After two straight years of making it to the state girls hockey tournament, the Packers wouldn’t mind going a third time as they prepare for the 2008-2009 season.

Austin returns a few key players from last year’s team that took fourth in state and it also has a few newcomers.

Senior forward Catherine Wagner will likely be the Packers’ go-to-scorer this season, but she’ll also get help from fellow projected first liners Carley Grunewald, an eighth grader, and sophomore Ashley Arhart.

“Carley’s looking better than she did last year, and Ashley’s speed is just ten fold and she really looks good out there right now,” Austin head coach Denny Bray said.

The second line may also pack some punch for the Packers as sophomore center Kirsten Stanek will likely be paired with sophomore Alex Larson and freshman Abby Gallaher.

“Stanek’s really having a good week,” Bray said. “She had a good tryout and an outstanding scrimmage on Saturday. I’m expecting big things from her.”

Those lines may also take some time to gel, as they are brand new for most players involved.

“The big thing right now is none of our lines have experience playing together. It’s all new,” Bray said.

For the first line defense, two-time All Big Nine defender Kyli Ellingson, a senior, will lead the way with freshman Vanessa Talamantes also looking to chip in.

“Kyli’s our anchor back there and she always does a good job,” Bray said.

It’s likely that junior goalie Audrey DeVries will maintain the starter’s position as she had a school-record six shutouts last season. But Bray said she will have to earn that spot when her swimming season ends and she joins up with her hockey teammates.

Eighth grader Sam LeBarron was the only goalie working practice on Monday at Riverside Arena.

“I tell the girls in tryouts that everybody starts at the same point,” Bray said. “I don’t care who your are or what you’ve done, there might be somebody better than you. Audrey will have to come in and prove herself and she’ll have to see a lot of pucks.”

Making it to state two times in a row has had it’s benefits for the Packers, as the team had 28 players tryout this season — the most ever. Bray hopes this squad can match their predecessor’s efforts.

“We always have the attitude that we can (go to state). Everybody thought we couldn’t do it last year after losing eight seniors to graduation in 2007, but we surprised a lot of people,” he said. “Those girls had a great work ethic and these are no different. They know what girls hockey in Austin is all about.”

Austin’s third line on offense will likely be Jessica Nkhata, Kennedy Thompson, and Courtney Brooks.

Other expected contributors for the Packers will be Alix Borland, Ashley Crump, Sam Stark and Kaityln Stark.

Austin hosts Northfield this Saturday at 3 p.m. at Riverside Arena.