Despite winning its third national title in four years last spring, the University of Minnesota women's hockey team was often playing short-handed.
Injuries attacked the team's depth, and that affected their preparation.
"At times we'd only have 14, 15 skaters, and it's just really hard to run a practice," coach Brad Frost said.
The Gophers have restocked their cupboard, though, with nine newcomers rounding out a roster of 25 -- including three goalies.
The new depth has allowed Frost to push the tempo in practice again, as his team begins the season ranked a unanimous No.