The RDP Queens hockey still have some building to do in preparation for the ACAC regular season, but they’re going in the right direction.
“We have 24 members on the team and eight are new so that’s 16 returning players and hopefully that experience will help,” said Queens head coach Kelly Coulter.
“As for the first-year players, from what we’ve seen so far, they’re learning quickly, so that’s a nice bonus. And we have enough exhibition games to give them time to understand how Queens hockey plays.
“Our veterans have been very good in trying to bring the first-year players up to speed. It’s nice having an extra group of coaches in the room so that’s been very positive for us.”
The veterans had a good role model when it came to learning about leadership in Avery Lajeunesse.
“Avery was our heart and soul,” said Coulter. “She did a good job in mentoring our future captains and leaders. The legacy she left is team first and hard work. That’s what expectations are and the girls are taking over that role.”
Coulter indicated the veterans are reinforcing that team-first attitude, which led the Queens to two ACAC titles in a row before losing in the semifinals last season to eventual champion NAIT.
“They reinforce having to compete and practice hard against each other so they’re prepared for the games. Again, it’s a very physical league, and from what I’ve seen so far, I’ve been impressed with the fitness levels and being ready to go right off the hop.
“The veteran group really groomed the rookies into understanding how important fitness is and thinking the game. The returning players have learned that themselves and are projecting it to the first years.”
The biggest change for the Queens came on defence with only three veterans out of the seven on the roster.
Back are first team All-Conference players Kyla Hansel, Kaedence Mollin and Sarah Raymond.
Newcomers are Emily Hourie out of Lloydminster, Penelope Johnson, who played with the Northern Capitals in B.C., Addison Longmore from Swift Current and Avery Winchell of Nanaimo and the Vancouver Island Seals.
Hourie was especially impressive as the Queens opened their exhibition season with three wins in their Icebreaker Tournament.
“She’s a fantastic skater with good offensive instincts,” said Coulter. “In fact the group we brought in have a combination of skill and compete.
“Avery has a high compete level, Penelope has a good outlet pass and Addison works extra hard and has offensive skill. It all bodes well for us in the future.
“We have a young D core who are willing to work. It will be a bit of a challenge to get used to the pace and physicality of the league, but from what I’ve seen so far, they’re showing they can handle it.”
Hansel will be looked at as the leader.
“I’ve mentioned to her on several occasions she has the skill set to be the MVP in this league,” add Coulter. “She has the confidence in knowing how to play in the league and knowing what system we institute. We will be leaning on her and Kae (Kaedence) to help us teach the new D.”
Up front, the Queens have a solid group returning with several impressive newcomers.
Back are Julie Wagner, Jailyn Bablitz, Alli Soyko, Hayley Kolosky, Ryklee Mepham, Camryn Ward and Chloe Belter, all of whom had double figures in points. Arilyn Toews, Victoria Longley, Natasha Barsby and Molly Flynn round out the veteran group.
The newcomers include Mia McGregor of Brandon and the Yellowhead Chiefs, Karli Kutchinski of Sherwood Park and the St. Albert Slash, Grace Millar from the Saskatoon Stars and Fiona Sirovyak of the Fraser Valley Rush.
“Mia is a natural shooter and a point producer in midget while Grace and Karli are willing to go in those hard areas while Fiona is a utility player who thinks the game well, a versatile player who can play wing or centre. It’s nice to have those players with good hockey IQ and work ethic.
To cap it off the Queens goaltending is in good hands in veterans Izzy Palumbo and Tora Ward.
Ward led the league with a 0.91 Goals Against Average (GAA) last season and a .957 save percentage while recording five shutouts and a 9-2-0 record. Palumbo was second with a 1.40 GAA, .946 save percentage and a 10-4-0 record.
“It’s nice to have players who know the league and know the shooters. They also work well together, get along and push each other. Good teammates.”
The Queens return to exhibition play Sunday against SAIT at 3:30 p.m. at the Gary W Harris Centre. They host the Edmonton Wolves Junior A team Sept. 20 and Olds Sept. 27. They visit the Wolves Sept. 21 and Olds Sept, 26.
They open their regular schedule Oct. 4 at home against Olds.
Amy Friestadt returns to the coaching staff.
“Laura Salomons helps out when she can along with Jason Evans,” said Coulter. “I’d like one more full time coach, but it’s a big commitment,” concluded Coulter.
Danny Rode is a retired Advocate reporter and member of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame who can be reached at danrode@shaw.ca
