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Lakers women open hockey season on the road

While they’re still considered a new team in the OUA, the Nipissing Lakers women’s hockey team isn’t using that as an excuse as they enter their second season.

While they’re still considered a new team in the OUA, the Nipissing Lakers women’s hockey team isn’t using that as an excuse as they enter their second season.

The Lakers kick off Year 2 Wednesday night in Waterloo and Thursday in Laurier, looking to make some noise with a combination of new, talented recruits and solid returning veterans.

Lakers head coach Darren Turcotte said his team will be more equipped to be successful this season with the additions of the new recruits and the returnees having a year of experience under their belts.

“Our depth is going to be a strength this year. We have a good mix of skills, speed, strong defensive players and hardworkers,” Turcotte said.

“We’re excited about the potential of this team.”

The Lakers seemed to run out of gas late in the season and were unable to put together wins down the stretch, however, with the new depth, that won’t be an issue this year.

Captain Carly Machment is back to the lead the team up front and has a strong core of forwards to help her.

A balanced attack, with all four lines being able to score, but also defend will be huge for the Lakers.

On the blueline, depth again will stand out as the team has eight capable puck-moving defenders who can skate, make a strong first pass as well as protect their own end.

In net, all three goalies are back with Jackie Rochefort, Sabrina Picard and Micaela Stutzki looking for big seasons.

All three had solid rookie years and are hoping for bigger and better things in 2014-15.

The Lakers will face two tough teams right off the bat, taking on the Warriors and Golden Hawks, who are the defending OUA champions.

Laurier has won 10 of the last 14 OUA titles; they’ve also claimed a CIS championship in that time and went on a run, winning seven consecutive championships.

It will be a good measuring stick for the Lakers who have high hopes this season.

Game time for both contests – Wednesday versus Waterloo and Thursday versus Laurier – are set for 7:30 p.m.