WCHA 2015-16 Women’s Season Preview

Ohio State junior forward Claudia Kepler (WCHA.com Photo)

OHIO STATE

Coach:  Jenny Potter, 1^st season

Last season: 17-16-3, finished sixth in WCHA (12-13-3-1, 40 pts.)

Key losses: Twin defensemen Kari and Sara Schmitt were blue line stalwarts over the last four years, while Taylor Kuehl (10g-14a=24pts) tied for the team scoring lead last season.

Key returnees: The Buckeyes have a solid duo returning between the pipes. Kassidy Sauve was the top rookie goalie in the WCHA last year, posting an overall 1.98 goals against average and six shutouts. Redshirt senior Stacy Danczak finished 8-5-3 with a 1.77 GAA (1.79 in WCHA contests). Claudia Kepler led the team in goals with 12 (11a=23pts) and Julia McKinnon is a feisty forward who had 17 points (9g-8a) last season.

Top newcomers: Defenseman Jincy Dunne is one of the nation’s most heralded rookies in a strong class of freshmen.
Outlook: The Buckeyes are picked by coaches to repeat their sixth place finish. “Going into the year, I have stressed to the players that it is a clean slate for everyone,” said Potter. “I hope the freshman have an impact.  I would love to see the freshmen step up and take a leadership role, but I would love for everyone else to do the same. You always have to coach to the skill level of the players on your team. I am still trying to find out what kind of players I have.”