Prepared to challenge once again for a national championship, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey team enter the 2023-24 season with supreme focus and clarity.

Having reached the OUA McCaw Cup final in three of the last four seasons, claiming two provincial banners along the way, U of T have established themselves as a dominant force within women's hockey. The Blues have raised expectations year-after-year, and now aim to compete with the very best from across the entirety of U SPORTS.

FROM THE COACH'S DESK
"We have been waiting patiently to get back on the ice this season and I expect to see a highly motivated group that will challenge each other to be better every day. We have an exciting group of first-year players who will add speed and offence to our roster. We play in a very competitive conference where teams are fighting for playoff spots late in the season, so we will have to be strong defensively and come out to compete every week to be successful in this league."

• Vicky Sunohara, University of Toronto Varsity Blues women's hockey head coach.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
Key Returners: Taylor Trussler (F), Natasha Athanasakos (F), Emma Potter (D), Olivia Hilton (D), Erica Fryer (G)

Key Additions: Carlee Vance (G), Taylor Delahey (F), Ashley Delahey (F), Emma Irwin (F)

LAST SEASON'S LEADERS
Points: Nikki McDonald | 26 GP, 24 PTS
 
Goals: Nikki McDonald | 26 GP, 11 G
 
Assists: Natasha Athanasakos | 27 GP, 17 A

Wins: Madeline Albert | 13 GP, 10 W, 5 SO

FROM THE ICE
"I am feeling super excited about getting things going again this season. We were a little unsatisfied with how we finished last season, but we have a strong core of returning players that know what it will take for us to be successful this year. We also have a handful of new girls who bring a lot of skill and speed, so I am looking forward to seeing how we can continue to build heading into the season."

• Taylor Trussler, 5^th year, Forward

MARQUEE GAMES
October 13 vs. Nipissing
Facing a familiar opponent in the home and season opener, Toronto will be in for a challenge right away versus the Lakers. The opponents from North Bay have also built themselves into perennial contenders providing for a must-watch showdown to begin the new season.

October 19 at Guelph
Making the trip to Guelph to face the Gryphons, these two OUA juggernauts have gone back-and-forth over the years with neither side claiming more than two wins in a row versus the other dating back to 2018. Toronto earned a pair of wins on home ice versus Guelph last season, while the Gryphons won 2-1 in Guelph to avoid the series sweep.

January 19 vs. TMU
The second of four meetings between the Blues and Bold this season, this one will take place on home ice at Varsity Arena, before immediately shifting back to the Mattamy Athletic Centre for another game between the two rivals within 24 hours. Toronto is unbeaten against TMU in 11-straight games dating back to 2020.

February 17 vs. Queen's
A crucial final stretch that will see the Blues conclude the regular season with three of their last four games on home ice, including this regular season finale versus the Gaels. Last season, U of T scored a total of 13 goals in three games versus the tri-colour, which is an offensive output they will be looking to replicate.