SCHENECTADY, NY –  At 6 a.m. on Thursday, the Union College Dutchwomen's Ice Hockey Team began their 2011-2012 season, boarding a plane for Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Head Coach Claudia Asano Barcomb and assistants Ali Boe and Julie Chu, along with their squad of 25, look to take on the Minnesota Gophers and the Saint Cloud Huskies this weekend in the season opening East/West Showcase.

The Dutchwomen face the host Gophers at 8:07 p.m. Eastern time Friday and the Huskies Saturday at 5:07 p.m. Live Stats are scheduled to be provided by Minnesota. The home season opens October 8 vs. Sacred Heart at 4 p.m. at Messa Rink.

When asked what her core goal was heading into her fifth season with the Dutchwomen, Barcomb's answer was simple: “To make the ECAC Playoffs.”  Barcomb has a dynamic squad this year, made up of eight returning seniors, six juniors, five sophomores and six freshmen.  The 1999 Harvard graduate expects a team effort from her players, veterans and newcomers alike.

“There is a willingness to do what it takes to get our goals accomplished”, Barcomb said.  “Everyone is very excited.”

Having 19 returning players creates an atmosphere for improvement and success, especially with Barcomb's seniors leading the pack.  After graduating just four Dutchwomen from the 2010-2011 season, the team seems more united than ever.

“Our seniors bring great experience.  We have our goaltender, three defensemen and four forwards.”  Barcomb expects her veterans to provide leadership and create opportunities for their goals to be accomplished. “They have experienced a great deal of growth in their three years and I think their knowledge will really help our program”, she says. “Especially since there were 14 one-goal games last year.”

The large amount of extremely close losses for the Dutchwomen makes them hungrier to have a winning season.  Barcomb has great confidence in her class of 2012.

“Lauren Hoffman should have a great offensive year with her skills and jump” Barcomb said.  Hoffman is the leading returning point scorer for the Dutchwomen.  The New York native ended the 2010-2011 season with a career total of 29 points (13G, 16A).  She also was tied for the season's most goals scored (4) and most assists (7), bringing her points to 11.

Barcomb is also excited about her senior defense.  “Lauren Cromartie should be one of our strongest defensive centers, and will add some offense, as well.”  Kayleigh Melia and Chelsey Heinhuis are expected to have strong defending seasons, too, while creating great offensive scoring opportunities.  Molly Kate Devin's offensive skills, paired with Emilie Arseneault's speed and quickness, will boost Union's ability to produce goals and shut down opponents' advances.

Cromartie, Kate Gallagher and Dania Simmonds will serve this season as their team's captains, chosen for their talents and personalities both on and off the ice.

“Dania is our vocal leader – strong on the ice in all situations”, said Barcomb.  “Cromartie is a hard worker and leads by example.  She will set the tone for work ethic for our team daily.  Gallagher is another vocal leader who works constantly to make us a better team.”

The eight returning seniors are not the only teammates who have been with Barcomb since the beginning.  Assistant coach Ali Boe returns to the bench for her fifth season, as well.  Julie Chu also returns, this time for her second season on the bench with Barcomb.  All Harvard graduates, the Union coaching staff has a connection that goes back beyond the day they stepped into Messa Rink together.

“We have a great deal of experience together”, said Barcomb, “And it will really make a difference for our team.” 

The 2011-2012 team is stacked with veteran players, ready to tackle a new season of opponents.  The 11 juniors and sophomores make up the well-balanced center of the Dutchwomen.  Having been giving the opportunity to play alongside each for a year, there is now a strong chemistry between the teammates.  Add to the mix the impressive new freshman class, and a thriving ECAC contender is born.

“The older players have already brought the freshmen under their wing, and we have most of our players back from last season so chemistry is at a high level”, said Barcomb.

There are returning defensemen sophomores Maddy Norton and Ashley Johnston, who Barcomb believes will add a great deal of depth to the returning senior defensemen.  Norton ended last season with four points while Johnston had one goal and four assists.

Barcomb also has some highlights with her offense.  “Mac Purvis will add offensive chances.  Also, Elsa Bruestle added a great deal of strength last year.  She's a power forward.”  The head coach also looks forward to seeing Stefanie Thomson, who had four goals last season, grow as a player.  “She has great hands and moves”, Barcomb said.  There is also junior Rhianna Kurio, who Barcomb expects to add a solid defensive end with good offense. 

“Jeannie Sabourin should be able to add offensively with her speed and scoring touch”, said Barcomb.  The junior tallied two goals and two assists last season.  Junior Nicole Bartlett is a gritty player who provides creativity in the offensive zone, and junior Emma Rambo is expected to add to the Dutchwomen's speed and offensive chances.  There is also newcomer Talia Menard, a transfer from Syracuse University.  “Talia will add size to our forwards with her great hands and scoring chances.”

When asked about her incoming freshman class, one word came to Barcomb's mind: “Talented.”  The six freshmen, coming everywhere from California to Alberta, caught the coaching veteran's eye by excelling on the ice and in the classroom. “Our freshmen should be able to contribute right away.  They work hard and are very talented.  Bryanne Panchuk, Camille Corbin and Christine Valente should all contribute to the scoreboard.  Alex Tancrell-Fontaine and Kelly McGrath will add a great deal to our defensive core.

Along with Gallagher, junior Alana Marcinko returns in net.  Shenae Lundberg is the new goaltender addition to the Dutchwomen, hailing from New Hampshire.  Gallagher returns from last season with a .916 save percentage and Marcinko returns with a .882 percentage.  Barcomb expects big things from her net minders this season.

“We have three strong goaltenders.  Kate Gallagher was our MVP last year and Alana was Female Union Freshman of the Year for the 2009-2010 season.  Our new goalie, Shenae, will add great experience.  She played for the U-18 USA Team.”

The amount of veteran players and new talent creates an outstanding dynamic for the 2011-2012 Dutchwomen.  With a willingness to be a team and a hunger to succeed, the squad should be able to complete Barcomb's number one goal – be an ECAC Playoffs contender.