Sights set on history: Women's hockey season preview

As with so many Rams teams, the women's hockey squad had a historic 2019-20 season. After pushing rival Toronto to the OUA semifinals, the Rams were just one win away from reaching the McCaw Cup final and a trip to U SPORTS nationals. They would've also been the first Rams hockey team ever to advance past the semifinals.

Yet, the night of March 1st, 2020 did not go as planned. There were few dry eyes in the dimly-lit Rams tunnel after falling 3-2 at Varsity Arena to the Varsity Blues. While Toronto would go on to win the league pennant, the Rams were sent into an ever-extending off-season due to COVID-19.

The Rams are finally back in action this week, taking on the York Lions in a home-and-away series to kick off a 20 game regular season.

At practices back on Mattamy Home Ice, plenty of veteran Rams have been skating. All-time goals leader Lauren Nicholson returns alongside winningest netminder Rachel Seeley. Practice sessions have been a flurry of pucks and drills, matched only by constant dialogue between players and coaches.

Head coach Lisa Haley has calmly led the way for the team, but will be away to start the season. The veteran coach is abroad with the Hungarian national team in Europe until November 19th. However, assistant coach Haley Irwin is having no trouble filling in at the helm.

"I think everyone's really excited," said Irwin after a two-hour practice last week. She was one of the last people off the ice after the session. "There's been a lot of hard work that they've put into the last year and a half not being able to play. But, we've been able to play two (exhibition) games now and we're excited to finish off then get ready for the season."

While there has been some turnover throughout the long off-season, much of the Rams' leadership has returned. Forward Madison Lalonde is the squad's newest captain with Olivia Giardetti, Brooklyn Gemmill, Jamie Watson, and Natalie Thompson serving as assistants. All five players have over a hundred collective games of OUA experience.

"There are a lot of returning leaders, but it's not just us," said Gemmill in regards to herself and other veterans. "We have a lot of younger girls this year, and they bring a lot of talent. We have leaders in our first years and second years."

On paper, the Rams roster is balanced with a blend of experience, speed, and skill. Yet the comparable 2019-20 squad had its own set of struggles. The Rams finished fifth in 2020, with the team seeing both a six-game win streak and a four-game losing streak all in the same season. Special teams, which the Rams have been honing at recent practices, could also be an area to watch. It took the team to their seventh game last season to pot their first power play goal.

A slow start could spell trouble for the Rams as the OUA competition is bound to heat up.

"We know how close we were a few years back with Toronto. We were one goalpost away. So it's definitely something that's been driving every practice and every play," added Gemmill.

Either way, the Rams are happy to be back in the fight for the McCaw Cup after over 600 days.

"I think every day we're grateful to be able to step on this ice and have it back."

Puck drop is at 7:15 p.m. in North York against the Lions on Friday. Fans can watch live on OUA.TV. York then visits Mattamy Home Ice on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. for the Rams home opener.

Fans can purchase tickets for all Rams home games this season, here. Ryerson students, staff, and faculty are free but still need to reserve a ticket in advance of arriving on game day. Utilize the access code RAMS to reserve your free ticket. Health and safety protocols are in place - more information is available at the ticketing website.

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Players Mentioned

#1 Natalie Thompson: G; 5' 10"; 3

#2 Lauren Nicholson: F; 5' 9"; 5

#9 Brooklyn Gemmill: F; 5' 4"; 4

#12 Olivia Giardetti: F; 5' 4"; 4

#24 Jamie Watson: D; 5' 6"; 5

#26 Madison Lalonde: F; 5' 8"; 4

#34 Rachel Seeley: G; 5' 8"; 5

Players Mentioned

#1 Natalie Thompson
: 5' 10"; 3
: G

#2 Lauren Nicholson
: 5' 9"; 5
: F

#9 Brooklyn Gemmill
: 5' 4"; 4
: F

#12 Olivia Giardetti
: 5' 4"; 4
: F

#24 Jamie Watson
: 5' 6"; 5
: D

#26 Madison Lalonde
: 5' 8"; 4
: F

#34 Rachel Seeley
: 5' 8"; 5
: G