Union Welcomes 12 to Class of 2012

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - Union College head women's ice hockey coach Claudia Asano has announced that 12 student-athletes will make up the class of 2012. Seven forwards, three defenders and two goaltenders will join the Dutchwomen this fall. 

Kelly Alyea, a 5-4 forward from London, Ontario, played four seasons at Culver Academy. Alyea captained the Eagles in the 2007-08 campaign. Of the Second Team All-State selection, Asano said, "Kelly is an aggressive forward with good hands. She sees the ice very well and is a great play maker." 

A 5-0 forward from Rothesay, New Brunswick, Émilie Arsenault played four seasons at Brewster Academy, helping the Lady Bobcats to the New England Prep School Athletic Council Division I quarterfinals in 2008. Arsenault represented New Brunswick at the Canada Winter Games in 2007, and was a four-time participant at the Atlantic Challenge Cup, winning the gold medal in 2006. "Emilie is one of the toughest, hardest working players on the ice," commented Asano. "She has great hands and is very quick."

A forward from Skokie, Ill., the 5-2 Adelle Calahan played three seasons with the Chicago Young Americans, serving as captain in 2007. "Adelle is a great play maker with the speed and skill to score goals for us," Asano said of Calahan. 

Lauren Cromartie, a 5-3 forward from Shellbrook, Saskatchewan, joins former teammate Callee Heywood from Athol Murray College of Notre Dame, where she played four seasons. Cromartie helped the Hounds to two Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA League titles and two Provincial championships. "Lauren brings in a lot of hockey sense and uses her speed and stick skills well," said Asano.

A 5-8 forward from Scituate, Mass., Molly Kate Devin spent four years at Lawrence Academy, serving as captain as a senior. She was named a 2008 Boston Globe Winter All-Scholastic All-Star. "Molly Kate is an excellent forward who is defensive-minded and also has the ability to go hard to the net," commented Asano.

From Minneapolis, Minn., Kate Gallagher, a 5-7 goaltender, was a finalist for the 2008 Let's Play Hockey Senior Goalie of the Year and was a 2008 Associated Press Minnesota All-State girls' hockey first team selection. She backstopped the Blake School to a 23-1-3 record last season, leading the Bears to the Minnesota Section 5A title game. "Kate is a big goalie who plays her angles well," said Asano.

A 5-10 defender from Chatham, Ont., Chelsey Heinhuis played last season for the Windsor Wildcats of the Provincial Women's Hockey League. She previously played at John McGregor Secondary School. "Chelsey is a great stay at home defenseman who utilizes her size well," commented Asano. "She has an excellent shot and great hands." 

From Marcy, N.Y., Lauren Hoffman, a 5-3 forward, won four New York State championships with the Syracuse Stars. She was also named the 2008 Mohawk Valley Softball Player of the Year. "Lauren is an excellent leader," said Asano. "She can really make things happen on the ice."

Kim Kowalcyzk, a 5-4 forward from Bartlett, Ill., won the 2008 U-19 national championship with the Chicago Mission, continuing the team's winning tradition; the Mission were national quarterfinalists in 2007 and 2006, and runners-up in 2005. Of the two-time USA Hockey Fesitval participant, Asano said, "Kim has great speed and excellent hands. She is a true play maker." 

A 5-9 defender from Arlington, Mass., Kayleigh Melia played in every game during her four-year career at Buckingham Browne and Nichols School, serving as a captain during her senior season. "Kayleigh is a solid stay-at-home defenseman with a great shot," commented Asano. "She is a great team player who has good vision," she added.

A 5-5 goaltender from Ramsey, Minn., Nicole Muske played two seasons with the Minnesota Thoroughbreds of the Midwest Elite Hockey League and participated in two national development camps. She was named the "Outstanding Goaltender" at the 2006 Hockey Night in Boston. "Nicole has great positioning and good movement in net," said Asano.

Dania Simmonds, a 5-8 defender from Aurora, Ont., has played three seasons with the Toronto Midget Aeros, leading the team to two league titles and a runner-up finish. Simmonds was a captain in the 2007-08 season. "Dania is a quick defender who likes to jump into the play," said Asano. "Her solid defense will be a real asset for us," she added.

The Dutchwomen return 12 letterwinners from last season. Union opens the 2008-09 season with a seven-game homestand at Messa Rink on September 27, hosting a 4 p.m. exhibition game against the Toronto Junior Aeros.