NORTHFIELD, Vt. - The Norwich University Women's Ice Hockey team will open a new chapter in program history this week as
Justin Simpson begins his first season as head coach. The Cadets, coming off a 19-8 campaign and an appearance in the New England Hockey Conference (NEHC) Championship game, enter 2025-26 as the unanimous preseason favorite in the newly formed Little East Conference (LEC).
The maroon and gold begin their season on Friday, October 31, at No. 7 Plattsburgh State before returning home for their LEC and home opener on November 7 against Vermont State Castleton at 4 p.m.
Following the departure of Sophie Leclerc Doherty after six successful seasons, Simpson becomes just the third head coach in program history. Previously, Simpson spent the past four seasons at Brown University, most recently as the Associate Head Coach, where he helped guide the Bears to their best start in over 30 years.
"Our first practice as a team was September 23rd. From that point on, our coaching staff has thrown a lot at the group, including new systems, expectations, and challenges," said Simpson. "The team has been incredible in their buy-in, understanding, and implementation. We've put in some serious work over the preseason to forge our team identity and style of play. I've been very impressed with our play over our two exhibition games vs. Suffolk and Plymouth State. In the regular season, the pace and urgency increase significantly — as a group, we're really looking forward to starting this week."
Norwich returns a formidable core from last season's NEHC Regular Season Championship squad.
- F Livia Brooks (Jr.) - 2024-25 First Team All-NEHC, Third Team All-American; 2023-24 NEHC Player and Rookie of the Year, First Team All-American.
- F Anna Lisac (So.) - 2024-25 NEHC Rookie of the Year and Third Team All-NEHC selection.
- F Olivia Boyer (Sr.) - Two-year captain and second-leading scorer behind Brooks.
- D Jordan Brady (So.) - Earned Second Team All-NEHC honors as a first-year.
- G Madison Brunet (Sr.) - Posted a 0.71 GAA and .959 save percentage in six appearances last season.
Nine newcomers join the Cadets' roster, including four forwards, four blueliners, and a goaltender. Read the full announcement
here.
- Geena Cookinham (F, Gilmanton Iron Works, N.H. / Lawrence Academy) - All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention with a strong prep resume.
- Ellin Rees (D, Cardiff, Wales / Newark Ironbound) - Represented Team Great Britain at the IIHF World Championships and Olympic Qualifiers.
- Natalie Heutmaker (F, Eagan, Minn. / Eagan HS) - A flexible skater capable of playing multiple positions.
- Maggie Hunter (D, Royal Oak, Mich. / Little Caesars) - Physical defender with All-State honors in lacrosse.
- Molly Walsh (D, Simsbury, Conn. / Assumption University) - Transfer with 44 collegiate games of experience.
- Dani Ammons (D, Centennial, Colo. / Post University) - Strong shot-blocking presence who logged 10 points and 75 blocks in two seasons at Post.
- Penny Saich (F, Norwell, Mass. / Boston Advantage) - Skilled playmaker with vigorous puck pursuit and vision.
- Dana Rigan (G, Lindenhurst, Ill. / Shattuck St. Mary's) - Posted a 20-4-7 record, 2.00 GAA, and .915 save percentage in 2024-25.
- Madalyn Liles (F, Arlington, Texas / Dallas Stars Elite 19U) - Dynamic forward who recorded 21 points in 22 games last year.
The Cadets were selected first in the LEC Preseason Poll, receiving all six first-place votes and finishing 12 points ahead of second-place Castleton. Norwich will also host the annual East-West Classic on January 4–5, featuring national powerhouses Oswego State, Elmira, and Plattsburgh State.
