SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Union College head women's hockey coach Josh Sciba has announced eight student-athletes joining the Dutchwomen for the 2021-22 season. The first year class, consisting of four forwards, three defense, and one goaltender, hail from two states and two provinces. The class is comprised of Ashley Adams (Port Perry, Ontario), Maren Friday (Duluth, Minn.), Paige Greco (Burlington, Ontario), Emma Hebert (Sherwood Park, Alberta), Maya Jones (Eden Prairie, Minn.), Sophie Matsoukas (Ottawa, Ontario), Josie Mendeszoon (Methuen, Mass.), and Maddie Suitor (Burlington, Ontario).

"It's an exciting time for our team," said head coach Josh Sciba. "With seven returning players who haven't played since February 22nd, 2020 and 15 players who have yet to play a Division I hockey game, we know that our team is hungry to compete and showcase our growth. These eight players come from a wide array of successful programs. They have served in leadership roles with those programs. We're confident that these players will bring unique skill sets and a winning mindset to our team on the ice and in the classroom. Our team will feel their passion and competitiveness right away which will help bring our team together as we work to achieve our goals for the 2021-2022 season."

Ashley Adams • 5-7 • Forward • Shoots: Left • Port Perry, Ontario • Toronto Jr. Aeros (PWHL)

Prior to Union: Spent 2020-2021 season with Toronto (PWHL), but did not due to the pandemic…Played in 38 regular season games with Durham West (PWHL), scoring 16 points (5g, 11a)…Skated in four playoff games for Durham West, recording an assist…Named MVP in the finals of the Hayley Wickenheiser Tournament during the 2017-18 season.

Why Union: "I chose Union because the school felt like home to me as soon as I was on campus. Union was the only school I visited where I experienced the home away from home feeling. I love the small town and the smaller class sizes. It gives me the opportunity to create great connections with the professors and classmates. I am very excited to start school at Union!"

Sciba on Adams: "Ashley brings a unique skill set to our team. Her ability to see the ice and hunt pucks with her speed will help boost our offensive attack. We believe that Ashley possesses the type of grit that will help drive our team forward."
 
Maren Friday • 5-11 • Defense • Shoots: Right • Duluth, Minn. • Duluth Marshall School

Prior to Union: Played for Duluth Marshall School the last six seasons…Skated in all 19 games in the 2020-21 season, scoring 45 points (22g, 23a)…Played in 23 regular season games during the 2019-20 season, registering 28 points (18g, 10a) and scored three points (2g, 1a) in two playoff games…Named team MVP in 2019 and 2020…Earned All-Conference accolades from 2017-2020…Three year member of the National Honor Society…Honor roll student.

Why Union: "I was originally drawn to Union because of its similarity to my high school; both schools are small, close-knit communities driven with a passion for academics and arts. Union offered me the opportunity to explore my interest in engineering while participating in a sport I love."

Sciba on Friday: "Maren is a very intelligent, well-rounded person and player. We believe that her size and ability with the puck on her stick will help her add offense from the blue line. We love her athleticism and determination to be a leader in everything that she does."
 
Paige Greco • 5-9 • Forward • Shoots: Left • Burlington, Ontario • Burlington Jr. Barracudas (PWHL)

Prior to Union: Did not play during the 2020-21 season due to the pandemic…Skated in all 38 regular season games, scoring 20 points (7g, 13a)…Registered two points (1g, 1a) in four playoff games…Served as assistant captain in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons…Earned academic honors all four years of high school.

Why Union: "I have always wanted a smaller campus so I am able to focus on both academics and athletics. I am excited for both academics and to play hockey for Union as well!"

Sciba on Greco: "Paige has been a leader on her team and will bring instant stability in the middle of the ice. Her strength, ability to hunt pucks, and knack for the net will help us in many different situations. Her character will only improve our culture off the ice as well."
 
Emma Hebert • 5-3 • Defense • Shoots: Right • Sherwood Park, Alberta. • Edmonton Pandas (AFHL)

Prior to Union: Appeared in four games in the 2020-2021 pandemic-shortened season for the Edmonton Pandas, scoring five points (2g, 3a)…Skated in 30 regular season games, registering 12 points (5g, 7a)…Earned honors with distinction in last two years of school.

Why Union: "I chose Union because of its academic excellence, and small community feel. I am excited to be a part of a great hockey team with a great group of girls."

Sciba on Hebert: "Emma is a very independent, mature individual who has grown tremendously over her junior hockey career. Her offensive instincts allow her to make plays and produce, and her vision allows her to control the play. There's an inner drive that she has and we believe it's going to take her game to another level while at Union."
 
Maya Jones • 5-6 • Defense • Shoots: Left • Eden Prairie, Minn. • Benilde-St. Margaret's

Prior to Union: Skated in 19 of 20 games played in 2020-21 season, scoring seven points (3g, 4a)...Registered 14 points (5g, 9a) in 25 regular season games in 2019-20 and one assist in two playoff games...Served as team captain the previous two seasons...Earned All-Conference Award during 2020-21 season...Won conference title the last four years…Class Valedictorian…Member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, National History Honor Society, and National High School Mathematics Honor Society.

Why Union: "I chose Union because of the small campus feel, the amazing academic opportunities (especially in the sciences), and the fun hockey team. Going to Union will provide me with an excellent education while giving me the opportunity to play Division I hockey under a welcoming, competitive, and accomplished coaching staff."

Sciba on Jones: "Maya is a very driven and well-rounded person and player. She's a fierce competitor who is hard to play against and she's an elite level student. Her strength and her shot will help her create offense for our team. We love her passion to compete and we feel like she has the right mindset to push our team forward."

Sophie Matsoukas • 5-9 • Goaltender • Catches: Left • Ottawa, Ontario • Ontario Hockey Academy

Prior to Union: Did not play 2020-21 season due to pandemic...Played in 26 games in 2019-20 season, posting a 0.47 GAA.

Why Union: "I chose Union because I've always wanted to attend a school in a small town with a small campus and a great education while still playing hockey at the highest level. The staff all around campus were also very welcoming which helped with my decision. Union is the perfect fit for me."

Sciba on Matsoukas: "Sophie is a beacon of intensity and competitiveness. She has worked extremely hard to get better and her game will continue to take strides forward while at Union. We like her athleticism, her skating, and we know that she has the ability to calmly manage the game from her position. We're excited to see her grow."
 
Josie Mendeszoon • 5-5 • Forward • Shoots: Left • Methuen, Mass. • Shattuck-St. Mary's

Prior to Union: Appeared in 41 games in 2020-21, scoring eight points (1g, 7a)...Skated in 42 games in 2019-20, registering nine points (1g, 8a)...Played in 202 total games and scored 60 career points (21g, 39a).

Why Union: "Union is a family. Provided with a highly competitive academic and athletic environment, I am constantly encouraged to be the best version of myself. I especially value the tight-knit community, as Union's infectious energy and endless support provides an atmosphere that feels like home."

Sciba on Mendeszoon:  "Josie is an energetic individual that we believe will give us instant depth in certain areas. She's extremely versatile and can play a variety of roles. We really like her ability to hunt pucks and her range allows her to create turnovers. We think her offensive game has a lot of potential and we're looking forward to seeing her produce more while at Union."

Maddie Suitor • 5-3 • Forward • Shoots: Left • Burlington, Ontario • Burlington Junior Barracudas (PWHL)

Prior to Union: Did not play 2020-21 season due to pandemic...Skated in 38 regular season games in 2019-20, scoring 19 points (6g, 13a)...Scored five points (3g, 2a) in four playoff games...Served as assistant captain for the 2019-20 season...Named girl's hockey MVP in 2017-18…Honor roll student.

Why Union: "I chose Union because I loved the campus from the start and I felt that it was a place where I could reach my full potential as a student-athlete. I love the small campus and tight-knit community of Union and Schenectady. Union gives me the opportunity to get a great education while also pursuing my dreams of playing Division I hockey."

Sciba on Suitor: "Maddie is a very skilled, very smart hockey player. She's a wonderful person who wants to compete and wants to win. What she might lack in size, she makes up for in hockey sense and offensive instincts. We're really excited to see how she can help our team create offense and we believe that her character will drive our locker room forward as well."