Northeastern women's ice hockey head coach Dave Flint announced on Tuesday that graduate student Dani Rylan, senior Stephanie Gavronsky and junior Casey Pickett will each serve as a captain for the 2011-12 season.

“I am very excited to have these three young women leading our team this year,” Flint said. “They have proven to be good role models to their teammates and possess the qualities needed to be effective leaders.”

Rylan (Tampa, Fla.), who is eligible as a senior this year, thrived as a newcomer to the Huskies last season. She notched three goals and added seven assists for 10 points in 37 games. She was a fixture on the second line as a right-winger last year and will likely reprise that role this season.

Gavronsky (Sherwood Park, Alberta) will be the leader on the blue line for Northeastern this season, as she brings three years of experience to the back end. She posted career-highs in goals (5), assists (8) and points (13), and was second on the team in scoring among defensemen.

Pickett (Wilmington, Mass.) is also coming off a career year, as she potted 10 goals for the second straight season to go along with 10 assists for 20 points. She led all scorers in the Hockey East playoffs with six points (3-3-6), including the Huskies' lone goal in the championship game.

Northeastern opens the 2011-12 season with an exhibition contest against Ottawa on Friday, Sept. 23, at Matthews Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m.