Lake Region State College Women’s Hockey Welcomes Thirteen fresh Faces
Devils Lake, ND – Lake Region State College (LRSC) women’s hockey coach Sawyer Diseth has significantly revamped his roster with the addition of thirteen incoming freshmen, bringing the total team size to sixteen as the program prepares for it’s third season in the ACHA Division II.This influx of new talent aims to address previous challenges with team numbers and elevate the Royals‘ competitive edge.
Building a Stronger Roster
Last season, the Royals finished with an 8-14 record.Diseth recognized the need for increased depth, particularly after experiencing roster limitations early in the previous season. The new recruiting class is designed to provide that stability and enhance the team’s overall performance.
Local Talent and Regional Portrayal
The incoming class features a strong contingent of players from North Dakota and Canada. Among the new recruits are Devils Lake natives Delaney Wagner and Sophia Hassett, who previously played together for the Firebirds. Mathea Nelson, also from Devils Lake, returns as a sophomore to reunite with her local teammates.
“Having a hometown player like Sophia commit to our program is really special,” Diseth stated in a team press release.”She’s been part of the Devils Lake hockey community for years, and you can see how much pride she takes in where she’s from. She works hard and enjoys playing a physical style of hockey.”
The team also welcomes Payton Durand and ella Harkness from Manitoba, both of whom also compete in softball for LRSC. Durand, a versatile athlete from Winnipeg, excelled in high school hockey as the leading scorer for the Collège Jeanne-Sauvé Olympiens. Harkness hails from Portage la Prairie.
“Payton is extremely talented, and creative in the offensive zone,” Diseth commented. “She will be an offensive rock for our team next year.”
Canadian Pipeline and Offensive Power
Jordyn Johnson, arriving from Regina, Saskatchewan, brings a proven scoring record, having led the Saskatchewan Female Hockey League in points last season. Additional canadian recruits include Bernice Keshane (Kasack, Saskatchewan), Stephanie Rosset (portage la Prairie, Manitoba), and Geraldine McIvor (Cross Lake, Manitoba). Rosset’s multi-sport background-including ringette, badminton, softball, and track and field-demonstrates her athletic versatility.
Keira Kawula, a goaltender from Southern Alberta, joins the team to provide depth in net following the departure of Abby Stewart-Fromm. Diseth praised Kawula’s agility and command of the crease, anticipating an immediate impact.
“Her movement in the crease is incredibly fluid,” Diseth noted. “She hunts the puck with confidence and commands the space on top of her crease with authority.”
Nya Major, a forward/defender from Woodland Park, Colorado, adds further positional adaptability to the Royals’ lineup. Mataya Hall, a defensive player from Butterfield, Minnesota, was lauded by Diseth for her hockey IQ and decision-making skills.
“Her ability to read the game and make fast, effective decisions is exactly what we need,” Diseth explained.
East Coast Addition and Final Commitment
Alina martin, a forward from Pennsylvania, expressed her enthusiasm for the close-knit community at Lake Region State College. The final commitment came on August 13th, with Dylan Edd from Sidney, Montana, joining the team after playing for the Richland Rangers in the North Dakota Amateur Hockey Association.
“Dylan’s speed and hockey IQ are real difference-makers,” Diseth said. “Her quickness allows her to cut hard to the net or find open ice in the offensive zone.”
Did You Know? The ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) provides opportunities for collegiate hockey players outside of NCAA Division I, II, and III programs, fostering a competitive environment for student-athletes.
Looking Ahead: Season Preview
The Royals will be led by third-year forward veronica Asquith, who emerged as a standout player in the league last winter. The team’s schedule includes an exhibition game against Minot State University on september 19th, followed by the Clone Cup Invitational Tournament from October 3rd to 5th. The regular season begins with a home-and-home series against Dakota College at Bottineau on November 8th and 9th.
Pro Tip: Strong team chemistry is frequently enough a key factor in athletic success. The emphasis on community and connection within the LRSC program could be a notable advantage this season.
| Player Name | Hometown | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Delaney Wagner | Devils Lake, ND | Forward |
| sophia Hassett | Devils Lake, ND | Defense |
| Payton Durand | Winnipeg, MB | Forward |
| Ella Harkness | Portage la Prairie, MB | Forward/Defense |
| Jordyn johnson | Regina, SK | forward |
| Dylan Edd | Sidney, MT | Forward |
What impact do you think these new recruits will have on the Royals’ performance this season? How significant is local talent to building a successful college hockey program?
Women’s hockey continues to experience significant growth at both the collegiate and professional levels. Increased participation and visibility are driving demand for skilled players and creating more opportunities for athletes to pursue their passion. the LRSC program’s commitment to recruiting and developing talent aligns with this broader trend, positioning the Royals for continued success in the ACHA Division II. According to a 2023 report by USA Hockey, female hockey participation has reached an all-time high, demonstrating the sport’s increasing popularity [[1]].
Frequently Asked Questions about LRSC Women’s Hockey
- What division does the LRSC women’s hockey team compete in? The LRSC women’s hockey team competes in the ACHA Division II.
- How many freshmen are joining the LRSC women’s hockey team this year? Thirteen freshmen have been added to the roster for the upcoming season.
- Where is Lake Region State College located? Lake Region state College is located in Devils Lake, North Dakota.
- What is the significance of recruiting local players? Recruiting local players fosters community support and provides a sense of pride for the program.
- When does the LRSC women’s hockey season begin? The regular season begins November 8th and 9th with a home-and-home series against Dakota College at Bottineau.
We’re thrilled about the upcoming season and the potential of this talented group of players. Share this article with your friends, leave a comment with your predictions for the Royals, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates!
