Nov. 8, 2007

Setting the Scene... The Pioneer women's ice hockey team meets Holy Cross in a home-and-home series this weekend. The teams meet Friday night at the Wonderland of Ice Friday at 7:00 pm with the rematch Sunday afternoon at the Hart Center at 2:00 pm. SHU is coming off a win over Salve Regina Tuesday night. This weekend marks the start of the Crusaders' season.

SHU Tops Salve... Sophomore Kate Dunlop scored a pair of goals and Sacred Heart University exploded for four goals in the third period to take a 5-2 decision over visiting Salve Regina University Tuesday night at the Wonderland.

Last Meeting vs Holy Cross... Michelle Panella had two goals and an assist and five different Pioneers scored goals as Sacred Heart posted a 6-4 win over Holy Cross in women's ice hockey action last season at the Hart Center.

Scouting the Crusaders... Holy Cross only graduated one player from last year's team that went 15-10-2. Junior Stephanie Cousin leads the attack, having tallied 24 goals and 18 assists for 42 total points. Three other players also scored double figures in goals last year. Erica van DeGraff had a team high 20 assists. The Cruasders have a question mark in goal following the graduation of Casey McCullion. Jennifer Van Dongen is expected to be the new number one goal for Holy Cross.

The Captains... Sacred Heart is led by senior captain Devon Gaslin and junior captain Gina Arnone. Senior Katelin McLaughlin and junior Whitney Dziama are the assistant captains. Arnone led the team in scoring last season with 29 goals and 21 assists for 50 points. Gaslin has been the Pioneers top defensemen for the last two years. McLaughlin has been part of SHU's offensive front, and a consistent scoring threat, throughout her career. Dziama also will be counted on to do some scoring while providing leadership for a young Pioneer team. Senior Sarah Hickman leads the team in scoring early this season, having tallied two goals and two assists for four points.

New Faces Up Front... Freshmen Lauren Fontaine, Brittany Hartman and Kristina Hankins have each scored their first collegiate goals early on this season. The trio leads a group of 13 newcomers in the Pioneer line-up this season, many of which will be counted to contribute right away.

Between the Pipes... Three freshmen goalies, including Jessica Little who has alreadys seen significant time, should see action in goal for SHU this season. The other newcomers are Arissa Lyons and Christina Cahill. Senior Sarah Perry is the only returning goaltender for the Pioneers

Up Next... After this weekend, the Pioneers are off until after the Thanksgiving holiday. SHU hosts Union on November 27 at the Wonderland of Ice.