2021-22
Record: 7-12-1 21pts
Playoffs: Lost in First Round
Key Losses
Rebecca Russo, F
Kristen Barbara, D
Theresa Knutson, F
Key Additions
Amanda Pelkey, F
Emilie Harley, D/F
Taylor Marchin, D
2022-23 Preview
3 Questions:
What are the Riveters this season?
I remember asking this question heading into last season. It was hard to pinpoint what the Riveters could be. During the bubble in Lake Placid, they were brilliant. They unfortunately didn’t get to participate in the playoffs, where who knows how far they could have gone. Flip to the 2021-22 season, it’s still hard to figure out what the Riveters are as a team. There were stretches where they were excellent and couldn’t be stopped; then came the times where they would have losing streaks. Specifically a 5 game losing streak in the middle of the season, and losing 4 of their last 6 games at the end of the year. So heading into this season, is it going to be more of the same or will their be some consistency in their future? Personally, I think their new additions to the team will help bring that stability they really need.
Who will emerge as the number 1 goalie?
We have new goalies this year for the Riveters. Gone are Sonjia Shelly and Brooke Wolejko and in are the newcomers Rachel McQuigge and Eveliina Makinen. McQuigge played 4 years of NCAA hockey for Princeton, amassing a record of 29-22-8 with 9 shutouts, a GAA of 1.81 and a .933 save percentage. While Makinen has played in the SDHL, earning a record of 50-45-0 with 9 shutouts, a GAA of 2.58 and a .908 save percentage. Makinen also has international hockey experience having played for Finland, earning bronze medals in the World Championships in 2014-15, and 2016-17. She’s also earned a silver medal in the World’s in 2018-17, and is a 2 time Olympic bronze medal winner in 2017-18 in Pyeongchang and 2021-22 in Beijing. So the only question to ask is who is going to take over in-between the pipes for the Riveters, and will there be an adjustment period.
How will their new home rink affect their games?
Also announced this offseason was a new venue for the Riveters. They are not going to be playing games at Barnabas Health Hockey House anymore, instead opting to play at the American Dream Meadowlands Ice Rink. It’s got….. interesting sightlines to say the least. Here is a rendering of the rink:
Foot traffic wise this is excellent. Anyone who walks by and takes a couple seconds to see what’s going on, helps expose the game to as many people as possible. A concern that I would have would be during day games with the sun bearing down on the rink will make it difficult for the goalies and the players to track the puck. However, the PHF makes it work in Minnesota at TRIA Rink with their giant window. I think it would be safe to assume that the Riveters are prepared for any issues or concerns.
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