June 22, 2011

Six Freshmen to Join Clarkson this Fall

POTSDAM, N.Y. -- Looking to build upon the accomplishments of last season, Clarkson has added another impressive recruiting class that should help the Golden Knights challenge for the top spot in ECAC Hockey and make a push for the NCAA Tournament.

Co-head coaches Shannon and Matt Desrosiers along with assistant coach Matt Kelly have put together an incoming group of six freshmen, comprised of three defenseman, two goaltenders and one forward, who will join the Green and Gold roster for 2011-12.

The Golden Knights new signees include Jenna Boss (Little Canada, Minnesota), Taylor Gedig (Kelowna, British Columbia), Emily Horn (Hamilton, Ontario), Christine Lambert (Thetford Mines, Quebec), Daniella Matteucci (Fruitvale, British Columbia) and Jennifer Shields (Ingersoll, Ontario).

“We are extremely excited to be welcoming these six student-athletes to Clarkson this fall," stated Matt Desrosiers. "This group of freshmen will complement our returning players very well and will have a great impact on our future success.  With the character that this group possesses, we are confident they will help us take the necessary steps to accomplishing our goals.  The coaching staff is looking forward to working with these talented student-athletes and welcoming them to the Clarkson family.”

Below is an alphabetical list of the Golden Knights recruits with a quote from each about why they chose Clarkson: 

Jenna Boss – G (Little Canada, Minnesota)

·         Played this past season for the Roseville Raiders where she was the team captain

·         Was a 2010 All-Conference selection as well as a 2010 All State Honorable Mention

·         Received numerous awards including the 2010 Hobey Baker Character Award; 2010 Herb Brooks Award Finalist; the 2010 Raider Award; and the 2011 Minnesota Hockey Champions Award

·         Was a member of the 2009 Minnesota High School AA Girls Hockey State Championship team as well as the 2010 UMHSEL Championship team

·         Received All-Conference Honors in 2009, 2010, and 2011 for her Varsity Lacrosse team in which she was also Team Co-Captain in 2010 & 2011

·         Received academic honors in 2010 and 2011 and won the Academic Presidential Award in 2007

·         Has been a volunteer for organizations such as the Humane Society, Salvation Army, and Feed My Starving Children.  Has also been a volunteer goalie coach for the Roseville Area Youth Hockey Association

“I chose Clarkson because when I visited the first time it felt right for me.  The coaches were so nice and the hockey program I was introduced to was amazing.  They really push you to become as good as you can be.  The school itself is small and everyone is really close like a big family which I love because it is far away from my home.  Once I committed there my teammates instantly added me on Facebook right away sending me messages and welcoming us (freshmen) to the team which made me feel like I was already part of the team.  Clarkson is just a phenomenal school.”


Taylor Gedig – D (Kelowna, British Columbia)

·         Played this past season for the Warner Hockey School where she was the assistant captain

·         Participated in the 2010 Canadian U-18 Nationals as a member of Team BC

·         Participated in the 2011 Canada Winter Games as a member and assistant captain of Team BC

·         2011 Junior Women’s Hockey League (JWHL) First Team All-Star

“When I first discovered Clarkson I heard so many good things.  When I flew down to check things out I felt right at home as the campus was so beautiful and everyone seemed happy to be there. I also instantly fell in love with the rink and the facilities. The hockey program is great and the school has strong academics. I felt like Clarkson was the right place for me”


Emily Horn – G (Hamilton, Ontario)

·         Played this past season for the Brampton Jr Thunder (PWHL)

·         Received academic honors in 2008, 2009, 2010

·         Received Athlete of the Year Honors in 2007

·         Was named the Girls Varsity Hockey MVP in 2010

·         Volunteered at the Kiwanis Boys and Girls Club

·         Was a volunteer for local hockey teams

"I chose Clarkson for many reasons. It is located in a small town that is all about hockey. The school itself is phenomenal; size, atmosphere in and out of the rink, hockey program, academics, and reputation, along with a great team made my decision to become a Golden Knight that much easier. The coaches are dedicated and I know they will push me to be the best that I can be. There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to spend the next four years wearing the green and gold."


Christine Lambert – F (Thetford Mines, Quebec)

·         Played this past season for the Ontario Hockey Academy (OHA) Mavericks where she was the assistant captain

  •  Canadian Women’s U-18 Team Member; 2009 Summer Series vs. Team USA

·         Invited to the 2009 Canadian Women’s U18 Selection Camp

·         Won bronze at the 2009 Canadian U-18 Nationals as a member of Team Quebec

·         Won silver at the 2008 Canadian U-18 Nationals as a member of Team Quebec

·         Has also won the award for Personality Sportive of the Year (Young Personalities 2009); Personality Zenith 2009

“As soon as I visited Clarkson and I watched a hockey game, I knew it was the school for me. They have good academic programs and a great hockey program. The atmosphere around the small campus and at the rink was exactly what I was looking for. I liked the chemistry between the teachers and the students and also the chemistry between the coaches and the players.”


Daniella (Ella) Matteucci – D (Fruitvale, British Columbia)

·         Played this past season for the Notre Dame Hounds

·         2011 Canadian Esso Cup Champions with Notre Dame Hounds

·         Was named the 2011 Female Athlete of the Year at Notre Dame

·         Participated in the 2010 Canadian U-18 Nationals as a member of Team BC

·         Participated in the 2011 Canada Winter Games as a member and captain of Team BC

·         Has been a Team BC baseball team member from 2007 – 2011

·         Bantam U16 National Baseball Champion in 2008 and a silver medalist in 2009

·         Won a silver medal at the 2008 Senior Women’s Championships and is also a member of the 2011 team

·        Pitched a “No-Hitter” for her 2011 Boys HS Baseball Team at Notre Dame www.notredame.sk.ca/all_item.php?id=1959

·         Has been an Honor Roll Student throughout Secondary School

“I have a friend that went to Clarkson and played for the Golden Knights. She gave me the low down and told me what a great school Clarkson is. She also said that the coaches made her "love hockey again" so when I visited Potsdam and the campus I had very high expectations.  I got to tell you I was not disappointed!! I felt comfortable right away and I knew Clarkson was where I belonged.”


Jennifer Shields – D (Ingersoll, Ontario)

  • Played this past season for the Bluewater Jr Hawks (PWHL)
  • Canadian Women’s U-18 Team Member; 2010 Summer Series vs. Team USA

·         Canadian Women’s U18 Team Member;  2011 World Women’s U18 Championships where she won a silver medal

·         Invited to the 2010 Canadian Women’s U18 Team Strength and Conditioning Camp and the 2010 Canadian Women’s U18 Selection Camps (August & December)

·         Won silver at the 2010 Canadian U-18 Nationals as a member of Team Ontario Blue

·         Won silver at the 2011 Canada Winter Games as a member of Team Ontario

  •   Honor roll student in grades 9, 10 and 11
  •   Nominee for the John Knox Sports Award at her high school which is given    to  an athlete who best embodies enthusiasm, dedication to sports, team loyalty and respect for their coaching staff
  • Place 1st out of 52 teams at the 2010 LPBAA BASS TOURNAMENT in which she participated with her brother John
  • Has helped with the Ingersoll Blood Drive as well as with local hockey camps and her school Athletic Banquet 

“I chose Clarkson because of the small town community and high academics. The hockey team is enthusiastic, focused and dedicated about working hard towards their goals. Also, knowing the coaches are going to work with you until your full potential is shown. I am excited to have Clarkson as my home away from home.”

*All signings are contingent upon admission to Clarkson University and compliance with NCAA rules, including certification by the NCAA Clearinghouse.