Olds College women's hockey coach Sarah Hilworth is aiming for a playoff spot as the team starts its second season.
The Broncos finished out of playoff contention in the five-team ACAC women's hockey conference last year.
"I think our expectations are higher in terms of what it's going to take from each individual to get that playoff spot," Hilworth said.
"This year, we took a step forward in terms of recruiting players that have that commitment and drive to be a high-performance athlete."
"The kids get it. They understand what that commitment looks like."
Olds College started its regular season last week, beating Grant MacEwan 4-3 at the Sportsplex on Thursday. The Broncos lost the rematch 3-2 on Saturday.
The team has renewed its involvement with Olds Minor Hockey's girls teams. Hilworth said there are six Broncos coaching at the midget, bantam elite, peewee and atom levels.
"I didn't even ask them to do it. They just did it on their own. As a coach, that's what you hope that they do," she said.
"They genuinely like doing it and I'm very, very lucky in that respect to have these (players) that take the initiative and want to give back and be a part of the community, be a positive role model for all these kids coming up through the minor hockey system."
