The SAIT Trojans women’s hockey team take on their cross-town rivals, the Mount Royal Cougars at the SAIT arena for their home opening game on Oct. 15. ANDREW CROSSETT PHOTO

A slow start for the Trojans  women’s hockey team has not dampened their spirits or drive for success.

After winning the ACAC championship last year, the women’s team now stands in the middle of the league, with a record of two wins, four losses, three ties and one overtime loss. The Trojans, however, are not panicking, as they sit only six points behind Mount Royal and NAIT, who are tied for first in the standings.

SAIT has a collection of talented players, an even mixture of new and old. At 20 years old, Bianca Zuber is a student-athlete and nutrition for healthy lifestyles student. Zuber plays centre for the Trojans and is tied for third in the league with five goals scored in 10 games played.

“I think for half of the team being new we’ve played alright together so far we still need to improve a lot more,” said Zuber.

As a returning player Zuber feels pressure to live up to last year’s performance and has faith her team will come together to meet the high expectations set out by their previous championship.

“I think that we can be at the top or closer to the top of the league all year,” said Zuber.

Not even halfway through the season, the team has plenty of time left to improve. The Trojans have 14 games remaining on their schedule, more than enough time to make up ground in the ACAC standings.

Women’s Trojans coach Terry Larson has been with the team for four years, and said he is not concerned with the team’s performance at this point. Larson sees his players improving and feels confident because the team also had a slow start last season, but rebounded to go on and win the ACAC championship.

Right-wing Lindsey Audia was key to the Trojans’ offence last season, but has yet to find her scoring touch this season with only one goal and five points in 10 games played.

“We have high hopes because we want to build off last year and keep going forward,” said Audia.

Audia would like to build off last year’s championship and continue forward while improving with the team.

“I’m not concerned, we keep improving and we need to peak at the right time which is playoffs,” said Audia.

Come cheer the ladies on in their second-last home game of the season, Nov. 25 when they go up against the Red Deer College Queens.