NORTHFIELD, Vt. - First-year Head Coach Justin Simpson of the Norwich University women's ice hockey team unveiled his first recruiting class Wednesday afternoon. Included in the nine new additions are four forwards, four blueliners, and a netminder, including two transfers from Division I.

"Our coaching staff is thrilled and proud to announce the incoming women's hockey class of 2025," Simpson said. "This class of nine is a very diverse group, having played for nine different teams and each coming from a different state or region. Our program has consistently recruited nationally and internationally to find student-athletes who love Norwich and who can enhance our team's play. This class is no different, and they will be joining a dynamic group of women both on and off the ice. Our staff is excited to integrate this class with our returning players and to start building towards a successful season in both the Little East Conference and in our non-conference schedule."     

#2 Geena Cookinham
Position: Forward
Hometown: Gilmanton Iron Works, N.H.
Previous Team: Lawrence Academy
Earned honors as All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention with Lawrence Academy last season.
Cookinham: "I chose Norwich because I loved the location and the small community! I also like the team and the competitive atmosphere."

#3 Ellin Rees
Position: Defense
Hometown: Cardiff, Wales
Previous Team: Newark Ironbound
Played in the IIHF World Championships and Olympic Qualifying tournament last season for Team Great Britain while also tallying 31 points in 43 games from the backend for the Ironbound.
Rees: "I chose to attend Norwich for the great range of academic opportunities, including Exercise Science, which I want to study. I also chose Norwich for its competitive and strong program. These both enable me to further my development as a student and an athlete."

#6 Natalie Heutmaker
Position: Forward
Hometown: Eagan, Minn.
Previous Team: Eagan High School
While playing both forward and defense, Heutmaker earned South Suburban Conference All-Conference Honorable Mention in her senior campaign, posting eleven points from the back end.
Heutmaker: "I chose Norwich because of the location and the opportunities available."

#7 Maggie Hunter
Position: Defense
Hometown: Royal Oak, Mich.
Previous Team: Little Caesars
In addition to patrolling the blueline for Little Caesars, Hunter also earned Third-Team All-State recognition in lacrosse.
Hunter: "I chose Norwich because the environment on my visit felt super welcoming! The campus is situated in a beautiful area, and the facilities were fantastic."

#8 Molly Walsh
Position: Defense
Hometown: Simsbury, Conn.
Previous Team: Assumption University
During her two years at Assumption, Walsh played 44 career games, spending time as both a forward and a defenseman.
Walsh: "I chose Norwich because I wanted to be surrounded by a community that always strives for improvement and is dedicated to achieving high goals."

#12 Dani Ammons
Position: Defense
Hometown: Centennial, Colo.
Previous Team: Post University
In two years patrolling the blueline for Post, Ammons posted 10 points in 74 career contests along with 89 shots and 75 blocks.
Ammons: "I chose to attend Norwich because of the high standard of athletics and academic standards. I also really enjoyed the welcoming culture from both the hockey team and the school."

#17 Penny Saich
Position: Forward
Hometown: Norwell, Mass.
Previous Team: Boston Advantage
In an article from wickedlocal.com, Saich's high school coach said: "Penny is such a team-oriented player and always wants what's best for the team. Not only does she possess considerable hockey skills, but she also finds ways to utilize them to improve her teammates' play. Penny wants to be on a competitive team, and she brings that desire with her any time she is on the ice."
Saich: "When I got to campus, I immediately fell in love with it, it's not like all the other colleges with military/ROTC programs, everyone is super nice and helpful, great sports teams, has an amazing reputation, and is known for mechanical engineering."
 
#50 Dana Rigan
Position: Goaltender
Hometown: Lindenhurst, Ill.
Previous Team: Shattuck St. Mary's
Played the majority of Shattuck St. Mary's games her senior year, amassing a 20-4-7 record with a 2.00 goals against average and a .915 save percentage. Sister Tara is currently a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Rigan: "I chose to attend Norwich because it offers the ideal environment for me to thrive both athletically and academically, while being part of a disciplined and supportive campus culture rooted in tradition. It felt like the perfect place to challenge myself, grow as a student-athlete, and take pride in being part of something greater than just university."
 
#98 Madalyn Liles
Position: Forward
Hometown: Arlington, Texas
Previous Team: Dallas Stars Elite
Posted 21 points (7 goals, 14 assists) in 22 games with the Dallas Stars Elite 19U squad, adding two goals in three playoff contests.
Liles: "I felt [Norwich] was an all-around good fit for me with the small campus feeling, the great academic program they offer for Exercise Science, with a competitive hockey program."

These nine new faces will take the ice for the first time in maroon and gold when the Cadets travel to Suffolk on Oct. 18 for their first exhibition contest. They will open the regular season on Oct. 31 at Plattsburgh State before their Little East Conference (LEC) opener at home against Vermont State University Castleton on Nov. 7.