ORONO – The University of Maine women’s ice hockey team is learning the value of resiliency and adaptability.

Dan Lichterman is Maine’s third head coach in three seasons.

The Bears have been picked to finish last in eight-team Hockey East after losing standouts such as two-time All-Hockey East defenseman Kelly Law along with wingers Sonia Corriveau and Kate Sunstrum and center Brigitte Laflamme.

They were four of the team’s top six scorers last year.

Lichterman said the first point of emphasis will be a better focus on team defense. Maine allowed five or more goals 11 times last year en route to a 10-19-2 record.

“You can’t win and be successful in college hockey giving up six goals,” said the 35-year-old Lichterman.

“We aren’t going to be a run-and-gun team. If we can give up just two goals, we’ll be in a great spot each night to get [at least] a point,” added Lichterman, who will insist on his forwards doing their jobs in the defensive zone.

Senior defenseman Kim Meagher of Hampden said they hung goalie Genevieve Turgeon “out to dry too much last year. We’ll clean that up in the D [defensive] zone and we’ll be a lot better.”

“We’re really working hard on being a better team defensively. We want to be hard to play against,” added senior defenseman Jenna Cowan.

The Bears do have a proven commodity between the pipes in junior Turgeon, who had a .903 save percentage and a 3.47 goals-against average to go with a 6-14-1 record.

“She’s a prototypical Quebec-style goalie. She gets in great spots to make saves. The big challenge for us will be to make sure her first save isn’t wasted. We’ve got to take away second chances,” said Lichterman, who is assisted by Sara Simard.

Turgeon likes the defensive emphasis.

“It’s a good thing for us. I’m really excited for this season,” said Turgeon.

Lichterman said freshman Sara Bishop has the potential to be an outstanding goalie down the line in Hockey East.

South Portland’s Amanda Teixeira is the No. 3 goalie.

Cowan (2 & 6), Meagher (1 goal, 3 assists) and sophomore Elyce Thomas (0 & 10) will headline the defense corps.

Lichterman said they are all effective puck-handlers who can shoot the puck and they will also be asked to provide leadership and stability.

“We don’t need heroes on defense. We just want them to make simple, solid plays, help eliminate second chances and make good outlet passes,” said Lichterman.

Freshman Madelene Eriksson from Sweden is a “very well-rounded player” and freshman Courtney Fox is a “good skater with good size.”

Up front, juniors Vanessa Vani and Robyn Law are coming off productive seasons.

Vani (11 & 15) led the team in scoring a year ago and Mercyhurst transfer Law (9 & 10) was the No. 4 scorer.

“Robyn has been our best player in the preseason. Vanessa is a good skater with great puck skills who can put up even more points if she bears down on the goal-scoring end,” said Lichterman. “We have some creative kids up front. We just have to make sure when they get into scoring areas, they shoot the puck. We’re pretty underrated with the kids we have up front.”

Maine also returns forwards Jenna Ouellette (6 & 7), Taryn Peacock (8 & 4), Pam Patterson (6 & 5), Abby Barton (1 & 4) and Amy Stech (1 & 2).

Mercyhurst transfer Lexi Hoffmeyer should give the Bears a significant lift with her aggressive and gritty play.

Newcomers Jordan Colliton, Kaitlin Zeek, Ashley Palangi, Danielle Cyr and Jennie Gallo will also get a chance to prove themselves since the Bears will have only 18 skaters to go with their three goalies.

“I think there’s still a lot to learn for everybody,” said Patterson. “It’s a new coach. We’re all kind on the same page. Everyone has to learn the new systems. We’ll be a young team but if we stick to the game plan, we’ll surprise people.”

Maine opens at home Saturday at 2 against Sacred Heart.