The Lakers traveled St. Charles, Missouri, to compete against the Lindenwood University Lions on Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct 3. The Laker women showed up ready to play and destroyed the Lions in both matchups, 6-1 on Friday and 6-0 on Saturday.
The wins over the weekend improve the Lakers’ record to 10-1-0 overall (4-0-0 in College Hockey America), advances their win streak to five straight games and ranks them fourth best team in the nation.
Freshman forward Emily Janiga was recently recognized as CHA Rookie of the Week, an award she received three times in October.
“Being CHA Rookie of the Week is the most exciting feeling ever. It’s an honor and I never thought I’d be in this position,” Janiga said.
Emily Janiga makes her way past center ice: Ed Milliard photo
Additioanlly, junior forward Christine Bestland was recognized as CHA player of the week after she scored an incredible six points (three goals, three assists) in the Lakers Friday matchup against Lindenwood.
The Lakers are excited to be ranked No. 4 in the nation, as it brings along with it the possibility of playoff competition. However, the impressive standings are not getting to the Lakers’ heads.
“Although we are fourth we can never be satisfied with where we are, so everyday we work even harder than the day before and get one step closer to our goal of being first,” Janiga said.
With such a productive and successful season thus far, the Lakers have relied on a strong work ethic and dedication to continue winning games.
“At this level it takes hard work every day, one and off the ice. You have to come mentally and physically prepared for every game and practice. You can’t have one good game and then a bad one, or one good shift followed by a bad one. You have to stay consistent and be ready and focused every day,” Janiga said.
With the season getting into full swing, the Lakers are looking forward to their future, and are making big plans.
“Our primary focus is winning a national championship, and it always will be. To do that we have to take each day as a new challenge, and each game as a new goal. Ultimately, we aim to be in the frozen four and win,” Janiga said.
The Lakers will take this upcoming weekend off, but return to test their win streak against the Yale Bulldogs in New Haven, Connecticut, on Friday, Nov. 16, and Saturday, Nov. 17.
