Women’s hockey begin their title defense

Women's hockey begins their title defence this weekend, coming in having prepared as much for this season as any in their short history.

The Rustlers open the new ACAC campaign at home Friday evening, with a banner presentation preceding the game. Each of the veteran players we chatted with said they've been looking forward to this day for some time, after a jam-packed preseason.

"It'll be a big day, we've been really focused, and I think we're prepared after all of our exhibition games," third year forward Calla Kampen said. "It's a new team, new start, we're just working hard for something this year."

Lloydminster celebrated the grand opening of the Cenovus Energy Hub Wednesday evening, bringing thousands to enjoy festivities at the new arena. Several of the Rustler athletes were present to help Lloydminster & District Co-op with several contests for youngsters. Head Coach Morgan Mann complimented the team on their performance and attitude throughout the first month of the campaign, whether it was in practice or at events like Wednesday's ceremony.

"We have another great group, we've worked hard, playing 12 exhibition games and running hockey camps in Lloydminster, Thunderchild and soon in Unity," he said.

"We ask a lot of our players, but it's all good stuff., being busy, out in the community and being with your teammates. I like where we're at."

Training in the Hub has been a stark change from the Russ Robertson Arena over the last four years. The players noted that the wider ice surface compared to the Russ makes the action much more like their road contests, in addition to the ability to fit more fans in the stands.

"We have more space, more time to think," fourth year forward Kylie Perry said. "Now we have an advantage of being able to play on the same surface home and away."

"Having the space to host more fans is good. Should be really fun at the home opener."

While there's plenty of veterans left in the Lakeland uniform, there are several new faces on the team. Despite the risk of chemistry being hard to manage, so far things are looking positive.

"The rookies have pushed our whole group to get better," Kampen said. "There's a competition to be your best, but it's always positive."

"I really appreciate how our players treat each other," Mann said. "The respect they have for one another and the culture we have here, it continues to be a real privilege to be involved with this team."

Friday's opener will pit the Rustlers against the RDP Queens, an exretemely physical team that Lakeland has developed a rivalry with over the last two years, especially after handily beating them in the ACAC Finals last year. Despite their own roster changes, as well as a new head coach, Kampen said the tea mexpects the intensity to remain.

"We're not too sure what to expect, but there will definitely still be that rivalry and a strong physical game," she said.

And helping that intensity remain is the Rustlers playing style, something Mann said will always be present as long as he remains their coach.

"Our brand of hockey is playing with relentless effort, pace and being aggressive," he said "We ask for a lot of effort and we've recruited players that play that way, who are tough and block shots and do all the little things needed to win games."

Puck drop Friday night is 7:15 pm.