Sports

Sextet of freshman skaters excel early

Winning the 2005-06 National Championship solidified UW's position as one of the premiere women's hockey programs in the country. However, in order to remain at this elite status, it is essential that head coach Mark Johnson bring in top recruits year after year. Needless to say, this year's freshman class is ready for a challenge that is arguably the toughest thing to do in all sports: defend the national title.

There are six freshmen on Johnson's squad this year, all of whom are anxious and ready to contribute to the nation's top-ranked team. Despite being newcomers, all six feel extremely comfortable in their new settings, due largely in part to great veteran leadership.

"The team is like one big family," said forward Meghan Duggan, of Danvers, Mass.

The upperclassmen have been very hospitable toward the six rookies, which has made their transitions as easy as possible.

"When we have team functions, [the upperclassmen] make sure everyone is invited," said goaltender Alannah McCready, of Blaine, Minn., who plans to major in legal studies. This camaraderie has made each of them optimistic about their success as a team during the current season.

Despite their youth and inexperience, Johnson expects the rookies to contribute early and often for the Badgers and has high hopes for them to be serious factors as the season progresses.

"I'm anxious for January and February," Johnson said, referring to how the players will continue to improve and learn.

Each freshman said that the biggest difference between high school and college hockey is the pace of the game. But forward Kyla Sanders (Parrish, Fla.) didn't have too much trouble with that, as she tallied her first career goal in her first collegiate game.

"I was shocked, but it was a great feeling," said Sanders of her goal.

"[Kyla is] sneaky, fast and has a good feel for the game," noted Johnson about the Floridian, who knows she's in trouble come winter.

"I hate the cold," she said jokingly.

Sanders was not the only freshman to light the lamp last weekend. Duggan and Jasmine Giles (Ottawa, Ontario) also each notched their first goals of their young careers.

Defender Ally Strickler of St. Louis Park, Minn., found it easy to fit in, as she has become reunited with high school teammate Angie Keseley. Strickler, who is studying psychology and religious studies, hopes to keep up academically and improve as much as possible on the ice.

Forward Emily Kranz of Waukesha, is the only freshman from Wisconsin. It's been her dream to play at UW since she was little, and now she's living the dream. Her goal is to one day be a national champion like so many of her current teammates.

While all of the first-year players are extremely excited to be wearing red and white this season, Kranz is especially eager for this weekend's match-up against St. Cloud State, where her sister is the assistant coach.

McCready can't wait to square off against Bemidji State, where six of her friends from high school play.

However, all the Badgers, freshmen included, have Oct. 21 circled on their calendars, when the Minnesota Golden Gophers come to town.

"That's a big time rivalry," said Duggan, who can't wait to become part of it.

All six freshmen are aware of the pressure that rests on their shoulders as the future of this esteemed program. Nonetheless, they are ready and willing to take on these challenges so that one day they too can hoist the National Championship trophy.