Defence was definitely one of the strengths of the RDC Queens last season.
But this year, with only two veterans in camp, there will be some concerns in that area heading into the Alberta Colleges Women’s Hockey League season.
“It could be a learning process as right now we’re using three girls, who are more natural forwards, on defence,” said Queens head coach Rob Weddell.
“Then again it could be just fine . . . we’ll see how things work out in the preseason.”
Caitlin Couronne and Kimberlee Day are the only veterans on the blueline with Teagan Campbell of Winnipeg and Alana Duncan of Valemount the only natural defencemen among the rookies.
Shelly Susheinitsky of Winnipeg and Courtney Tremblay of Carrot River, Sask., have played some defence in the past while Chelsea Greenbank of Saskatoon is new to the position.
“Shelly seems to be a good fit back there,” added Weddell, who lost Allison McDonald, Lindsay Hogg, Emily Hnatiuk, Janel Lirette and Brandi Buss off last year’s squad.
Hnatiuk is still in school at RDC, but in the nursing program and doesn’t feel she has time to commit to the team.
“If we were in desperate need we may talk with her, but as of now we’re not going to approach her about coming out,” said Weddell adding last year wasn’t a good year for recruiting defencemen.
“Some of the girls had opportunities to go to university, so that’s the way it was.”
The Queens also lost veteran goaltender Kaitlyn Chapman, but they should be solid in the net with the return of Kendra Lakeman, who had a 1.98 goals-against-average and a .920 save percentage last season.
“Kendra had a great year and while losing Chappy hurts, Kendra will fill in nicely,” stressed Weddell, who added Courtney Rea of Saskatoon as backup.
“Courtney has been very good in the games so far and will be a good addition to the team.”
The Queens should be solid up front with the return of Megan and Jessica Abt, Chantal Froehler, Brittany Erlandson, Montanna Noyes and Nicky Doiron.
“Our forwards should be our strength,” said Weddell.
We have six solid veterans back and I’m definitely happy with our recruits.”
Weddell added Becca Glackin and Rachael Hoppins off the Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs major midget team while Skye Fahlman of Medicine Hat has impressed in the early going.
Mica Pettibone of Lacombe, Cody Cooper of Vernon, B,.C., and Erin Heinemann of North Battleford, Sask., are the other forwards in camp.
Last year the Queens struggled at times to score plus they lost outstanding forward Karla Bourke along with solid forwards Ashley Blacquiere and Amber Graham, but Weddell feels they have the talent to hold their own offensively.
“There will be a little more pressure on Megan Abt, but the second-year girls will be that much better,” he said.
“Plus I’ve seen an excellent attitude on and off the ice.” Weddell has 21 players in camp, a number he may stay with.
“If we stay with 21 will depend on what some of the first-year girls decide,” he said.
“We’re going with three lines and if the girls are willing to stay and work on the fourth line then we’ll keep them all.”
Who will make up the first three lines will be determined prior to the opening of the regular season, Oct. 14 when they host SAIT.
The Queens meet Mount Royal Friday in Calgary and play the Edmonton Chimos Sunday in Leduc. They host the Chimos Oct. 7.
drode@www.reddeeradvocate.com