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Local Sports: RDC Queens packing offensive power

The RDC Queens hockey team will have a bit of a new look this season, at least up front.
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The RDC Queens hockey team will have a bit of a new look this season, at least up front.

Trying to add offence was one of the No. 1 goals when head coach Kelly Coulter hit the recruiting trail this season.

“We needed to add offence and I think we’ve done that (with seven new faces),” he said, indicating the Rowley twins (Sydney and Brooklyn) and Madison Sansom, all from the Battlefords Sharks and Carissa Hogan of Rosetown and the Swift Current Wildcats come in with solid credentials.

Sansom led the Sharks last season with 32 points including 20 helpers in 25 games. Sydney Rowley had 13 goals and as many assists while Brooklyn led the squad with 15 goals.

Hogan had 25 points on 12 goals and 13 assists in 28 games. As well Hannah Petrie, who had 27 points in 30 games two years ago with Pembina Valley Hawks of the Manitoba league has returned after playing three games with the Queens last season.

“She needed to take some time off and spent some time abroad,” explained Coulter. “We’re certainly happy to have her back.

“We look to have good depth up front and with five veterans we have players who know the league and know what it takes to contribute.”

Camryn Wallan, Janessa Fournier and Neisha Germann are in their third season with Mary Hirsch and Jessi Sumaling in their second.

Avery Lajeunesse is the lone local player on the roster and will round out the newcomers up front with Tyra Anderson of Kitscotty and the Lloydminster Steelers and Braxton Sharawa of Prince George.

Despite the fact the Queens managed to score just 51 goals last season they finished third in the league and took the Griffins to a deciding game in the best-of-three league semifinal before bowing out.

One of their strengths was on the back end and in goal led by veteran Karlee Fetch, who was outstanding late in the season and in the playoffs. She posted a 2.01 goals-against-average and a .947 save percentage in the post season.

“We’re certainly happy Karlee decided to return for her fifth season,” said Coulter. “She finished on a strong note with a great playoff. She’s calm, mature and will do a great job grooming Madison (Fox) as she learns to balance school and playing. We’re excited to see Madison grow as a player.”

Fox comes from a strong program, the Pacific Steelers in Richmond, B.C.

“They have a good program with a good coach who has developed a lot of high-end players” said Coulter. “We’re fortunate enough to get one of those players.”

The Queens should have a solid defence with five returnees, led by fourth-year veterans Kirsten Baumgardt and Mariah McKersie.

Although the Queens only opened camp this week, Baumgardt is already pleased with what she’s seen.

“Super excited,” she said. “We lost a couple good players, but have a good group back and a lot of good young talent with a lot of speed.”

Queens lost Catherine Longchamps and Mairead Bast.

“A big hit, but we feel the new girls will step right in,” added Baumgardt, who feels strong goaltending will only help.

“It makes a big difference when you’re comfortable with the girls behind you. You trust them and you’re less nervous.”

One thing the defence will do is add offence as McKersie, who can also play forward when needed, had five goals and four assists and Sydnee Decorby added four goals.

“We lacked some scoring last year and it’s important for the defence to step up and help create some offence. It’s not always the forwards,” said Baumgardt.

Decorby and Victoria Johnston are third year players with Ashley Sutherland back for a second season.

The three new faces on the blueline — Abby Fonteyne of Wetaskwiin and the Edmonton Pandas, Tessa Ross of Spirit River and the Edge Hockey Academy, and Brooke Skrypichayko of Glendon and the Northern Alberta Xpreme — all have good credentials.

“One thing all three are character kids,” said Coulter. ‘They come from good programs with good coaches, so when you have a relationship with those coaches you trust what they’re doing and what they tell you.”

Coulter knows defence wins games and likes the fact he has five veterans.

“In this league having players who have been around is important. They know the speed and physicality of the league and know what our expectations and standards are and can relate that to the new players.”

The Queens open their exhibition season Sept. 6 in their Icebreaker Tournament against the Griffins at 8 p.m.. They face SAIT at 11 a.m. and Olds at 8 p.m. Sept. 7. They open league play Oct. 10 at Olds and host Olds the following night.

Danny Rode is a retired Advocate reporter and member of the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame who can be reached at danrode@shaw.ca