SCHENECTADY, N.Y - Union College women's ice hockey head coach Tony Maci announced the team's leadership group for the 2025-26 season on Monday morning. Senior blueliner Stephanie Bourque will serve as team captain for the Garnet Chargers, while junior defenseman Megan Ognibene returns as an assistant captain for a second consecutive season. Senior forward Mallory Mauracher joins the leadership group as a first-time assistant captain.

"I am proud to announce this year's captains and look forward to the leadership that they will bring to our team throughout the season," said head coach Tony Maci. "As our program continues to improve on and off the ice, Stephanie, Megan and Mallory will provide an example for their teammates and set a standard that will help to push our program to be better each and every day."

Bourque skated in all 37 games last season as an assistant captain, setting a new school single-season record for goals and points by a blueliner with eight goals and 22 points. She was a three-time ECAC Hockey Defensive Player of the Week honoree, earning back-to-back honors after netting the game-winning overtime goal against Harvard on January 18 and recording two points (1G, 1A) in the Mayor's Cup victory over RPI on January 25.

"Being named captain is an honor, and I am truly grateful for this opportunity," said Bourque. "Leading such a talented and dedicated group of girls is something I am really excited about. I have big shoes to fill, following the footsteps of the strong leaders this program has had in the past; however, I am committed to giving it my all and doing whatever I can to help make this program better every day."

Ognibene returns for her second season as an assistant captain. She skated in 18 games in her sophomore season, registering a season high of two shots against Yale on December 6, and recorded five blocks on the season. Ognibene was named the team's Garnet Award recipient. The award is given to the student-athlete who fosters transformation and brings out the best in those around her, and the player that goes above and beyond to validate and empower her teammates. 

'To be named an assistant captain for a second season is a great honor," said Ognibene. The drive and desire to win that every person brings makes my job easier. It is a privilege to lead alongside two incredible teammates and lead a group of girls who play with so much heart and grit."

Mauracher made an immediate impact on the team after transferring into Union, skating in all 37 games during her first season in garnet. Mauracher tallied four goals and four assists, including the game winning goal over Robert Morris on September 28 and scoring in back-to-back games versus Yale on February 1 and Colgate on February 7. She also won a season high nine faceoffs against Princeton on February 14 and tallied 27 blocked shots.

"Being in a leadership position for Union this season is a privilege I take very seriously and I am very excited and honored to lead this group of girls," said Mauracher. "It is my job to help foster a positive and motivating environment, and I feel as a senior on the team, I will be able to do so with my work ethic and welcoming personality on and off the ice." 

The women's hockey team opens the season with their inaugural game at M&T Bank Center on Friday, September 26, at 6:00 pm against Franklin Pierce University. Season tickets and single-game tickets are available by visiting UnionAthletics.com/tickets.