2018-19 Women's Ice Hockey Season Preview

Head Coach Malcolm Spurling enters his second season at the helm of the Salem State women's ice hockey program. The Vikings finished last season 6-16-2 and in seventh place in the Colonial Hockey Conference (2-9-1). This season Salem State will begin play in the New England Hockey Conference, which features the top women's teams in the region, including defending national champion Norwich.

 2018-19 OUTLOOK

Salem State, which enters its fourth season as a varsity program, will look to continue its growth towards becoming a consistent playoff contender each and every season.  The Vikings have increased its season win total each of the last three years, and was competitive in most of its contests, losing six of its games by a single goal. Resiliency will be the attribute Salem State will look to carry forward in 2018-19 as it faces the challenges of competing in the highly competitive NEHC. 

KEY PLAYERS

Junior Kylie Currier (Middleton, Mass.) will be looking to build on her sophomore season as she was recognized as a 3^rd Team All Colonial Conference Player after leading the Vikings in scoring – 9g, 13a. Other players who will be counted on to spearhead Salem State's offense are: seniors Danielle Kelley (Charlestown, Mass.), Jackie Sindoris (Charlestown, Mass.) and junior Casie Curtin (Wrentham, Mass.). These three players in addition to Currier will be looked upon to be impact payers.

The defense will be led by captain Catherine Salvetti (Saugus, Mass.), a stalwart on the back line, who topped the defense in minutes last year. Additionally, junior Vannessa VanBuskirk (Winthrop, Mass.) will be key in providing some offense from the back end; along with the experienced steady defensive play from Juniors Amanda Giles (Merrimack, N.H.), Sara Zartoski (Parker, Colo.) and sophomores Jillian Danton (Arlington, Mass.), Ashley Wojewodzic (Lynn, Mass.).

Goaltenders, junior Sara Plourde (Hooksett, N.H.); and sophomore Izzy Woodward (Ottawa, Ontario) return after splitting time in goal last year. Both are dependable in net and can be counted on to get the job done when called on.

NEWCOMERS

Incoming freshman forwards Courtney Hardy (Medford Mass.) and Kayla McKim (Wakefield, Mass.) from Matignon High School and junior transfer Meghan Concannon (Raynham, Mass.) from Southern Maine each bring different talents that will complement this season's squad.

COACH'S TAKE

"We want to keep it simple as we want everyone to give the effort each shift and compete at a higher level than last year. Our success will begin with strong and focused practices which will roll over into our game situations. If we execute our systems and keep within our structure we will be successful and compete with any team."

FIRST GAME

Friday, November 2^nd @ Castleton at 4:00 PM     

NEHC PRE-SEASON POLL