LEBANON, Ill. - McKendree University women's hockey and head coach
Derek Pallardy officially announces its 2022-23 signing class, beginning with five forwards to reload the attack for the Bearcats. Last season, McKendree successfully outscored its opponents with a three-goal differential, 45-42, leading it to a fifth double-digit win season since the program's inception in 2016-17. 14 Bearcats fired-off at least one score in 2021-22 with junior center
Camryn Scully (6), freshman defenseman
Cassidy Dion (6), freshman defenseman
Aria Groot (5), and freshman forward
Kiley Hasenfratz (5) led the way individually. Regarding the group of forwards, Pallardy said "I'm very excited about this group as they'll raise out team speed and skill level offensively. Most importantly, each of these players is humble and team-oriented, fitting our team's identity perfectly."
Kicking off the 2022 women's hockey signing class with the forwards coming aboard:
SARA KAISER | Andover, Minn. | Andover & Minnesota Jr. Whitecaps
Kaiser marked the first player signed in the 2022-23 class for Pallardy, coming from the Andover Huskies and MN Junior Whitecaps. Kaiser claimed two Minnesota state championships while at Andover, scoring over 100 points in her high school career and capping-off her high school playing days with the game-winning goal at the 2022 state title game. Outside of her high school season, she logged time with the Jr. Whitecaps, playing against top AAA programs across the country. Kaiser helped push her team to the title at the 2021 Pittsburgh Labor Day Tournament with an 11-point outing behind six goals in five games.
Pallardy on Kaiser: "Sara will be the first player from Minnesota to play for the Bearcats. She came on two visits, saw what our program is all about, and wanted to be a part of it. She is a clutch scorer who has all the tools to be a great offensive player all while playing within a team-focused structure."
CRICKET COLEBANK | Wilcox, British Columbia | Northern Capitals AAA
Colebank joins the Bearcats from a familiar AAA program, the Northern Capitals, where senior standout
Camryn Scully also played. She was an integral piece on a top-ranked Canadian program, finishing second in British Columbia this past season.
Pallardy on Colebank: "I was blown away the first time I saw Cricket play. She caught my attention with her explosive speed, work ethic, and relentless nature across the ice."
JAYNA BARNDEN | Calgary, Alberta | Calgary Fire Elite
Barnden becomes a part of the McKendree program after captaining her Fire Elite team. She comes on board after she served as a center for Calgary, playing from end-to-end on the ice with major responsibilities and skills on the defensive end.
Pallardy on Barnden: "Jayna plays with a straight-forward and hard-working style on the ice. Her abilities and mindset makes her easy to play with while creating a nightmare for opponents to face-off against."
JANAYA LAQUA | Orion, Alberta | South Alberta Hockey Academy
Laqua joins McKendree women's hockey after serving as the captain of SAHA last season. Serving as captain, she played in 30 games with 10 points in the 2021-22 season with two scores in the post season for SAHA. South Alberta head coach Evan Vossen raved about Laqua's character, saying "Janaya's attitude and maturity will add immediate leadership qualities to the team even as a freshman."
Pallardy on Laqua: "Janaya showed extreme levels of dedication and commitment at SAHA. She took major strides toward becoming a complete and well-rounded player, providing her with a chance to make a big impact early on at McKendree."
KERSTYN BARRON | Grimsby, Ontario | Niagara Rapids
Barron becomes a Bearcat following her time with the Niagara Rapids AAA program. She served as the alternate captain for the Rapids while primarily playing left wing, competing rigorously in the corners and fighting hard for position around the net.
Pallardy on Barron: "Kerstyn describes herself forward who grinds relentlessly, but I think she has more skill and play-making ability than she gives herself credit for. I was thoroughly impressed by the purpose she acts and moves with while on the attack."
