University of Connecticut Athletics
Women's Ice Hockey Season Starts at Union
9/28/2012 12:00:00 AM | Women's Ice Hockey
Sept. 28, 2012
STORRS, Conn. - A strong, experienced core of veterans and a large, talented crop of young players look to lead the
The challenge for the 2012-13 Huskies will be to find consistency in scoring after averaging just 1.62 goals per game. A year ago, UConn was carried by its goaltending and defense.
The battle between the pipes will be between junior transfer Sarah Moses and freshman Elaine Chuli. Moses spent that last two years at
Chuli is a familiar face to coach Linstad after appearing on the U-18 Canada National Team at the IIHF World Championship in the
"I'm excited for the two goalies that we have," stated Linstad. "Elaine Chuli is a freshman who comes from playing with the Under-18 in
Sophomore Emily Walsh joined the team mid-way through last season and will also look to compete for playing time in the crease.
The Huskies will also look to a new group of leaders for the upcoming season in seniors Maude Blain, Kelly Horan and Casey Knajdek.
"I do think that we have three very good seniors that are going to lead the show in Casey Knajdek, Kelly Horan and Maude Blain. I think the older kids will lead the young kids, but I think we've got a renewed, fresh energy that will do us well in conference and out of conference."
Blain will anchor the defense after totaling eight points on one score and seven assists and despite missing 10 games last season. Over the last three seasons, Knajdek has shown the ability to play center and on the blue line; dishing out three assists last year. Meanwhile, Horan looks to have a bounce-back season after her scoring production was cut in half from each of her first two seasons. She totaled 18 points in each of her first two years, but registered just nine as a junior on three goals and six assists.
Leading the offensive attack up top for
Junior forward Stephanie Raithby also adds a veteran presence to the UConn offense. She hasn't missed a step, skating in 69 career games, netting 19 points on eight goals and 11 assists.
Along with Snodgrass and Campero, sophomores Rachel Farrel and Sarah MacDonnell showed promise as rookies. Farrel found the back of the net four times and added three assists as MacDonnell scored three times and chipped in one helper.
"I really do believe that we've got a good core group in our sophomores. Emily Snodgrass led the team [in scoring], but I think a kid like Sarah MacDonnell, who also played for the U-18 in
New to the ranks up top will be freshmen Brittany Berisoff, Leah Buress, Michela Cava and Margaret Zimmer.
"All four have skill sets that compliment each other very well, will help the team both offensively and defensively and ignite our offense. When I look at all of the young kids, I think it is early to tell, but I think that they will develop very quickly."
Hewes and junior Kiana Nauheim return alongside Blain on the blue line. As a freshman, Hewes scored four times and picked up four assists. Nauheim, who has played in every game over the last two years, has seven career points, including four assists coming a year ago.
The newcomers aim to bulk up the Husky defense. Junior Erin Burns arrives in
"Burns is a true defensive-defenseman with the ability to move the puck and start and offensive break. She brings experience and leadership qualities that will be a welcome addition to the locker room."
Freshmen Alice Hughes and Cassandra Opela round out the UConn defensemen. Both played locally during their prep school careers. Hughes starred at
The 2012-13 season gets underway at
The Hockey East Championship is scheduled for March 9-10 in
