The First Of Many?

I won't deny that, as a uniersity broadcaster, we're pretty proud of the men and women move onto professional hockey careers not only from the local squads, but from the other schools we regularly see in Canada West. One of those women who called Winnipeg home for five seasons was Erica Rieder, and Erica has since turned that successful university career into a solid, if not blossomng, career with MoDo over in the SDHL. She was a national champion at the university level in Canada, and she's now trying to help MoDo become national champions in Sweden. Of course, there are other teams there trying to prevent that, but it seems Erica has found a home on the blue line for the Örnsköldsvik team where she's starting to show the same offensive game that made her so dangerous at the university level.

With the season opening today, MoDo travelled to Leksand to open the season on the road. Leksand didn't have a particularly strong team last season, but some retooling during the offseason has potentially changed their fortunes. While I am keeping an eye on MoDo's success this season due to both Reider and former Regina Cougar Jaycee Magwood playing there, it was Erica who made an impact in the season opener for MoDo! Erica loaded up the cannon from the faceoff circle and ripped the puck pask Leksand goalkeeper Jule Flötgen to put MoDo up 2-1 in the third period. Why that goal was important is that it was the game-winner as MoDo added an insurance marker later for the 3-1 victory!

That seems like a pretty good day at the office for Erica: her first goal of the season, her first game-winner of the season, and MoDo earned its first win of the season. Things may get a wee bit tougher tomorrow when MoDo visits Brynäs as Brynäs looks to avenge their SDHL Final loss last season by winning it all this season, but for one day MoDo can say they're at the top of the standings at least.

As for Erica, if she can keep up this goal-per-game production, she may write her name into the SDHL record books. While it seems unlikely being that she's a defender, we've seen some incredible point totals for defenders come out of the SDHL over the last few seasons.

Maybe 2021-22 is Erica Rieder's year.

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!