As defending champions there is always a side of the game any head coach has to worry about - a championship hangover.
RDP Queens hockey boss Kelly Coulter doesn’t feel that will be a problem.
“There doesn’t appear to be much of a hangover,” he said. “Our practices have been competitive and the girls understand the challenges of winning and how competitive our league is … there are no easy teams.
“We’re certainly starting the new season with a target on our backs and I feel the girls will be up for it. In my mind, it makes it more fun, as everyone will be gunning for us and trying to knock off the champions.”
This year’s edition of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference Hockey League will expand to five teams with the addition of the Lakeland Rustlers, joining the Queens, NAIT Ooks, SAIT Trojans and the Olds Broncos.
Queens get an opportunity to see what the Rustlers level of competition this weekend when they host the Rustlers Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 5 p.m.
“We’re happy to have them in the league,” said Coulter. “Last year they played in the Alberta Junior League and were competitive. They’re well coached and we’re looking forward to hosting them.”
Keyano was expected to add a women’s team this season, but that fell through.
“I haven’t heard anything about them, but it would be nice to add one more team,” said Coulter. “I’d like to see either Lethbridge or Grande Prairie come in. They both have good facilities and it’s a relatively easy trip.”
This year’s edition of the Queens will know what it takes to win a championship with 20 of their 26 players returning.
“We’re fortunate that way as it means less teaching and more time spent on executing systems and even adding to our systems from last year,” added the veteran coach. “It’s also like having 20 additional teachers out there.”
The Queens don’t have a fifth-year starter and only three in their fourth season — goaltender Madison Fox and forwards Avery Lajeunesse and Madison Sansom.
Lajeunesse’s return brings a smile to Coulter’s face. There was a time after last season when she felt she may never play again after suffering a major ankle injury early last season.
“She had a fantastic first season with us then last year was cut short, playing just three games. She not only provides offence but a lot of leadership.
“She’s fearless on the ice and brings that same quality off the ice. She’s a good student and we’re certainly happy she’s back.”
Avery is one of 12 forwards and six defencemen returning along with all three goaltenders.
The Queens won the championship thanks to an outstanding group of goaltenders and a solid defensive mindset.
“That was our strength and what we’re noted for as a team,” Kelly added. “We have a solid defensive core returning with three additions, all of whom have impressed so far.
“We have three new players up front and on defence. They all come from good programs with good coaching.”
Alex Black, Kyla Hansel, Alesha Santos, Kiera Mulder. Jordan McLaughlin and Brooke Skrypichayko are back on the blueline although Skrypichayko is expected to miss the majority of the season after knee surgery in May.
New faces include Jessica Bouffard, who played at Swift Current, Kaedence Mollin from the Okanagan Lakers and Sarah Raymond of Camrose, who played at the NAX Academy.
Up front Molly Flynn of Regina, Natasha Barsby of the Okanagan and Hailey McAvena from the Airdrie AA program are new.
“They add speed to our lineup which is something we were short of at times in the past,” said Coulter.
Fox, Tanya Disotell and Izzy Palumbo return in goal.
“Madison and Tanya will definitely challenge each other to start and all three give us a chance to win every night,” said Coulter.
Up front Lajeunesse and Sansom are joined by veterans Natalie Buttle, Alli Soyko, Brenna Reid, Monica Bowtell, Julie Wagner, Jailyn Bablitz, Haley Kicia, Arilyn Toews and Kassy Gaudette.
The one negative Kelly sees going into the season is a lack of games in the first half.
“We play seven league games in the first half and 13 after Christmas. Too many breaks in the schedule which is tough to keep everyone motivated at times.”
The Queens also won’t have any university competition, unlike the past.
“By the time our schedule came out the universities already had their schedules set,” he said.
The Queens open their regular season Oct. 14 at Lakeland and at home Oct. 28 against SAIT.
Danny Rode is a retired Advocate reporter and member of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame who can be reached at danrode@shaw.ca