The start of the school year also brings the start of the university hockey season, and this year, the University of Calgary Dinos women’s hockey team are looking to build on their strong comeback in the 2025-2026 season.
Two seasons ago saw them missing the playoffs after losing several important players in the summer and bringing lots of young talent onto the team in the fall. The following season, they made the playoffs on the back of exceptional goaltending and talented skaters. Now, with some key pieces leaving and more young players joining, the focus remains on the youth: a crop of first and second year players who will play important roles in the upcoming season.
“We’ve got lots [of players] that are going to step up,” said Head Coach Josh Gosling, “We have an unbelievable group of returning players that are all going to take steps.”
Although star goaltender, fifth-year Amelia Awad, remains on the roster for her final season, there have been big losses at both forward and defence: former captain Brooklyn Anderson graduated last spring, and veteran defenceman Alex Spence has also left the team. As far as scoring goes, Gosling is looking for his top line of fourth-year Evelyn Lawrence, fifth-year Sydney Mercier and NCAA transfer Mikayla Blomquist to provide the offense.
“We’re going to try and push [Mercier] to another level,” Gosling told the Gauntlet, “Her linemates will help her, but we’re looking for her to continue to drive the play.”
Over the last two preseason games, that line played together.
“They’re easy to find,” Mercier told the Gauntlet about playing with Lawrence and Blomquist.
“I think we work really well together,” continued Mercier.
In the team’s final preseason game against the Carleton Ravens, the power play looked shaky. The Dinos were unable to capitalize on several key opportunities, such as a 5-on-3 moments after the Ravens scored to bring the game within one, and later, a powerplay in the dying minutes of regulation. Gosling acknowledged these were “must-score” moments, but also pointed out the power-play wasn’t something the team had focused on much during preseason.
“We need a desperation score,” said Gosling, adding that in the two weeks between the final preseason game and opening weekend October 9 and 10 facing the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, the power-play would be a priority in practice.
On the defensive side, third-year players Brooklyn Fry and Caitlyn Perlinger will have important roles to play. Fry will serve as captain, while Perlinger is one of her alternates. However, defensive responsibility doesn’t just fall on the defence — everyone needs to pitch in.
“Everyone is expected to play that way [defensively],” Gosling noted.
Preseason was an opportunity for everyone to get a couple minutes on the penalty kill, including Mercier and her linemates.
