After an incredible championship run last year, which saw the team win the ACAC Finals against the Lakeland Rustlers three games to one, the women's hockey team is back with a host of fresh talent, ready for another competitive season.

Eleven new players have joined the team this year. The large turnover has opened roles across the lineup for recruits and veteran players. Head Coach Brendan Jensen sees this as an opportunity for the players, saying that it will be "exciting to see the group grow together all over the lineup."

As they gear up to compete for the championship, the focus is clear: stay sharp and never underestimate their opponents. "We know that every team in our conference has the same ultimate goal," Jensen said. "We can't afford to take a night off during conference play."

There are many great additions to the team who will bring a wealth of diverse experiences and skills to the table. The new recruits include Keagan Goulet, who has returned to Canada to play for the Ooks after a season in Sweden's professional HockeyAllsvenskan league, and Kelly Stanford, who is arriving from the AJFHL with 32 goals and 42 assists across 52 games to her name.

Other notable recruits include Mackena Foisy, Ella Howard, Isla Gosselin-Berg, Madison McCullough, Callie Dach, Abby Bryant, Greir Slabaida, Caitlyn Tong, and Jorja Imrie—each bringing their own unique strengths and experiences to help propel the team forward this season.

Navigating the start of the season can be a whirlwind, especially for student-athletes adjusting to a new environment, but the veteran players are eager to support and help acclimate the new players as they play through their non-conference games.

The team will open its season at and against Old's College on Thursday, October 10th, at 7 p.m. The home opener will be Saturday, October 12th, at 6 p.m.