College hockey season is already here, and the UConn women’s hockey team is set to duel the Quinnipiac Bobcats in a road exhibition on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 3 p.m. in Hamden, Conn. It will be a rivalry matchup, as the two Connecticut schools are separated by just 56 miles. These two have matched up 23 times before, with Quinnipiac winning 12 of those matchups. This is the only exhibition game the Huskies will compete in before opening the season against St. Cloud State next week.
UConn enters the season with high expectations once again. For the second straight year, the Huskies were picked to finish first in the Hockey East Association after winning back-to-back regular-season titles.
The team has 16 returning players, including six seniors and one graduate student. Additionally, the Huskies have welcomed six freshmen and two transfers.
Last season, their scoring defense propelled them as they finished the season ranked fifth in the country, allowing 1.41 goals per game, in scoring defense.
The Bobcats were picked to finish fourth in the Eastern College Athletic Association. This is a step up from last year, when they were picked to finish fifth. They also have five seniors and two graduate students on their roster.
Quinnipiac brings a strong offense, scoring 97 goals last season to rank 10th nationally.
Head coach Cassandra Turner is entering her eleventh season as Quinnipiac’s leader.
Players to watch
#8 Julia Pellerin, junior, Forward, Connecticut
Pellerin is new to Storrs this season, after transferring from fellow Hockey East opponent Boston College, where she led Hockey East in scoring. She also earned first-team all-star honors and scored seven game-winning goals. At 5-foot-6 inches, the forward is expected to make an impact immediately in her new uniform.
credit: Connor Sharp, photo editor
#7 Claire Murdoch, sophomore, Forward, Connecticut
Murdoch had a phenomenal freshman campaign last season. She participated in 36 games, totaled 36 points and was the unanimous Hockey East rookie of the year. The sophomore is also on Canada’s senior national team radar. Murdoch will look to build on her freshman year, and her partnership with Pellerin could make for a dangerous duo.
#8 Kahlen Lamarche, sophomore, Forward, Quinnipiac
Ontario native Lamarche had a great freshman season for the Bobcats. The forward led the team with 19 assists and 33 points last season. She also finished second on the team in goals scored. After a solid freshman year, Lamarche is aiming to take the next step this season.
#16 Bryn Prier, sophomore, Forward, Quinnipiac
Prier, a sophomore, played in 38 contests last season. With many of the team’s top scorers graduating, Quinnipiac will need players like Prier to step up. She recorded eight points last season, including two multi-point games. She will be someone the Huskies need to keep an eye on in this exhibition.