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Lady Wolves begin quest for provincial three-peat

No one is suggesting that attempting to repeat as national champions, or trying to lock up a third consecutive provincial title, is going to be a cakewalk for the Sudbury Midget "AA" Lady Wolves.
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After a 10-year absence, Espanola will once again be icing a team in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League, and fans are being invited to name the team and design a logo. File photo.
No one is suggesting that attempting to repeat as national champions, or trying to lock up a third consecutive provincial title, is going to be a cakewalk for the Sudbury Midget "AA" Lady Wolves.

The good news, however, is that they are certainly in the mix.

There will be some big holes to fill, with scoring sensation Karli Shell having moved on to the Guelph Gryphons, and goaltender Danika Ranger now playing in the PWHL (Provincial Women's Hockey League).

But the team returns a top-end line in the form of twins Meagan and Taylor McGaughey, with Mélisa Kingsley, back from the final provincial U18 camp. The tandem of veteran blueliners Jamie Ricci and Kailey Lapensee will certainly solidify the back-end.

Still, there are plenty of questions to be answered, with the Lady Wolves getting their first chance to assert themselves in early September, attending the traditional NAHA (North American Hockey Academy) Tournament in Burlington, Vermont.

For newcomers like Makayla Blanchard, the whole scene can be overwhelming at times.

"There's a lot of pressure to try and represent the team as best you can," said the 14-year-old defenseman. "It's like having a huge target on your backs, because everyone is looking to beat the champs."

Though the Sudbury crew welcome back eight returning ladies from the Esso Cup winning team, that means that roughly 50 per cent of the squad needs to be integrated.

"We've been working on systems, working on breakouts, making sure everyone has the same mentality, trying to get the puck out quickly," said Blanchard. "We're a good defensive team, and a good skating team."

Both have been trademarks of the Midget "AA" Lady Wolves over the years. Among those joining Blanchard on the blueline is talented cross-country runner Alexie Legault, settling in nicely in her second season with the squad.

"I feel more prepared for the upcoming season," said Legault. "Last year, I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into. It was nerve-wrecking. This year, I'm really going to be focused on keeping my head up, and making sure that I see the entire ice, and not just bits and pieces of it."

"And taking my time and staying relaxed, not letting the nerves get to me," said Legault. "I have a bad tendency of doing that."

The Lady Wolves will face the Sault Ste. Marie Wildcats in a pair of exhibition games Sunday in Blind River, setting the stage for their departure next week for the NAHA event, a memorable trek for those who have been before.

"The hockey was really good," said Legault. "And I remember it being very green there. I was just so overwhelmed."

Joining coach Mike McGaughey and company for practice on Sunday was former Lady Wolves sniper Eve Boissonneault, currently preparing for her third year as a member of the Maine Bears.

"Every year, you learn something new," she said. "You learn what works and what doesn't - as far as school, and hockey, and how to take care of your body. Every year, you go through obstacles, but you learn from them."

With six points to her credit in 52 NCAA games, Boissonneault is hoping for a breakthrough in 2015-2016, regaining the scoring touch that she displayed throughout her entire career in Sudbury.

"The biggest thing with me is that I really want to be more consistent," she said.

"I've had some good moments, and some terrible moments. One day you can be on the power play, and the next day, you're sitting in the stands. I want to be reliable. I want the coaches to know what they're going to get when they put me out there. I know what I can do now, I just need to go out there and do it."

After dropping a first round playoff encounter to the University of Connecticut Huskies last spring, the Bears are looking to pick up their first ever post-season victory this year.

"With our team, consistency is also what holds us back," said Boissonneault.

"We have competed with some top teams. It's the little things we need to work on, playing with our head up, making sure that we finish. I think we're going to take a huge step this year."

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