Women’s Hockey Preview: Building Blocks

Stingers Look Ahead to New Season As Head Coach Takes Medical Leave of Absence

SportsVince Morello — Published September 7, 2015

With five veterans graduating from the class, fans can expect to see new faces on the ice. Erica Porter, Gabrielle Meilleur, Alyssa Sherrard, Audrey Morand and captain Danielle Scarlett will not return. The Montreal Stars from the Canadian Women’s Hockey League also recently drafted Morand and Sherrard.

Another change will be behind the bench as long-time head coach Les Lawton has taken an “indefinite leave of absence” due to medical reasons. Assistant coaches Julie Chu and Mike McGrath will take over the coaching duties for the time being.

“It is difficult to open a season without Les on the bench, but at this point his welfare is the priority,” said Patrick Boivin, Concordia’s Director of Recreation and Athletics, in a statement.

Among the new faces joining the Stingers women’s hockey team are Samantha Rhainds, who played Stanstead College Spartans of the North American Prep Hockey Association (NAPHA). Other new recruits include Sophie Gagnon, Claudia Fortin and Claudia Dubois, who played in Quebec’s CEGEP league last year.

Of course, the team will be backstopped by second-year goalie Katherine Purchase, who last year was named to the CIS All-Star Rookie team.

The Stingers women’s team will begin their season on October 16 on the road against the Montreal Carabins. Their home opener is on October 18 versus the Ottawa Gee-Gees.