Rensselaer Welcomes Seven as Class of 2012

TROY, N.Y. -- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) head women's ice hockey coach John Burke has announced that seven student-athletes will make up the program's Class of 2012. Joining the team this fall are three forwards, three defensemen and one who plays both positions. 

 "This is a great group of student-athletes who we feel - in addition to our returning players - will continue to help our program's success in ECAC Hockey," said Burke, who has an 83-54-11 record in five seasons at the helm.  "Our staff has done a tremendous job in bringing in a group with strong skills and character and we expect them to be solid contributors throughout their four years at Rensselaer."

Below is an alphabetical list of Rensselaer's recruits with a quote from Burke about each:

Name                                      Pos.        Ht.           Hometown/Previous Team

Amanda Castignetti            D             5-4          Anchorage, AK/Shattuck St. Mary's (MN)

"Amanda is a strong, defensive-minded defenseman.  Her positional play and first pass instinct will be very helpful at our level.  She has won three National Championships at the U19 level with Shattuck and this winning attitude will help our program."

Katie Daniels                       D             5-3          Rockton, IL/Chicago Mission

"Katie is an offensive minded defenseman who moves the puck extremely well.  As a captain for the 2007-08 U19 National Championship team, she brings leadership qualities that will be invaluable to our program."

Laura Guillemette               F              5-3          Ste-Marie-de-Beauce, PQ/Notre Dame

"Laura is a smooth skating, skilled forward who comes from a storied program at Notre Dame, Saskatchewan.  Her solid hockey sense will allow her to have an impact at our level."

Alisa Harrison                     F              5-5          Vienna, VA/Washington Pride

"Alisa is a complete player who is competitive and has good puck skills.  Her leadership qualities will benefit Rensselaer and our hockey program."

Kristen Jakubowski           F/D         5-11        Lake Placid, NY/The Northwood School

"Kristen will add size and strength to our class.  Her versatility to play both forward and defense will make her an asset to our program."

Sierra Vadner                      D             5-6          Apple Valley, MN/Minnesota Thoroughbreds

"Sierra is another offensive minded defenseman whose skating ability will add to our team's speed.  We believe she will benefit us on even-strength and on special teams."

Jill Vandegrift                     F              5-5          St. Paul, MN/Minnesota Thoroughbreds

"Jill is a hard working, skilled forward that will add offense.  She was captain of a successful Minnesota Thoroughbred program and will make a strong two-way impact on our team."

Rensselaer, which went 13-15-5 overall and 6-12-4 in ECAC Hockey, returns nine of their top 10 scorers, including each of the first five. Among those expected back are nine forwards, five defensemen and three goaltenders.