The University of Minnesota Duluth women's hockey team will be under the leadership of 2013-14 senior forward Jamie Kenyon, head coach Shannon Miller officially announced this week.

Kenyon, a native of Sparta, Wisconsin, was an alternate captain this past season as a junior.  Both Duluth native Emma Stauber and Anchorage, Alaska product Zoe Hickel will assume alternate captain duties for UMD next season as juniors.  

"I just want to start by saying I'm honored to be able to be a captain and have everyone believe in me," said Kenyon.  "It means a lot to have coach trust in me and all my teammates there for me and feel comfortable that I can be their leader.  I'm excited in anticipation for next year not only because I am a leader, but because I know wehave the tools to have a very successful season."

In addition to Kenyon, Stauber and Hickel, the Bulldogs have two other players -- current junior Brienna Gillanders and freshman Jordan Krause, who meet with the coaching staff regularly with a strong pulse on the team and focus on open communication.

"We are proud to announce our captains and strong leadership group for the 2013-2014 season," said Miller this week.  "With such a talented young team coming in, 8-10 freshmen, the leadership within the team is going to be crucial. It's also an Olympic year and we have five  players that will be going in and out of our line-up in October, November and for a month in February. Olympic years require a great deal more proper planning, flexibility and strong leadership for the group to be successful.  This group has an important journey in front of them and I have full confidence they are the right group to handle it. They were selected for characteristics such as Attitude, Work Ethic, Desire, Drive - the are people that strive to achieve more and make the necessary sacrifices to do so." 

Stauber becomes just the second Duluth native to wear the "A".  Tawni Matilla wore it in both 2007-08 and 2008-09.