(Ann Arbor, MI) – Concordia women's hockey is preparing to embark on their 2021 season as CUAA celebrates homecoming this week. The Cardinals will look to improve upon their 3-5 record last year, a season which saw the program bring home the first wins in school history. Head coach Maria Barlow returns for her 4th season at the helm of the program, returning 11 players while bringing in 6 talented newcomers.
2020-21 Season Review
Concordia finished 3-5 last season. The Cardinals started the year with back-to-back wins over Lake Superior State, claiming the first victories in program history. The team improved to 3-0 after they downed then-#9 Davenport 4-1 at the Arctic Coliseum. The Cardinals earned the school's first ever ACHA national ranking after their hot start, checking in at #8 in the country in an early poll. The remainder of the season was limited by the pandemic with the team playing in only 8 total games.
2021-22 Schedule Outlook
The Cardinals will begin their season this Friday, October 8 and 9 with a home-and-home series against Grand Valley State. The team will then face Aquinas in a 2-game series on October 15-16. After two home games against Lake Superior State, the Cardinals will take a Missouri road trip at the end of the month to face Maryville and Lindenwood.
The month of November starts with a home-and-home series against Michigan State. After a single game at the University of Michigan, the Cardinals will play a home contest against Rhode Island. The team will host UM-Dearborn on November 19 and then bring in the University of Michigan the following night to close out the month.
December starts with a road contest at UM-Dearborn. The Cardinals will play two road games at Penn State on December 10-11 before they pause for the Christmas holiday.
Two road games against Adrian on January 8-9 kick off the new year. The Cardinals will play a home-and-home series versus Davenport before traveling to the University of Colorado for a 3-game series. A 2-game series against Indiana Tech closes out the month.
The month of February consists of two home games against Miami-Ohio to conclude the regular season. If the Cardinals qualify for the national tournament they will travel to St. Louis, Missouri from March 16-20.
Concordia Personnel
Senior Erika Hansen returns after recording a goal last year. Seniors Breanna Sheridan and Kim Mills return after notching an assist apiece. Senior Hannah Sickmiller saw action in 4 games last season.
Junior goaltender Lizzy Knappenberger returns after recording 3 wins, 2.66 GAA, .944 save percentage, and a shutout. Junior Kassidy Scheben had 4 goals and an assist last season. Junior Aaliyah James scored 2 goals and added an assist. Junior Adrianna Rugiero notched a goal and 2 assists. Junior Sydney Schuyler recorded an assist last year. Junior Maggie Coggin played solid defense in 7 games. Sophomore Emily Greer racked up 3 assists last season.
The Cardinals will be adding 6 newcomers this season: freshmen Alana Mortimer, Grace Dodgson, Mahala Nelson, Mackenzie Smith, Molly Burks, and Nicole Koops.
2020-21 Team Stats
Connect with the Cardinals
To stay up to date with the most recent information and news throughout the season, follow the Concordia Women's Hockey team on their social media platforms. The Cardinals are on Twitter (@CUAA_WHockey) and Instagram (@cuaa_whockey).