May 1, 2008

Fairfield, CT - Ten new Pioneers, including two goaltenders, will look to contribute to the women's ice hockey team as part of the 2008 recruiting class, announced recently by head coach Thomas O'Malley. This year's class is made up of two goaltenders, four defenders and four forwards. The group has members hailing from as close as Connecticut to as far away from SHU as Alberta, Canada.

Amanda Nagel (Greenwood, MN), the starting goaltender for Benilde-St. Margaret's High School in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, led her team to back to back State tournament appearances in 2007 and 2008 medaling each year in the Class 2A Minnesota State High School League. Nagel has also garnered All Conference and All Conference Academic Awards, lettering in three varsity sports hockey, soccer and golf, and leading her team to a State soccer semi-final appearance. The Pioneers will count on Nagel's natural ability and winning experience in the upcoming season.

Fellow goaltender Raelene Sydor (Alberta, Canada) will also bring a very impressive resume into training camp. Sydor has played the past three seasons as part of the St. Albert Kal - Tire Slash Midget AAA team. Sydor led her team to a North Divisional League Championship competing in the Western Canada Midget Female Championship. She led the tournament in goals against average and save percentage.

The Pioneers will welcome the addition of 5'6" defenseman Jennifer Burroughs (Raleigh, NC). Burroughs was a member of the Midget AA Boys team and was their top scoring defenseman. Burroughs has also competed on the national level for USA Hockey and has attended the National Development Camp.

Jamie Mey (Middletown, RI) will bring speed and quickness to the Pioneer defense. She played her high school hockey for St Georges School in Newport, Rhode Island. Mey is a three sport athlete including soccer and track. She holds her high school's record in the 400 and 200 meter track events. Mey's extraordinary puck handling ability and speed will be a great asset for the Pioneers.

Caitlin Gottwald (Reading, MA) is a 5'9'' defenseman with a natural ability to win. In her freshmen year of high school she captured a Division 2 Girls State Championship. Gottwald is also a two time Catholic Central All Star. As a captain in her senior year she led her team to a perfect 25-0-0 record and winning the Division 1 Girls State Championship.

Nicole Palazzo (Rocky Hill, CT) will be able to play forward as well as defense with her speed and toughness along the boards. She used her great speed in high school, skating past defenders as an offensive minded forward. Palazzo played defense for the prestigious CT Polar Bears and has participated on the national level attending the New England Development Hockey Camp at the University of Vermont.

Alysha Arnold (Wrentham, MA) wore the captains C her senior year as her team won its second consecutive High School State championship. Arnold is a product of Mt. St. Charles Academy, where current Pioneer Taryn Lapierre played her high school hockey. Arnold was also a recipient of the Hobey Baker High School Character Award.

Sara Reddington (Needham, MA) will join the Pioneers up front after an impressive high school career. In her career she has posted 78 goals and 40 assists. Sara was named Rookie of the Year her freshmen year and was named to the Bay State League 1S All Star team the past two seasons.

The final two recruits Erin Burke (Franklin, MA) and Tara Kent (Chicago, IL) both hope to contribute to the Pioneer squad immediately.

O'Malley would like to acknowledge Assistant Coach Nicole Farrelly for her hard work on the recruiting trail. This class of recruits will join the current Pioneers in what looks to be a promising 2008-2009 campaign.