WCHA 2015-16 Women’s Season Preview

Minnesota State sophomore forward Elin Johansson (WCHA.com Photo)

MINNESOTA STATE

Coach John Harrrington, 1^st season

Last season: 3-32-1, finished in eighth place in WCHA (1-26-1, 4 pts.)

Key losses: Nicole Schammel, leading scorer as a freshman (11g-11a=22pts), transferred

Key returnees: Sophomore forward Elin Johannson has experience with the Swedish National team, Hannah Davidson is a sophomore forward who showed offensive potential last year (6g-9a=15pts) and forward Katie Johnson is the lone senior. Goalie Briana Quade is one of three juniors on the young roster.

Key newcomers: Forwards Steph Keryluk and Emily Antony are among the many rookies who will get a lot of ice time for the Mavericks.

Outlook: The Mavericks won three games last season, lost more than half of its goal scoring due to graduation and transfer and has 10 freshmen among its 25-player roster, so this is a classic rebuilding year. The new coach will have four non-conference games to familiarize himself with his roster before league play starts.  “It’s going to be a big challenge,” Harrington said. “I think attitude is going to be important. I think we’re going to have a lot of enthusiasm. It’s been said that the enthusiasm of youth might be more important than the nonchalance of experience. I hope that’s true.”