Austria will be without one of their superstars, but is still bringing a formidable group to the World Championship D1A tournament in China.
The past few international competitions, Austria has a two headed monster up front in Anna Meixner and Theresa Schafzahl. This year however, Meixner will need to carry the load alone as Schafzahl will not represent her nation at the World Championships for the first time since she was 15.
Meixner is the reigning SDHL MVP playing for Brynas where she had 53 points in 30 games last season. Schafzahl, who signed to play with the PHF's Montreal Force this year, after earning First Team Hockey East All-Star honors playing for Vermont, will be looking to join the new professional women's league, but her current absence will be a significant loss for Austria's promotion hopes.
It's conceivable that Emma Hofbauer, who had a spectacular year with Shattuck St. Mary's, will take a step forward, but to what extend remains to be seen. The 18-year-old is scheduled to play in the SDHL with AIK next year. Another teenager, Marja Linzbichler was excellent at the U-18 level and with Newark Ironbound in the USA this year, and could be another young player to watch.
If there's a strength to Austria's roster, it's their defensive depth. Antonia Matzka played a season in the PHF gaining valuable experience with the Buffalo Beauts following her NCAA career, which will only benefit Austria's blueline. Austria's roster also includes a pair of NCAA defenders from Long Island University in Emma Mörtl and Lisa Schröfl, and Annika Fazokas who played in the SDHL last season. It's a formidable top four in Division 1A competition
In net, 20-year-old Selma Luggin took a huge step forward this year moving from the EWHL to play in the SDHL, where she's signed to suit up for Linkoping next year. She will be counted on to solidify Austria's crease.