Season Outlook: Union Ready To Begin

The Dutchwomen's ice hockey team begins its 2008-09 campaign with games against Boston University on Friday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. and against Northeastern on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 4 p.m.  

SEASON PREVIEW

Union women's hockey followers can expect a new look to the Dutchwomen this year with 12 newcomers joining the 10 returning letterwinners.

At the helm for her second season is head coach Claudia Asano, who is laying the ground work to turn Union women's hockey into a threat in the ECAC and in the country. First step is reaching the conference playoffs.   "Our goal is to make the ECAC playoffs," Asano said. "I think one way to do that is to win the games we either tied or lost by one goal last year. I think with our returnees and our freshmen we can be competitive and obtain this goal.   "We are heading in the right direction. We've made a big jump with 50 percent new student-athletes added to our roster. I think everyone is excited about the expectation that this program is on the rise. In four years, we'll be one of the top four in the league - that's what I hope. It's definitely something that's feasible with all the right things happening."  

This year's team will be looking at senior goaltender Lundy Day and senior forward Stephanie Gilbert for leadership.

Both will be representing the Dutchwomen as captains, a newfound role for Day, but a similar situation for Gilbert, who was named captain halfway through last season.  

"Lundy's only been at Union for a little over a year and she's become an excellent leader," Asano said. "She bleeds garnet and she was so successful last year. She leads by example, works very hard and she's a vocal leader.    "I don't think you'll find a kid that works harder than Stephanie. She has embraced everything we've given her. She doesn't ever think there's a limit; she keeps going and going and I think that's impressive."  

Day returns between the pipes for her second season wearing the Union sweater. Last season she played in 30 games and posted a .902 save percentage. She averaged more than 30 saves a game and earned an All-ECAC Third Team Selection.   "Lundy got better every game last season," Asano said. "She has a lot to play for and she plays with a lot of passion. Her talent is clearly there and she is a tough goalie to beat."  

Adding support upfront is senior forward Suzy Pocock, who finished fifth last year with six points and fourth with three goals. Marissa Gentile returns for her sophomore season and Gilbert is expected to produce in 2008-09.   "All three of them are going to play an important role for us," Asano said. "Suzy will have a very good year. She has been successful in the past and I think she has her feet underneath of her. Marissa is a talented forward and will continue to improve and Stephanie is just a grinder. She isn't going to make anything pretty, but she'll produce."  

Union adds seven newcomers to the offense, including Kelly Alyea, Emilie Arseneault, Adelle Calahan, Lauren Cromartie, Molly Kate Devin, Lauren Hoffman and Kim Kowalcyk.   "We have seven new freshmen forwards and I think all of them have the ability to play on any of out top lines," Asano said. "Adelle is an unbelievable talent and Lauren Cromartie has great hands and can move the puck. Really all seven of them have great talent and they want it - they want to win."  

Defensively, Union returns three defenders, including team co-rookie of the year Elsa Perushek. The sophomore played in 30 games last season and had a goal and three assists. Also returning is junior Jackie Koetteritz and sophomore Perri Maduri.   "Elsa's one of our top returning defensemen," Asano said. "Then we have Perri and Jackie. Jackie's also one of the top kids, but very different, very aggressive. Elsa's very passive and puts her stick in at the right place at the right time. Perri has a year of experience under her belt, so we expect her to be successful."  

Freshmen Chelsey Heinhuis, Kayleigh Melia and Dania Simmonds join the three at the blueline.   "The three freshmen all bring talent," Asano said. "Now, it's whether or not they can put it together in a college game - I think they can. They all have good shots, quick feet and are very solid."   The Dutchwomen will play 12 non-conference games to complement their 22 league outings. Key out-of-league games include Boston University, Vermont, Wayne State and trips to Sacred Heart and Maine.  

The usual suspects make up the ECAC portion of the schedule and Union knows they have to pass through all 11 teams to make it to the postseason.