2008 Woodie Awards
Women hope to step up game
With many of their top performers returning from last season, the Huskies will look to be competitive in the WCHA
Travis Weldon
Issue date: 10/11/07 Section: Sports
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Every weekend is a grind in the WCHA.
The conference is home to every champion crowned in women's college hockey.
"The WCHA is the highest competition around," said senior captain Laura Fast, who finished second on the team in scoring with 16 goals and 14 assists. "Our league has a lot more depth than other leagues. Every game is a challenge, and you have to be up for it."
After a season that saw the Huskies finish in seventh place in the WCHA, head coach Jeff Giesen looks to the road ahead.
Giesen said expectations were not met last year.
"We are trying to be a program in the elite three or four in the league," he said. "So we are trying to move up the ladder, and last year we actually took a step back going from four to seven. It wasn't what we expected or what we want to obtain."
With four of the top five scorers returning for the Huskies, taking a giant step forward is a distinct possibility.
Sophomore Holly Roberts led the Huskies with 18 goals and 17 assists in her rookie season. She has been working hard in the off-season as a member of the U.S. Women's Under-22 Select Team, which was a positive experience for her.
"You really know the amount of work you have to put in and dedication to become what the girls are," Roberts said. "The girls there are just amazing at hockey. They have the work ethic and the talent; they have everything that makes a hockey player, and I definitely learned what I have to do to become one."
Roberts said she was nervous when saw the talent in the WCHA.
"It was really scary, especially playing the Bulldogs, the Gophers and Wisconsin," she said. "By the second period I'm calmed down, but I still get nervous. My nerves are going the whole game."
Another sophomore looking to improve upon a great freshmen year is Caitlin Hogan, who appeared in all 37 games and tallied 12 goals and 17 assists.
The Huskies look toward an experienced defensive core with seniors Stacy Dey and alternate captains Brittni Kuyper and junior Brita Schroeder to guide the younger classes. The team will also look toward sophomores Danielle Hirsch and Kelly Meierhofer to assume more responsibilities.
The conference is home to every champion crowned in women's college hockey.
"The WCHA is the highest competition around," said senior captain Laura Fast, who finished second on the team in scoring with 16 goals and 14 assists. "Our league has a lot more depth than other leagues. Every game is a challenge, and you have to be up for it."
After a season that saw the Huskies finish in seventh place in the WCHA, head coach Jeff Giesen looks to the road ahead.
Giesen said expectations were not met last year.
"We are trying to be a program in the elite three or four in the league," he said. "So we are trying to move up the ladder, and last year we actually took a step back going from four to seven. It wasn't what we expected or what we want to obtain."
With four of the top five scorers returning for the Huskies, taking a giant step forward is a distinct possibility.
Sophomore Holly Roberts led the Huskies with 18 goals and 17 assists in her rookie season. She has been working hard in the off-season as a member of the U.S. Women's Under-22 Select Team, which was a positive experience for her.
"You really know the amount of work you have to put in and dedication to become what the girls are," Roberts said. "The girls there are just amazing at hockey. They have the work ethic and the talent; they have everything that makes a hockey player, and I definitely learned what I have to do to become one."
Roberts said she was nervous when saw the talent in the WCHA.
"It was really scary, especially playing the Bulldogs, the Gophers and Wisconsin," she said. "By the second period I'm calmed down, but I still get nervous. My nerves are going the whole game."
Another sophomore looking to improve upon a great freshmen year is Caitlin Hogan, who appeared in all 37 games and tallied 12 goals and 17 assists.
The Huskies look toward an experienced defensive core with seniors Stacy Dey and alternate captains Brittni Kuyper and junior Brita Schroeder to guide the younger classes. The team will also look toward sophomores Danielle Hirsch and Kelly Meierhofer to assume more responsibilities.