SCHENECTADY, N.Y. – Union College head women's hockey coach
Tony Maci has announced seven newcomers for the 2026-27 season, with one transfer and five first-years set to join the team. The incoming players are from New York, Illinois, and Alberta, featuring three forwards, three defenders, and one goaltender.
Madi Gaines • First-Year • 5-6 • Forward • Shoots: L • Frankfort, Ill. • Chicago Mission
Prior to Union: Spent four seasons with the Chicago Mission … served as team captain for two seasons (2023-24, 2025-26) … helped the Mission earn a bronze medal at Nationals during the 2022-23 season ... a five-time state champion.
From the Coaching Staff: "Madi adds depth for us down the center of the ice and is very reliable in the center circle taking draws. Her ability to slow the game down and make plays while being defensively responsible is something we are very excited about."
Evie Hanson • First-Year • 5-10 • Forward • Shoots: R • Calgary, Alberta • Edmonton Jr. Oilers (AFHL)
Prior to Union: Spent previous two seasons with the Edmonton Junior Oilers (AFHL)… served as an assistant captain in 2025-26 and led the AFHL in regular-season scoring with 36 points on 18 goals and 18 assists in 25 games … won the Provincial, Pacific and Esso Cup National Women's U18 Championships in 2024-25 … represented Team Alberta at the 2026 National Women's U18 Hockey Championship, recording four points on three goals and one assist in five games.
From the Coaching Staff: "Evie comes to Union with a championship pedigree who plays a 200-foot game and has a lethal shot. Her work ethic is unmatched and will definitely add offense to our forward group this season."
Lily Leckelt • First-Year • 5-8 • Defense • Shoots: L • Sherwood Park, Alberta • Edmonton Jr. Oilers (AFHL)
Prior to Union: Played for the Edmonton Jr. Oilers (AFHL) during the 2025-26 season … appeared in 47 games, recording five goals and 13 assists for 18 points … led all AFHL defenders with a +43 rating … helped the Junior Oilers capture the AFHL championship and was named a Mandi Schwartz champion in 2026 … won the JPHL 15U championship with HC Edmonton during the 2023-24 season … was the leading scorer on her U17 box lacrosse team.
From the Coaching Staff: "Lily has a calming presence on the backend and uses her size to defend. Her vision on the ice allows her to make the simple play over and over again. Another great addition to our D core."
Madison Macaulay • Sophomore • 5-4 • Defense • Shoots: R • Queensbury, N.Y. • Lovell Academy/Saint Anselm College (NEWHA)
Prior to Union: Played one season at Saint Anselm College (NEWHA) … appeared in 36 games during the 2025-26 season, recording one goal and seven assists for eight points ... made collegiate debut against Saint Michael's (9/26/25) ... recorded first collegiate point on an assist against Union (10/17/25) ... scored first-collegiate goal against Sacred Heart (2/28/26) … earned Dean's List honors during both the fall and spring semesters … served as a co-captain for Lovell Academy's 19U team in 2024-25 and was named the team's co-Rookie of the Year.
From the Coaching Staff: "Madison brings a year of collegiate experience and plays much bigger than she is with her physicality. She will be a nice addition to our D core. Coming from just up the road, we are excited to see her at Union!"
Lily Oster • First-Year • 5-6 • Defense • Shoots: L • Calgary, Alberta • Calgary Red Fire (AFHL)
Prior to Union: Played three seasons for the Calgary Red Fire (AFHL) … served as team captain and led all AFHL defenders in scoring during the 2025-26 season, recording eight goals and 27 points in 28 games … named an AFHL All-Star defender … earned the Chris Pronger Award for leadership and was named the Fire Athlete of the Month … totaled 16 goals and 57 points in 85 career U18 games.
From the Coaching Staff: "Lily brings a lot to the table both offensively and defensively. Her ability to get up and down the ice allows her to join the rush and be a threat on the offensive side of the puck but will also be very sound defensively. We are excited to see her in Garnet this season."
Ava Romanow • First-Year • 5-7 • Goaltender • Catches: R • Lacombe, Alberta • Bishop Kearney Selects
Prior to Union: Played for Team Colorado AAA Hockey Club for two seasons before joining Bishop Kearney Selects … competed for Bishop Kearney Selects U16 during the 2023-24 season and returned to the program for a post-graduate season with the U19 team in 2025-26 … spent the 2024-25 season with the U18AAA Sutter Fund Chiefs, serving as an assistant captain … posted a 30-7-3 record with a .911 save percentage and nine shutouts in 40.5 games with Bishop Kearney Selects U19 in 2025-26 … appeared in four of five games at the 2026 USA Hockey Nationals, recording a 3-1-0 mark while helping the team finish third.
From the Coaching Staff: "Ava comes to us with a ton of experience playing against high-end talent. She plays a calm style while using her athleticism in the net. A great addition to our goalies this season."
Ella Skotty • First-Year • 5-7 • Forward • Shoots: R • Elmhurst, Ill. • Chicago Mission
Prior to Union: Played for the Chicago Mission ... won five state championships and made six state championship appearances … participated in five national-bound championships and the Girls National 16/17 Camp … served as captain of her high school girls hockey team at York High School … participated in the Girls High School All-Star Game all four years, earning All-Star MVP honors in 2025 … led her high school league in scoring ... also played four seasons of lacrosse and spent one season on the gymnastics team.
From the Coaching Staff: "Ella brings a lot of skill and hard work to our lineup this season. Her work ethic is show shift after shift and will help push our forward group to be better. Her ability to kill penalties is something we believe can make a big impact on our team."
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