LEBANON, Ill. - McKendree University women's hockey and head coach
Derek Pallardy officially introduced the signing class for the upcoming 2023-24 season, wrapping up the announcement with three for the defensive line and a goaltender to add extra depth to a strong defensive lineup. The Bearcats return to the ice after a successful 2022-23 season with their sixth double-digit win season, their first-ever ACHA National Tournament victory, and the program's first win over two-time defending and No.1 Liberty in overtime at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex. The Bearcats return a number of key pieces to their defensive ice, including ACHA W1 All-Athletic First Team Selection junior
Aria Groot and All-Rookie Second Team sophomore
Brooke Lannon. Groot was tied for the lead in team scoring with 26 points on the year with eight goals and the 12th-most assists in ACHA W1, 18. Lannon was the next leading defensive scorer with 12 points on two goals and 10 assists. In net, the Bearcats return a trio of goaltenders, only losing senior
Naomi Leasck to graduation.
DEFENSE
Mya Kubrakovich | Dauphin, Manitoba, Canada | Athol Murray College at Notre Dame
Mya is a very solid defender with offensive potential that she tapped into towards the end of her last season. She is poised with the puck and makes good decisions with it.
Allison Hoschka | Woodbury, Minnesota | Woodbury High School
Alli is calm, composed, and confident on the ice. Her physical presence and athleticism make her very tough to play against. She has also been an awesome leader for her hockey and lacrosse teams.
Charlotte Cloutier | Scarborough, Ontario, Canada | Scarborough Sharks
Charlotte has a great combination of ability, grit, and composure. She competes urgently for the puck, and is then patient and smart with it.
GOALTENDER
Fruzsina Szabo | Budapest, Hungary | Ontario Hockey Academy - Team Tardiff
It's exciting to have Fruzsi join our program as our first European-born player. She has experience playing at a high level both in Canada and for her country, and has shown that she can be a difference-maker in games.
Pallardy on the Forward Signing Class:
"With the defensive players and goaltender that we've signed this year, I believe we have massively improved our depth and stability. All of our returning defensive players gained a lot of valuable experience when they were freshmen, so I hope for the same from our incoming ones."
