Jan. 30, 2008

Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst women's hockey head coach, Michael Sisti, announced today that junior forward Melissa Dianoski has left the team for personal reasons.

"We enjoyed having Melissa in our program", said Sisti, "but we also realize that there are more important things in life than hockey. We wish her nothing but the best."

Dianoski played for North Dakota (2004-2005) in the WCHA before joining the Lakers midway through last season. She did not play in 2005-2006.

She played a total of 42 games in a Mercyhurst uniform, contributing six goals and 16 assists. Dianoski got off to a great start last season with a combined four points in her first two games and was named College Hockey America (CHA) Offensive Player of the Week. She was selected to the 2007 CHA All-Tournament Team after contributing two goals and an assist in wins over Robert Morris and Wayne State.

Dianoski saw action in 24 games this season with a pair of goals and six helpers.

Mercyhurst is idle this week and will return to action February 8 and 9 when it entertains CHA-rival Wayne State at 4:30 and 3:00pm.