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The University of Vermont Catamounts

Women's Hockey

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2009-10 Vermont Women's Hockey Outlook

Video: 2009-10 Season Outlook with Tim Bothwell

The University of Vermont women's hockey team closed out the 2008-09 season with a record of 8-25-1, barely missing the Hockey East playoffs. The Catamounts will look to pick up the 2009-10 season where they finished off last season, not losing in their last four games. Fourth year head coach Tim Bothwell welcomes four newcomers to the team this year, as they look to become the first UVM women's hockey team to advance to postseason play.

Q: What are your overall expectations for this year?
Bothwell:I expect we will score a bit more this year, be much improved defensively and to post a double-digit win season. All that will mean a play-off spot come February, which we are extremely excited about!

Q: You bring back a lot of players from last year's team. How important is the experience that comes with that?
Bothwell: With experience comes a measure of self-confidence and an ability to remain calm and focused in the face of adversity and tough challenges. Because of that it is an important ingredient for any team. There is definitely something to be said for the unbridled enthusiasm and energy of new faces but it is always beneficial to have some experience. We are a more experienced group this year and it will be exciting to see how that will impact on our ability to win games.

Q: What are some of the biggest challenges facing this year's team?
Bothwell: The biggest challenge will be recognizing that it won't be easier this year just because we are more experienced. The experience is a big factor but it will be very important for us to focus on working as hard as we possibly can each and every day, each and every game in order to make that play-off goal a reality.

Q: There will be four new faces on the ice this year. Can you talk about the incoming class?
Bothwell:We really like the players we have added this year. They are all good people and we know they will help us be a better team. Erin Wente will add speed, size, tenacity and a good dollop of offense up front. Emily Walsh has good all around skills. She skates well, handles the puck very well and is a clever playmaker. Maggie Walsh is a smart defender who moves the puck very well and likes to join the attack from the offensive blueline. Ilana Friedman gives us depth in goal in the event of injury early. She had a good solid year last year and we are excited to watch her grow into a quality D-1 goaltender.

Q: Who are the teams to beat in Hockey East this year?
Bothwell: I think the 3 most dangerous teams will be BU, UNH and BC, although UConn and PC are more than capable of finishing in the top 3. BU has really come along the past two years and have gained valuable play-off experience. UNH is always tough. Even though they have lost Jenn Wakefield to Olympic centralization they will be as skilled as anyone. BC just continues to add depth and skill. They also have lost key players to centralization but they newcomers are very talented and capable of picking up the slack.

Q: UVM is predicted to finish seventh in Hockey East this year. What does it take to move up the standings?
Bothwell: Defensively we took a step backward last year and we need to be much better in order to make the play-offs. In goal, we expect Oly to rebound to her sophomore MVP form and the experience we have will be a positive factor in limiting shots and scoring opportunities against. Continued improvement on the offensive side is also important. We must score in order to win. Our power play showed tremendous growth last year we expect that to continue.

Q: For another season, the non-conference schedule is not easy. How much does this help you prepare for Hockey East action?
Bothwell: Hockey East is a tough, competitive league. Our goal is to make the play-offs and then win when we get there. The best preparation for that challenge is to compete at the highest level possible week in and week out. I think our non-conference schedule sets us up for that this year.

Q: What would it mean for the program to make its first playoff trip this year?
Bothwell: It is always exciting to be the first to accomplish something. As an athlete or as a person, there aren't many opportunities in our lives to make history. A first play-off appearance would create a bond amongst the team that will last a lifetime while adding immensely to the credibility of our program and our ability to attract the best players possible.

Last modified October 02 2009 10:44 AM

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