The women’s hockey season starts at 7 p.m. on Oct. 27 at St. Benedict University in St. Joseph.

According to fifth-year exercise science student Sophie Rausch, the team enters every season with the intention of being better than they were the previous year. They use what they learned years prior to guide and motivate them moving forward. 

“Playing as a team is our main goal,” Rausch said. “We just want to keep a good flow and have a long run in the postseason.” 

The team had their first exhibition game this Saturday, and they are hopeful for what the rest of the season has in store, according to fourth-year finance student Tayler Meier. 

“I hope our team can work with all of the new talent and skill we have and use that to our advantage,” Meier said. “We hope to win as many games as we can and bring home the national champion title at the end of the season.”

The team has 12 incoming freshmen and six graduating seniors. 

“We have a lot of first-years who are very inquisitive and ask a lot of questions about the way we operate,” Meier said. “We just try to be available to them and be there to direct them when they seem to be a little bit lost, on and off the ice.” 

According to Rausch, the team is strong this year and they intend on playing to their strengths and putting everything they have out on the ice this season. 

“I’m really excited to see how we use our speed in our game,” said Rausch. “Our talent is just another level this year. We have been really driven forward this year and I can’t wait to see where this momentum takes us.” 

Last year, the Blugolds came away from the season with 11 conference wins, one loss, and one tie, making them second to UW-River Falls, according to Blugold Athletics. 

According to the team’s head coach Erik Stand, the UW-River Falls Falcons are consistently the team’s main competitors. The team is working to bring home a national championship and set a school record for goals scored during the season. 

“UW-River Falls is the team to beat in the conference,” Stand said. “We’ve played them the last seven years and it always comes down to them or us. For us to get where we need to go, we need to dethrone them so that will always be a challenge for the team.” 

According to Rausch, the team tries to keep a positive attitude and always focus on the future, but they face challenges just like any other team.

“We always run into a tough game here or there, whether we are playing against a tough opponent or just not playing our best game,” Rausch said. “So it may be a challenge for us to get over that hump if we’re not in a good game or not playing like ourselves.” 

Meier said the team’s motto is “we before me.”

“We always try and play for the team and not for ourselves,” Rausch said. “We just want to show that we are a part of something bigger.” 

For more information on the women’s hockey season, visit Blugold Athletics. 

Allessi can be reached at [email protected].