The Mercyhurst Lakers women's hockey team will represent Mercyhurst College in the 2011–12 NCAA Division I women's ice hockey season. The Lakers were coached by Michael Sisti and won the regular season College Hockey America championship. During the season, the Lakers only carried 17 skaters, but the club won its 12th consecutive regular season title. In addition, the squad qualified for the NCAA tournament for the eighth consecutive season, an NCAA Division I women's hockey record. The Lakers finished 22-8-3 overall, and were defeated by top-seed Wisconsin, 3-1, in the NCAA quarterfinals. Offseason June 13: Mercyhurst Lakers assistant coach Paul Colontino has left the club to become head coach of the Robert Morris Colonials. He is the third head coach in Colonials history, after the resignation of Nate Handrahan, who left to assume the head coaching position at Ohio State. June 16: Head coach Michael Sisti announced the captains for the upcoming season. Senior Pamela Zgoda will serve as team captain. The alternate captains include Kelley Steadman, Bailey Bram and Jess Jones. August 5: Former New Hampshire All-American and Patty Kazmaier Award finalist, Kelly Paton will serve as a volunteer assistant coach for the upcoming season. August 10: Three members of the Lakers are participating in their countries' training camps. Bailey Bram and Christine Bestland are on Canada's National Women's Under-22/Development Team roster. Kelley Steadman was invited to the 2011 USA Hockey Women's National Festival. August 23: Former Canadian national women's team member Delaney Collins has been hired as an assistant coach for the Mercyhurst women’s team. Recruiting Exhibition September 17, 2011: Senior Bailey Bram registered a hat trick to go with her three assists, as the Lakers trounced the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks women's ice hockey program by a 10-2 tally. Her sister, Shelby Bram scored one goal while freshman Kristine Grenier also registered a hat trick in the match. Kelley Steadman contributed with four assists. September 24, 2011: Sophomore Christine Bestland notched five points as the Lakers defeated the Stoney Creek Jr. Sabres of the PWHL by a 6-0 score. The Lakers scored four goals within a five and a half minute time span late in the second period. September 25, 2011: Freshman Caroline Luczak notched a goal, while registering three assists as the Lakers defeated the Toronto Jr. Aeros of the PWHL. CWHL Exhibition Regular season News and notes In the Lakers season opener on September 30,