Sophia Hassett (Photo via LRSC)
After completing his first season as the women’s hockey coach for Lake Region State College, Sawyer Diseth has been hard at work recruiting the next class.
The Royals go into the school year with 13 incoming freshmen. That brings the roster total to 16, up from last year’s nine. Numbers were an issue at times last year, especially early in the season. The new recruiting class should put those worries to rest.
The group starts with a pair of Devils Lake locals. Delaney Wagner was one of the earliest commits in the class, announcing her decision back in January. She’ll be joined by her former Firebird teammate Sophia Hassett.
“Having a hometown player like Sophia commit to our program is really special,” Diseth said in a press release when Hassett committed. “She’s been part of the Devils Lake hockey community for years, and you can see how much pride she takes in where she’s from. She works hard and enjoys playing a physical style of hockey. Defensive minded, but gritty at hunting pucks in the corner and a strong presence in front of the net.”
Wagner and Hassett will reunite with Devils Lake local Mathea Nelson, who returns as a sophomore on the squad.
The class features two players who are also on the Royals’ softball team, Payton Durand and Ella Harkness. They’re both from Manitoba; Durand is from Winnipeg, while Harkness is from Portage la Prairie.
Durand was a five-sport athlete in high school. She played Division I high school hockey, where she was the leading scorer for the Collège Jeanne-Sauvé Olympiens.
“Payton is extremely talented, and creative in the offensive zone,” Diseth said in a team announcement. “She will be an offensive rock for our team next year. I look forward to her success individually, and she can elevate a roster of already talented hockey players to the next level. She’s a perfect fit.”
LRSC also welcomes Jordyn Johnson from Regina, Saskatchewan. Johnson led the Saskatchewan Female Hockey League in scoring last year.
“Jordyn is an incredibly dynamic player with outstanding offensive ability and creativity,” Diseth said. “Her ability to produce points and generate scoring opportunities is exceptional, and her energy for the game will be a tremendous asset to our program.”
The Canadian portion of the class also includes Bernice Keshane from Kasack, Saskatchewan, Stephanie Rosset from Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, and Geraldine McIvor from Cross Lake, Manitoba. Rosset was noted for her versatility, having played ringette, badminton, softball and track and field in the past.
Goaltender Keira Kawula, from Southern Alberta, rounds out the Canadian group. She’ll help offset the departure of goalie Abby Stewart-Fromm.
“Her movement in the crease is incredibly fluid,” Diseth said of Kawula in a release. “She hunts the puck with confidence and commands the space on top of her crease with authority. She’s going to be an immediate impact player on an already talented roster.”
Nya Major, from Woodland Park, Colo., brings both forward and defensive experience to the Royals.
“Hockey has become one of the biggest passions in my life,” Major said in her commitment announcement. “The speed, the energy, and the friendships I’ve built along the way are what keep me coming back to the game. I’m beyond excited to be part of this school, this community, and this team.”
Diseth has also added Mataya Hall from Butterfield, Minn., to the defensive group. He praised her intelligence in the position.
“Her ability to read the game and make quick, effective decisions is exactly what we need,” Diseth said in the team announcement. “She will fit in seamlessly with our defensive unit and will be a great addition to a group that prides itself on playing strong, disciplined defense.”
LRSC also adds a forward from the East Coast. Alina Martin, from the state of Pennsylvania, said in a release that she loves “how connected everyone is at Lake Region — it truly feels like a family.”
The most recent commitment came just recently, on Aug. 13. The Royals added Dylan Edd from Sidney, Montana. She most recently played for the Richland Rangers in the North Dakota Amateur Hockey Association.
“Dylan’s speed and hockey IQ are real difference-makers,” Diseth said in the announcement. “Her quickness allows her to cut hard to the net or find open ice in the offensive zone. We saw her talent firsthand at our team camp in June, and even when we played against her in an exhibition last spring, she stood out immediately. I’m much happier having her on our team this season.”
The LRSC women’s hockey program is entering its third year as a member of the ACHA Division II. The Royals, who went 8-14 last season, bring back third-year forward Veronica Asquith to lead their roster. She emerged as one of the best players in the entire league last winter. The Journal previously published an article detailing Asquith’s journey and decision to come back.
The Royals have an exhibition game against Minot State University scheduled for Sept. 19. After that, they’ll play in the Clone Cup Invitational Tournament from Oct. 3-5. The season will pick up on Nov. 8 and 9 with a home-and-home against Dakota College at Bottineau.
