Tommies kick off exhibition tomorrow

The Lady Tommies head to Charlottetown tomorrow afternoon for their first preseason game of 2012-2013.  They will take on the defending AUS champion UPEI Panthers at 3 PM.  According to today's Charlottetown Guardian, the Panthers were hit hard by graduations and players not returning Guardian Article.  Nevertheless, the defending champs can not be taken lightly and will provide a good challenge to a hungry St. Thomas team looking to get off on the right foot this season.

With at least five new recruits and a few rumored high quality walk-ons to add to the line-up, Coach Murphy has bolstered the rank and file.   With only Kathleen Boyle lost to graduation, the team is expecting a big year.  Kathleen's skates will be replaced with rookie defensewoman Eliza Snider. Three of the best additions are returning 5th year veterans in the form of forward and captain Kayla Blackmore, rear-guard Courtney Fox, and former AUS all-star goalie Julia Sharun.

Up front the Tommies added Emily Ryan, Kenya Marcelline, Emily Frances, and Kelty Apperson.  These players are going to help an anaemic Tommies offence that relied heavily on Kayla Blackmore's output and finished sixth last season in goals scored.  

STU will return to the comfortable surroundings of the LBR on Sunday to play the Panthers again on the back end of a home and home set at 3 PM.