Dinos women's hockey kicks off new season

Dinos women's hockey kicks off new season The start of the school year also brings the start of the university hockey season, and this year, the University of Calgary Dinos women’s hockey team are looking to build on their strong comeback in the 2025-2026 season.  Two seasons ago saw them missing the playoffs after losing several important players in the summer and bringing lots of young talent onto the team in the fall. The following season, they made the playoffs on the back of exceptional goaltending and talented skaters. Now, with some key pieces leaving and more young players joining, the focus remains on the youth: a crop of first and second year players who will play important roles in the upcoming season. “We’ve got lots [of players] that are going to step up,” said Head Coach Josh Gosling. “We have an unbelievable group of returning players that are all going to take steps.”  Although star goaltender, fifth-year Amelia Awad, remains on the roster for her final season, there have been big losses at both forward and defence: former captain Brooklyn Anderson graduated last spring, and veteran defenceman Alex Spence has also left the team. As far as scoring goes, Gosling is looking for his top line of fourth-year Evelyn Lawrence, fifth-year Sydney Mercier and NCAA transfer Mikayla Blomquist to provide the offense.  “We’re going to try and push [Mercier] to another level,” Gosling told the Gauntlet. “Her linemates will help her, but we’re looking for her to continue to drive the play.”  Over the last two preseason games, that line played together.  “They’re easy to find,” Mercier told the Gauntlet about playing with Lawrence and Blomquist.  “I think we work really well together,” continued Mercier. In the team’s final preseason game against the Carleton Ravens, the power play looked shaky. The Dinos were unable to capitalize on several key opportunities, such as a 5-on-3 moments after the Ravens scored to bring the game within one, and later, a powerplay in the dying minutes of regulation. Gosling acknowledged these were “must-score” moments, but also pointed out the power-play wasn’t something the team had focused on much during preseason.  “We need a desperation score,” said Gosling, adding that in the two weeks between the final preseason game and opening weekend October 9 and 10 facing the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, the power-play would be a priority in practice. On the defensive side, third-year players Brooklyn Fry and Caitlyn Perlinger will have important roles to play. Fry will serve as captain, while Perlinger is one of her alternates. However, defensive responsibility doesn’t just fall on the defence — everyone needs to pitch in.  “Everyone is expected to play that way [defensively],” Gosling noted.  Preseason was an opportunity for everyone to get a couple minutes on the penalty kill, including Mercier and her linemates.  “Defence isn’t my strong suit,” Mercier joked. “but I like getting put out there in high pressure situations.”  That’s the name of the game this year for the Dinos: high pressure. Their goal is clear: make the playoffs, win Canada West and advance to the National Championship. “We weren’t happy with how our season ended last year,” Gosling said. “We didn’t like how we played in that first round.” The team had some pre-scouting in the event of Nationals this preseason, playing two out-of-conference teams in the University of Ottawa and Carleton University. Gosling described the experience as valuable, since getting information on teams outside of Canada West can be difficult to come by before March. This year, the Dinos are looking to make it all the way to Fredericton, where the 2026-2027 Women’s Hockey Championship will be hosted. Buoyed by a diverse blend of proven returning players and talented incoming players, the Dinos are ready to prove they have what it takes to win it all.