The Gustavus Women’s Hockey team kicked off their season this week. The team is twenty-five women strong and hoping to be even more successful than last season.

Mike Carroll is going into his 17th year as the Women’s Hockey Head coach. Carroll is the most successful women’s hockey coach Gustavus has ever had with an overall record of 350-83-27.

This year there are three captains, Sophomore Diana Draayer, Junior Allie Lewis and Senior Lindsey Hibbard. Draayer feels the team has a lot of potential and her role is to help integrate the new players.

“Last year everyone in general did a good job of making sure we all bonded as a team right away. I want to help get the freshmen acquainted with the team and feel accepted,” Draayer said.

Hibbard is one of three seniors and hopes to help the younger players on the team continue the team’s success after she graduates.

“I see myself in a motivator lead-by-example type role. A mentor for the younger goaltenders” Hibbard said.

With an incoming class of twelve First-year hockey players there is a lot of young talent to foster and potential for a great season both this year and for upcoming years.

“Last year we had some inconsitencies in the middle of the season that I think ultimately led to us losing. We played well at it was a tough loss at the end. When you have those inconsistencies you can’t expect to win every playoff game. This year we are going to focus on off-ice stuff and really be present for all practices.
Just pull forth the full effort every practice.”
—Lindsey Hibbard

“We have a nice mix of returning players and a big freshman class, so lots of fresh faces and abilities,” Coach Carroll said.

The team has a very successful history, they won the MIAC Championship last year, going 19-5-2 overall. This was the thirteenth time in the school’s history women’s hockey won the MIAC. After winning the MIAC Gustavus advanced to the semi-final round where the team lost to Bethel.

“We’re excited to play Bethel and have a different turn out this year. It was great that we started out strong last year. This year we need to make sure we’re consistent through the whole season in how we play and expect the best effort forward of everyone,” Draayer said.

Hibbard is excited for the big competitive games such as St. Thomas and River Falls. She wants the team to take the season one game at a time and put in a lot of hard work so when playoffs come around the team is playing its best hockey.

“Last year we had some inconsistencies in the middle of the season that I think ultimately led to us losing. We played well and it was a tough loss at the end.  When you have those inconsistencies you can’t expect to win every playoff game. This year we are going to focus on off-ice stuff and really be present for all practices.  Just put forth the full effort every practice,” Hibbard said.

Every team’s ultimate goal is to get to the National Championship game. The Gusties have to focus on getting off to a good start and the MIAC before they can start looking ahead to the playoffs.

“Right now our team goals are short term. Having a great first week with two non-conference games. One goal would be by the end of the week, being ready for the conference season. Once we finish this week, we will go over some long term goals, but more importantly a plan on how we will reach those goals,” Coach Carroll said.

Come cheer on the Gustavus Women’s Hockey team tonight, Friday November 6, at their first home game against Saint Olaf at 7 p.m.