Stay connected and committed is key for the Griffins in 2025-26 as they kick off new season vs. UBC
Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Continuity, character and connection are defining traits of the Griffins women's hockey team this season.
With 18 returning players – including six in their fifth and final season of eligibility – the team has a veteran core to rely on a they kick off a new Canada West season on Friday.
The Griffins' lid-lifter will come vs. UBC on Friday (7 p.m.) and Saturday (3 p.m., both Downtown Community Arena, Canada West TV).
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They also pride themselves in strong character, which is the basis for everything they do, making sure the details and habits are top shelf.
And connection is really tied into team chemistry with everyone aiming to get on the same wave-length.
"We're setting higher expectations and holding ourselves to a higher standard in everything that we do," said head coach Chris Leeming. "That's part of the preparation process and that's going to push us towards growth.
"We like our recruiting class that's come in. They've made an impact in our lineup so far. They're only going to get better, and we've seen a lot of commitment to doing the right things the right way and our approach to game play in practice, our habits, details and everything that we're doing."
And no one more embodies that than the player who will return as captain for a second-straight season: Sydney Olsen.
"Syd is just a phenomenal example of exactly what I just said there – committing to doing the right things the right way," said Leeming. "She leads by example and she's really starting to find her voice even more this year to complement that. The way she carries herself and goes about things and the relationships she has with her teammates earns her a lot of respect. She definitely sets the tone for those things in our group."
Robyn Short, Kori Paterson and Shaelyn Hopkins will serve as assistant captains this season.
"It's a really special opportunity to be captain for a second year in a row," said Olsen. "Not many people get to do it once, let alone twice.
"I think it gave me kind of a unique chance to take a look at what I did last year, reflect on the things I think I did well, and the things that I think I can continue to grow at, so I can help keep raising the standard for our team."
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After an all-star season in @CSSHL U18 Female Prep for @SAHockeyAcademy and making top 16 D in the province at 2024 @HockeyAlberta selection camp, Marley Howes is set to join @GriffinsWHKY in 2025-26.
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On defence is where a perfect blend of youth meets experience as the group is led by fifth years Olsen and Short, and fourth-year Hopkins, with returners Aspen Checknita and Kali MacDonald further bolstered by three top rookies: Marley Howes, Jordan Brown and Ana Djordjevic.
"We've got three first year D that have come in and they're able to make an impact in our lineup," said Leeming. 'We're pretty happy with how they played and transitioned. Still lots of learning for them, but we've got three pretty mature, steady defencemen in Sydo, Rob and Hoppy back there. Each of them has somebody to look up to and work with. They're willing to play physical, they've got great poise and decision making with the puck and we're really happy with them."
New netminder Taya Currie has transferred in from NCAA Providence College and has been the perfect addition to a trio that includes returners Lindsey Johnson and Mikayla Christmann.
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Four years after she made history by becoming the first female player selected in @OHLHockey draft, goaltender Taya Currie is transferring from @PCWHockey to play for @GriffinsWHKY in 2025-26.
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"The biggest piece is those three have really established a strong connection and that's one of our big themes this year is playing connected with competitiveness," said Leeming. "Those three really push each other every day to get better and they have a great internal narrative of what they want to accomplish.
"They really express that whoever earns the net, that's who deserves it at the end of the day. It's really great to see. That's a microcosm of a bigger picture of what we're working towards here overall."
Up front, scoring has long been a challenge for the Griffins since entering Canada West. But Leeming believes that area is rapidly improving in their game.
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Further bolstering their defence, @GriffinsWHKY is pleased to add strong two-way blueliner Jordan Brown out of the @stalbert_slash for the 2025-26 season.
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Top returning veterans Joie Simon, Paterson and Allee Isley headline a deep depth chart, that includes a bunch of players ready to take a step forward and promising newcomers ready to learn the ropes.
"There has been some development in that area of our game, for sure," he said. "We didn't have a huge turnover up front, so another year of experience for everyone that came in last year and the year before. We added some pieces and there's been growth in different people's games and that's really contributed to the offence.
"Changes to our offensive team play – we're starting to get better looks now and building confidence with that. That's one of our main goals as we move through the season here is make sure we do everything we can within our control to make sure our confidence is high and that we can continue building."
And the first step on the ladder is arguably the toughest. This weekend's opponent UBC was recently ranked first in the Canada West coaches poll.
"UBC's a very good hockey team, but for us, we're focusing on what we can control," said Olsen. "If we stick to our identity and commit to our details and our habits, we believe we can compete with any team in this league. We're really excited to measure ourselves against some of the best right off the hop."
