Rivs Talk with Falk: 3 Keys for Saturday's Season Opener
September 30, 2019 - Premier Hockey Federation (PHF)
Metropolitan Riveters News Release
If there is one word to describe the Riveters as they get ready for their 2019-20 season opener against the Boston Pride, it's new: new home rink, uniforms, players, new GM (Kate Whitman Annis), and new head coach. It's all about looking forward for the Riveters and starting fast in their season opener on Saturday afternoon. (Tickets are just $20 and available now at www.NWHL.zone/tickets).
Here are three keys for their first time playing at ProSkate Ice Arena
1. Developing Chemistry Quickly
Only three players who played in games for the Riveters in 2018-19 are back this year - forward Madison Packer and defenders Kiira Dosdall and Rebecca Morse.
With every practice and scrimmage leading up to Saturday's opener, getting so many new players to blend has been crucial. This is a big test for first-year head coach Ivo Mocek.
Keep an eye out early in the season on the potential combo of Packer and Kendall Cornine, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 NWHL Draft. They looked sharp together in the preseason game two days ago against LIU, combining for five of the Rivs' 10 goals.
2. Staying Disciplined
The parade to the penalty box for the Riveters in their preseason matchup had one positive: practicing the PK as they held LIU to 0-for-8. But it would behoove them to always have at least five skaters on the ice as much as possible, especially on Saturday when the Pride come to New Jersey with Jillian Dempsey, Lexi Bender, Kaleigh Fratkin and so many weapons on their power play.
Physicality definitely seems to be something the Riveters will want in their game, but showing the smarts to know when they can use it to their advantage and within the rules can separate them from the pack.
3. Net Positive
Sam Walther, who had limited action in her rookie season with the Whale, got the start vs. LIU and allowed one goal in just over 30 minutes of game play and is the presumed starter for Saturday. Dana DeMartino is expected to be the backup.
The opportunity to take the reins and run with it begins with Walther, who had an exceptional career at Hamilton College. If Walther can make the most of this chance to be the No. 1, that would be huge for the Riveters this season.
Matt Falkenbury is the play-by-play broadcaster for the Metropolitan Riveters. Catch Matt ad the Riveters all season long on the NWHL on Twitch.
• Discuss this story on the Premier Hockey Federation message board...
Premier Hockey Federation Stories from September 30, 2019
- Dunkin' Continues Its Support for Women's Hockey as Sponsor of the NWHL - PHF
- Riveters Sign SWHL Leading Scorer Kate Leary - Metropolitan Riveters
- Rivs Talk with Falk: 3 Keys for Saturday's Season Opener - Metropolitan Riveters
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
