The Lakers enter their 2018 campaign after a run to the NEWHL finals and a loss to nationally-ranked Plattsburgh State to end last season.

With a new season ahead and new faces all around, the Lakers look to repeat that performance. This offseason, nine new freshmen were added to the roster along with Cortland State transfer goalie Rachael Farmer.

With the loss of the schools all-time scoring leader Olivia Ellis, Oswego State will look to new leaders to step up, as well as contributions from its young core.

Saturday marks the first game of the season for Oswego State, an exhibition at home against the London Jr. Devilettes.

In their last four exhibition home season openers, the Lakers have gone 2-2, alternating wins and losses from 2014 to 2017. Although the game may not count in the wins and losses column, it is big when it comes to getting ice time and experience for the young players.

With 11 new faces and 11 returning ones, getting down chemistry with new linemates will be key. It also presents the first time we get a look at the team this weekend.

A Look at the London Jr. Devilettes

The Jr. Devilettes hail from Canada’s intermediate AA Provincial Women’s Hockey League.

They enter play this weekend with an 8-5-1 record, adding on a 3-0 record against American collegiate hockey programs. In a three-game weekend series earlier this year, the Jr. Devilettes knocked off University of Windsor, Adrian College, and Michigan State by a 14-5 margin.

London heads back to the states this weekend to play Elmira College, Oswego State, and Utica College from Friday until Sunday. The Lakers will be the second stop on their trip.

Led by Julia Gosling with a team-high 19 points, 12 different Jr. Devilettes have totaled at least one point this season. They have had no problems scoring the puck but stopping it has been somewhat of a struggle. Jr. Devilettes’ goalies have a combined 2.40 GAA while only saving 88 percent of opponents shots.

Before Saturday’s contest, the Jr. Devilettes put a two-game win streak on the line against Elmira College on Friday night.

What to Watch For: Oswego State

Although it is just an exhibition game, the first game for any season looks to set the tone. Oswego State features a lot of new faces and getting them accustomed starts on Saturday.

One thing to watch will be head coach Diane Dillon’s use of the Lakers goaltenders. With Cortland State transfer Rachael Farmer and two talented freshmen in Hannah Lindey and Cassie Shokar, along with senior Mikaela Ditonto, there are a lot of options in net. Although Farmer stood on her head all season for Cortland State, there could be opportunities to see the two freshmen in net, especially in an exhibition.

The next question is who will step it up this season for the Lakers on offense with the departure of the aforementioned Olivia Ellis.

A huge answer could be from junior Kate Randazzo, who put up 19 points last season and a team-high plus-minus with 14. With a team full of underclassman, Randazzo’s leadership will be crucial for the Lakers this season.

Overall, the Lakers defense has the opportunity to become much better than last season. The Lakers lost Victoria Blake, Katie Mlostek, Jordan Emerson. This season, they added some substantial size to the backend. Freshman defenseman Bailey Thomas stands at 5-foot-8, and fellow freshman Molly Evans stands at a tall 5-feet 11-inches. The height and stick length added to the defense was something Dillon stressed coming into the 2018-19 season.

Final Thoughts

Even if it does not count in the standings, exhibitions are crucial for finding out what exactly the Lakers have going into this season.

The key to the game for the Lakers will be pushing the tempo. The Jr. Devilettes have had a tough time keeping the puck out of the net, and with the new look Laker lines, there should be ample opportunities to put shots on the net.

The second key lies in the defense and goaltending. With a returning defensive core and new goalies, the Lakers will have a challenge ahead. The use of different lines by Dillon and the playing of young players will be another key aspect to watch.

If the Lakers’ offense can click with chemistry early, there is a good possibility for a high scoring output. With an experienced defense and solid goaltending, the Lakers have a good chance at a comfortable win.

Photo: Maria Pericozzi | The Oswegonian