Colgate 2026-27

[Peyton]

Alexia Aubin's journey in the Canadian national program since this summer is truly impressive.

In August, she attended the Development Team training camp. She failed to crack the initial lineup of the Summer Series against USA, but was eventually added to the third and final game of the series as a 14F.

In October, she was invited to participate in the senior team's selection camp the day before it debuted in Quebec City, after Sarah Nurse withdrew. According to reporters, Aubin arrived at camp with an exemplary attitude, ready to seize her opportunity. She was used by the coaching staff in all situations, showing that she was a reliable center and particularly good at face-offs.

Then, a few days ago, in early November, she was selected as an alternate for the IIHF 2026 Worlds after a player was injured and travelled to Denmark to participate in the pre-camp. She has now just returned to Colgate.

She went from not even being on the Dev Team's lineup to being selected as an alternate on the senior team in less than 3 months! She seems to have bypassed Jocelyn Amos on the depth chart. If she has a good season at Colgate and performs well at camp next year, she has a chance to crack the senior team for the 2027 Worlds in Quebec City, literally her hometown.

Right now, Team Canada's centers are Rosalie Tremblay (1C), Caitlin Kraemer (2C), Danielle Serdachny (3C), Kristin O'Neill (4C) and Sara Manness (5C). When Poulin returns next year, she'll take one of those spots. Then there will be a few battles with the return of Blayre Turnbull and young players who are pushing like Jocelyn Amos and Adrianna Milani. I think Aubin has a chance.

 

[ProudCanadian]

By the way, Colgate really missed Aubin this past weekend. I know full well that a single player doesn't make or break a team on her own, but her impact in the faceoff circles was sorely missed. It's tough to win games when the opponent takes possession of the puck after the vast majority of faceoffs.

On the other hand, while Aubin couldn't pass up an opportunity like that, I find it a bit frustrating that Team Canada takes a key player away from us just to send her back a few days later. No issue with that if the World Championships had been on our continent. Aubin probably racked up more air miles in a single week than I have in my entire life! I hope this recent experience serves as a springboard for our #23. We sure need it!

Putting my fandom aside, I'm also really impressed by Alexia Aubin's recent developments with the national team. She's proudly representing the Raiders!

 

[rinksides]

Saturday felt like a game we handed Quinnipiac on a silver platter. You can’t give up three in the first period against a team like that and expect to dig your way out.

From what I’ve seen, Davis has earned a run as the clear number one. I don’t understand what the coaching staff is waiting for. Some of the goals Walker allowed looked too soft, and against good teams those are saves you need.

There’s plenty to answer for elsewhere, too. Palumbo and Tremel chipped in offensively, but we need more consistency throughout the lineup. Goofers has been producing, but four wins in 19 faceoffs, along with Copetti’s three in 11, means we’re giving up possession far too often.

On defence, Pickering finishing minus four and Wood minus three should raise questions. Those numbers aren’t all on them, but the coverage and support clearly need work. The goalies need help, and the team needs saves. Both can be true.

The coaching staff needs to settle on a starter and hold everyone to the same standard. I don’t expect Colgate to win every game, but I do expect us to make the better teams earn it.

There’s enough talent here to do better.

Go Gate!