WCHA champion Minnesota-Duluth.

"The schedule puts our student-athletes in a position to play the top teams in the nation. Fourteen players are returning who know the system and have the positives of last season to build on. To do well, we must work hard, make good decisions on the ice, and make the most of every opportunity."

Where It All Begins

Providing the last line of defense and laying the groundwork for the offense will be returning goaltenders Melissa Glaser and April Stojak, who logged an almost equal number of minutes in 1999-00 and split the team's victories down the middle with four each. Glaser made an immediate impact in goal as a freshman, appearing in 21 games with a 3.20 GAA, an .895 save percentage and two shutouts. Stojak was the team's most improved player in 1999-00 and earned WCHA Rookie of the Week honors Feb. 1 for her performance vs No. 2-ranked UMD, in which she stopped 53 of 54 shots.

On the Defensive End

A knowledgeable group of blueliners, which includes sophomores Emily Hudak, Katie Frohreich and Lindsey Steblen, will comprise the defensive corps. Hudak, the 1999-00 Most Valuable Freshman, is coming off an outstanding rookie season in which she led the Buckeye defense in goals (6), assists (6) and points (12) and the entire team in shots on goal with 143. Her strength and leadership on the ice will prove invaluable to the power-play and penalty-kill units. A major presence on the ice last season, Frohreich played in all 37 games. Steblen returns to the defensive line-up after a solid freshman season. A versatile player and a strong skater, she saw action in all 37 games as both a defenseman and forward and tallied 3-5=8. She was the team's most valuable defensive player.

Sophomore Christine Patno, who saw quality playing time last year, will compete for a spot on the blueline with newcomers Kelli Halcisak and Emma Laaksonen.

Driving Forward

The lone senior on the roster, center Corinne Rosen will lead the pack of forwards. Rosen, the team's captain and Most Valuable Offensive Player last season, provided tremendous leadership and led the squad in goals (16), assists (17) and points (33).

Rosen will captain the Buckeyes along with Hudak, Glaser and top returning forward Lindsey Ogren. A sophomore, Ogren capped off her rookie season with a nomination to the WCHA-All Tournament Team - the only Buckeye to earn a spot. She finished third on the team in scoring with 10 goals and five assists, and was named WCHA Rookie of the Week Oct. 25 and WCHA Player of the Week Dec. 13.

Sophomore forward Shana Frost will add depth and scoring ability to the offense. Frost was second on the team in scoring last season with 11 goals and 15 assists for 26 points and will be assisted on the wing by sophomores Jayne Bucksa, Melissa Pirie, Sarah Van Riper and Kris Ankersen, who is returning after an ankle injury. Sophomore Carrie Gill should see time as both a defender and a forward.

"The forwards this year will drive hard to the net and their experience should help them make the most of every opportunity, including opponent turnovers. We're looking for everyone to step up production."

Newcomers expected to make an immediate contribution to the offense include Jeanne Chapple, Heather Farrell, Erin O'Grady and Leah Peyer.

By Kelly Kaufman, OSU SID

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