Lindenwood women's hockey head coach Scott Spencer announced the captains for the 2016-17 season on Monday. For the third-consecutive season, Tae Otte will serve as the captain of the team. Otte will be assisted by alternate captains Britannia Gillanders, Shannon Morris-Reade, and Katie Nokelby.

"Our group of leaders has balance, character and a lot of playing experience," Coach Spencer said about this year's captains. "We were able to have leaders spanning all classes which sets us up for future graduation and consistency among our leadership group."

Otte, the third captain in program history, enters her junior season as the leader of the Lady Lions defense core. "Tae has shown tremendous passion and leadership for this program since I arrived," explained Coach Spencer. Otte tallied a career-high nine assists a season ago.

Gillanders, who tied for second on the team with eight goals last season, is expected to play a key role in the Lady Lions offense this year. Coach Spencer described Gillanders as, "a fierce competitor who keeps the locker room light."

Morris-Reade, a 2015-16 CHA all-rookie team selection, burst on the scene as a freshman with a 23-point season, including 15 assists. "Morris-Reade was one of the team's leading scorers as a freshman and is a great leader by example," said Coach Spencer.

Nokelby was enjoying her most productive season at Lindenwood last year before having her junior season cut short due to injury. Nokelby, one of four seniors on the roster, was chosen, because according to Coach Spencer, "she brings maturity to the locker room and commands a level of respect from the rest of the team."

Lindenwood will open its 2016-17 season on Friday afternoon for the first of two games against the defending national champion Minnesota Golden Gophers. Puck drop on Friday is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. from Ridder Arena in Minneapolis, Minn.