The University of Saskatchewan Huskies women’s hockey team holds a 6-4 record after the UBC Thunderbirds ended a four-game win streak for the Huskies on Nov. 27. With 13 first-year players taking the ice this season, the team has featured stellar goaltending while faring well on both the defensive and offensive end. 

The most notable departure from previous seasons comes at the goalie position, as veteran goalkeeper Jessica Vance graduated from the program. Vance was a decorated keeper, first in both career save percentage and second in shutouts in Canada West conference history, leaving some big shoes to fill for the incoming goalies. 

Third-year goalie Camryn Drever has slid into the role effortlessly, as she currently sports a 0.942 save percentage. In an interview with the Sheaf, Drever said the biggest lesson she took away from watching Vance play was to “own the net.” 

In her last three out of four games, Drever posted a 2-0 win in a 27-save shutout against Trinity Western. She followed it with player of the game performances with 25 and 29 saves, respectively, in wins against Calgary and UBC. 

“For me, I think it just comes from having that swagger. Me and my goaltender coach talked about building a bit of swagger into my game… I’ve been on a roll lately, so hopefully I can keep that going,” Drever said regarding her recent performances. 

First-year defender Kendra Zuchotzki spoke highly of Drever, stating that a reliable goalie is essential when the defensive units on the team are young. 

“She’s been playing really well for us… We don’t have to stress out so much if we make a mistake because we know that she’ll have our back,” Zuchotzki said. 

Despite the defence only featuring two returning players from the 2019-20 season in second-year Holly Angus and third-year Isabella Pozzi, the Huskies are still tied for first for goals allowed against in Canada West, conceding only 13 goals through 10 games. 

Zuchotzki explained that head coach Steve Kook has made defence a point of focus in practices for both the defensive core and forwards of the team, ensuring that the team is confident when handling the puck in the defensive zone. 

“Our defensive side is very young, but I think they’re very strong and very skilled,” Drever said. She elaborated that strong communication on and off the ice has been crucial to the defensive core’s success so far. 

In addition to being a strong defender, Zuchotzki showcased her offensive abilities as she notched two power play goals against Calgary on Nov. 20. She stated that finally getting her first and second U Sports career goals was “awesome.” Coach Kook has encouraged her to be a willing shooter on the powerplay. 

“He just wants me to get the puck on net,” Zuchotski said. “At the beginning of the year I would get the puck, especially on the powerplay, and I would look for that pass… This weekend when I [shot the puck]? It worked out.”

The Huskies offence has received solid contributions from veteran forwards Sophie Lalor and Kennedy Brown, and rookie Mallory Dyer. 

The recent revelation on offence has been fourth-year forward Abby Shirley, who has scored four goals in the last three Huskie victories. The starting offensive line also features fifth-year team captain Bailee Bourassa and second-year Kate Ball, who have both played well, assisting all of Shirley’s goals. 

Bourassa and Shirley were top two in points in the 2019 season, but did not record their first goals of the season until the seventh and eighth games, respectively. 

“[Bourassa] is definitely one of the best skilled players in the league… [She] has been such a good leader to look up to along the years,” Shirley said.

Shirley is one of the longer-tenured players on the young Huskies squad, and hopes to be a role model for the younger players. She prides herself on being effective on both ends of the ice, regardless of her points production. 

“[In] knowing I’m a good two-way player, I hope that the girls can look up to me in that way… I can be relied on in any kind of situation, I think that’s the biggest thing,” Shirley said, as she hopes to leave her mark by being a great teammate both on and off the ice. 

The Huskies face another tall task as they travel to Calgary for two games against the first seeded Mount Royal Cougars on Dec. 3 and 4. 

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Uday Chhina | Sports and Health Editor

Photos: Nicholas Saretzky | Contributing Photojournalist