2012-13 CWHL Preview

The 2012-13 CWHL season reflects a season of change. With the Burlington Barracudas having been contracted, the league now possesses five high quality teams. The 2012 CWHL Draft has promised that the balance of power in the league may soon change.

An underachieving Toronto Furies rebuilt their offense by drafting Rebecca Johnston, Jennifer Wakefield, Natalie Spooner, Catherine White and Jordanna Peroff. The five comprise a long term grouping of five core forwards.

All-World defender Molly Engstrom has joined the Boston Blades, a move that will help the franchise recover from the retirement of Angela Ruggiero. With the drafting of Hilary Knight, Jen Schoullis and Anne Schleper (all members of the United States national team), the Blades have added much-needed depth to their offense. With the hiring of Digit Murphy as coach and general manager, the Blades promise to build on their second place finish of last season.

While the Montreal Stars look to win an unprecedented third consecutive Clarkson Cup finish, they understand no team can be taken for granted.

5: Team Alberta

2012 Finish: Fifth

Projected 2013 Finish: Fifth

Notable Draft Picks: Hilary Pattenden (First Pick Overall), Jocelyne Larocque, Tara Watchorn

General Manager: Chantal Champagne

Head Coach: Tim Bothwell

Key veterans: Meaghan Mikkelson, Kelsey Webster, Chelsea Purcell, Jenna Cunningham

Assessment: Larocque and Watchorn will help improve special teams

Pattenden not suiting up for team this season is devastating for Alberta’s development

Will need to work on offense, but headed in right direction

4: Brampton Thunder

2012 Finish: Third, Clarkson Cup finalist

Projected 2013 Finish: Fourth

Notable Draft Picks: Haley Irwin (Fourth Pick Overall), Bailey Bram, Laura McIntosh, Charissa Stadnyk

General Manager: Jody Katz

Head Coach: Rick Traugott

Key veterans: Gillian Apps, Jayna Hefford, Lori Dupuis

Assessment: Bailey Bram and Vicki Bendus were great teammates in college at Mercyhurst, should be even greater in Brampton

Haley Irwin asking for a personal release, and Molly Engstrom signing with Boston will hurt Brampton’s Clarkson Cup chances

3: Toronto Furies

2012 Finish: Fourth

Projected 2013 Finish: Third

Notable Draft Picks: Rebecca Johnston (Second Pick Overall), Jennifer Wakefield, Natalie Spooner, Jordanna Peroff, Catherine White

General Manager: Rebecca Davies

Head Coach: Sommer West

Key veterans: Erika Vanderveer, Amanda Shaw, Megan Aarts, Kristy Zamora, Tessa Bonhomme

Assessment: Rebuilt offense will pay big dividends for Toronto, strong possibility of at least 4 players with 40 point seasons

Great blend of youth and experience

Sommer West is an outstanding acquisition as head coach. Her experience as a player will make her a great coach

Will still need a year of seasoning before being able to compete with Boston and Montreal

2: Boston Blades

2012 Finish: Second

Projected 2013 Finish: Second

Notable Draft Picks: Hilary Knight (Fourth Pick Overall), Genevieve Lacasse, Anne Schleper, Jen Schoullis, Kelley Steadman

General Manager: Digit Murphy

Head Coach: Digit Murphy

Key veterans: Erika Lawler, Gigi Marvin, Meghan Duggan, Jessica Koizumi, Molly Schaus, Caitlin Cahow, Kelli Stack, Molly Engstrom

Assessment: Digit Murphy is the first woman to have 200 and 300 wins at the NCAA level, a perfect choice to lead the franchise

Hilary Knight is a future superstar who will complement Kelli Stack’s scoring ability

Next to Montreal, the Blades have the best goaltending tandem in the CWHL with Molly Schaus and Genevieve Lacasse

The acquisition of Molly Engstrom gives the Blades their best opportunity to win the Clarkson Cup

1: Montreal Stars

1: Montreal Stars

2012 Finish: First, Clarkson Cup champions

Projected 2013 Finish: First

Notable Draft Picks: Charline Labonte (Fifth Pick Overall), Ann-Sophie Bettez, Florence Schelling, Marieve Provost, Carolyne Prevost

General Manager: Meg Hewings

Head Coach: Patrick Rankine

Key veterans: Lisa-Marie Breton (captain), Noemie Marin, Caroline Ouellette, Meghan Agosta, Julie Chu, Dominique Thibault, Kim St-Pierre, Jenny Lavigne

Assessment: Retirement of Stephanie Denino and Kelly Sudia represents a loss of leadership

Acquisitions of Haley Irwin and Jesse Scanzano provides the Stars with two remarkable power forwards

Embarrassment of riches at the goaltender position

Great depth at the forward position, Carolyne Prevost is a future superstar

Noemie Marin and Vinny Davidson are the CWHL’s most underrated players

Nathalie Dery becoming an assistant coach is a tremendous acquisition for the club

2013 CWHL Awards

Clarkson Cup: Montreal Stars over Boston Blades

Angela James Bowl (given to the CWHL scoring champion): Meghan Agosta, Montreal

Most Valuable Player: Meghan Agosta, Montreal

Rookie of the Year: Rebecca Johnston, Toronto

Best Defensive Player: Molly Engstrom, Boston

Most Outstanding Goaltender: Charline Labonte, Montreal