Hall of Fame
Julie Fortier is one of the most accomplished women’s ice hockey players in the program’s 15-year history. She became the first NU woman to win the Laura Hurd Award (National Division III Player of the Year) and held the program goals scored (93) and points (175) records until 2020.
“The four years I have experienced at Norwich completely changed my life. I have met some incredible people that were so welcoming. I also learned English since French was my first language. Winning a national championship with my amazing teammates was by far the highlight of my career. The group of coaches that we had was what helped me become a better player every day and have self-confidence. Melissa Rundlett was my linemate from day one of camp our freshmen year to our senior year and we were unstoppable together. We had a chemistry that was very special on and off the ice. Cindy Fortin and Sophie Leclerc also helped me a lot with my transition to Norwich and throughout my first three years at school. Academically, I was very surprised to have success since English was a bit difficult the first 2 years. I worked really hard and had good classmates like Amanda Wilks and Mollie Fitzpatrick who helped me a lot,” Fortier said.
“After Norwich, I came back to Quebec City and worked for a couple years in personal training and coached young hockey players. Coaching made me realize that I really liked teaching kids. I’m now a teacher in a big school in Quebec and I try to help kids find their passion and be happy. I met a hockey player who also coached hockey and became my best friend. We got married in 2021 and we now have two amazing children of 5 and 3 who already love playing hockey and skating. I still play two or three times a week since I’m still very passionate about hockey and it’s what makes me feel good and stay in good health.”
Fortier was a First Team All-American, ECAC East Player of the Year, and New England Player of the Year during her senior season.
