2007-08 Season Outlook
Change.
Of the many things that Brian Idalski, the new head coach of the University of North Dakota women's hockey team, brings, it's change.
"Things are going to be different," Idalski said.
With that change, Idalski and his new staff have created a buzz at Ralph Engelstad Arena. There are new philosophies, a new level of hope and excitement – something that was missing from last season.
"I'm excited about the opportunities," Idalski said. "We're trying to get a hold of things and get this program headed in the right direction."
Offseason
Heading into the 2007-08 season, Idalski was excited with North Dakota's preparation. The Fighting Sioux have worked hard on conditioning and lifting weights all summer, Idalski said.
"Conditioning-wise, they did a great job," Idalski said. "[Strength] coach Quinn [Peterson] did a great job and the team responded. They are in great shape."
That conditioning level provides the foundation for success, Idalski said.
"The first step was conditioning and to get into great shape," Idalski said. "We've done that. Now it's about getting on the ice, practicing well and buying into the system."
Forwards
The Fighting Sioux will need to improve their offensive output in 2007-08 in order to succeed, Idalski said, but he wouldn't be surprised to see a lot of low-scoring games.
"We are going to be a defensive team early on," Idalski said. "We need to be defensive, pick our spots and give ourself the opportunity to make plays."
North Dakota returns a number of its top scorers. Juniors Randi Motsko, Casie Hanson and Melissa Jaques are back up front and will be looked upon to increased leadership and goal-scoring roles.
Sophomore Jenny Porter will also be expected to continue her development after a good freshmen campaign of 2006-07. Andrea Cook, Ashley Paulson, Jodi Holland and Alex Williams will also be expected to step up.
"We're going to have some different looks and give everyone the opportunity," Idalski said.
North Dakota also welcomes five new freshmen forwards this season in Emily Sell, Nikki Hebert, Kelly Lewis, Alexa Nelson and Stephanie Roy, that will fit into the mix, as well.
Defense
Idalski said North Dakota's defense will be a strong point for the team in 2007-08.
"Our defense will be a strength," Idalski said. "Now we are going to add depth, but we still need to improve."
The Sioux will be led by junior Kelsey Fletcher on the blueline. Fletcher had two goals and two assists last season.
Sophomores Ashley Lynch, Samantha Turner, Alyssa Johnson and Cassandra Flanagan are also expected to continue their development at the blue line position. Lynch was the most active, offensively, a season ago, scoring three goals and three assists. Turner also had six points (2g,4a), Johnson had three (1g,2a) and Flanagan two (1g,1a).
Freshman Kelly Lewis is also expected to step in and compete for playing time.
Goaltending
Sophomore goaltender Brittany Kirkham returns after a solid season in net. Last season, Kirkham was North Dakota's mainstay between the pipes, starting in a school-record 35 games with an .887 saves percentage.
Freshmen goaltenders Michelle Sauer and Grace Edgar will back up Kirkham and are expected to push for playing time.
New staff
Among the new changes to the University of North Dakota women's hockey program is a new staff, which has created a positive buzz in women's hockey circles around the nation.
Maria Lewis and Grand Kimball were hired as assistant coaches last summer. Lewis spent the past six seasons coaching at Mercyhurst College, serving the 2005-06 season as associate coach. She was a member of the 2005 American Hockey Coaches Association National Staff of the Year and was a two-time (2005 & 2003 College Hockey America (CHA) Assistant Coach of the Year. One thing Lewis is known for is her recruiting, including the signing of the first Olympian in Mercyhurst history.
Kimball, who worked at Wayne State as associate coach and recruiting coordinator since 2003, is a proven winner. Kimball helped Wayne State to 57 wins and a CHA conference championship game appearance in 2007.
Schedule
One thing that hasn't change is North Dakota's tough scheduling. Along with the always-tough 28-game WCHA schedule, the coaching staff has put together another solid non-conference schedule.
The Fighting Sioux travel to the Nike Bauer Women's Classic in Minneapolis, Minn. to face Boston University and Northeastern. The Sioux will also head to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and host Bemidji State.
"It sets up pretty nice," Idalski said. "We have a lot of tough games, but it works out well down the stretch." Idalski is familiar with the WCHA, spending last season as an assistant coach for St. Cloud State.
"The WCHA is hands down the best conference," Idalski said. "To play with the top teams, you need to play your best every game."
Idalski said the Sioux want to get off to a good start during a six-game homestand from Oct. 19-Nov.4.
"It's important to get a good start and build confidence," Idalski said. "Then we have to roll that into the second half."