NORTHFIELD, Vt. - Norwich University women's ice hockey Head Coach
Justin Simpson has announced the program's eight-member incoming class ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The class includes five forwards, two defenders, and one goaltender, adding depth across the lineup for a Norwich program coming off one of the most accomplished seasons in program history. The group features four Americans, three Canadians, and one German student-athlete, representing four U.S. states, three Canadian provinces, and one country outside of North America.
The newcomers will join a Cadets program that finished 26-3 overall in 2025-26, captured both the inaugural Little East Conference regular-season and tournament championships, went undefeated in conference play, and advanced to the NCAA Division III Frozen Four for the first time since 2018.
"Our coaching staff is thrilled to welcome eight outstanding student-athletes to our program," Simpson said. "This incoming class reflects the diverse reach of our program, featuring four Americans, three Canadians, and one German. Together, they represent four different U.S. states, three Canadian provinces, and a country outside of North America.
"Combined with our returning players, this group will strengthen our depth at every position while adding a tremendous amount of skill, competitiveness, and hockey IQ to our roster. They arrive at Norwich with an impressive range of high-level playing experience, including the IIHF World Championships, USA Hockey National Championships, USA Hockey Development Camps, Hockey Canada National Championships, and other elite experiences.
"We are incredibly excited to integrate this talented class with our returning core as we continue to build on last season's success and take the next step in the growth of our program. The future of Norwich Women's Hockey is bright and we can't wait to get to work."
2026-27 Incoming Class
Five forwards, two defenders, and one goaltender join the Cadets ahead of the 2026-27 season.
#77 Greyce Kennedy | Forward
Hometown: Upper Tantallon, Nova Scotia
Previous Team: RNS
Previous League: JWHL
Intended Major: Health Sciences
Kennedy joins the Cadets after competing for RNS in the Junior Women's Hockey League. She helped her team win back-to-back Atlantic league championships, captured a provincial title at the U15 level, and also helped win a tournament in Boston.
Kennedy on choosing Norwich: "I chose Norwich because of the size, the accomplishments through women's hockey, and the want for me to be there."
#24 Kaitlyn Dill | Forward
Hometown: Elmhurst, Ill.
Previous Team: Team Illinois / York Community High School
Previous League: AAA
Intended Major: History / Pre-Law
Dill arrives in Northfield after competing for Team Illinois and York Community High School. Her résumé includes appearances at USA Hockey National Camp in 2023 and 2024, Central District Camp selections from 2022 through 2025, and High School All-Star Game appearances in 2023, 2024, and 2025. She also served as a high school team captain during the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, and was a leading scorer for Windy City Storm, Team Illinois, and Fenwick during different stages of her career.
Dill on choosing Norwich: "As soon as I visited Norwich, everything just felt right. From my very first conversation with Coach Justin, I could tell he genuinely cared about me as both a player and a person. I also loved how invested the school is in the hockey program. When I met the team, everyone was so welcoming, and it was clear they share a close bond and truly feel like a family.
"Academically, Norwich was a great fit as well. I was excited by the strong history program and the diverse student body. By the end of my visit, I knew Norwich was the place where I wanted to spend the next four years. I can't wait to become part of the Norwich community."
#44 Vanessa Sciampacone | Forward
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
Previous Team: Ottawa Jr. 67's U22 AA
Previous League: OWHA U22AA Elite
Intended Major: Exercise Science
Sciampacone joins Norwich after skating for the Ottawa Jr. 67's U22 AA program in the OWHA U22AA Elite level. She served as an alternate captain during the 2025-26 season and previously took part in the 2022 Gatorade/Maple Leafs Fuelling the Future Invitational Camp. She also helped win the 2022 Ontario Summer Games championship.
Sciampacone on choosing Norwich: "The experienced coaching staff and the competitive hockey program."
#5 Anna Monette | Forward
Hometown: Malone, N.Y.
Previous Team: Northwood School
Previous League: JWHL
Intended Major: Health Science
Monette comes to Norwich after competing for Northwood School in the Junior Women's Hockey League. She served as an assistant captain, helped Northwood win its tournament three consecutive years, and was part of the most successful season in program history. Monette also helped Northwood finish as national championship runner-up and become the first American team to win the Ottawa University Showcase.
Monette on choosing Norwich: "Norwich has a strong tradition of academic excellence, a competitive hockey program, and a close community."
#91 Anabel Seyrer | Forward
Hometown: Schondorf am Ammersee, Germany
Previous Team: Ontario Hockey Academy
Previous League: OWHL
Intended Major: Exercise Science
Seyrer brings international experience to the Cadets after competing with the Ontario Hockey Academy and representing Germany in high-level international competition. She helped Germany earn first place at the IIHF U18 Women's World Championship Division I Group A in both 2023 and 2026, while also helping the team finish third in 2025. She also earned a bronze-medal finish with Germany at the Youth Olympic Games at the U16 level.
Seyrer on choosing Norwich: "Because I believe it will make me a better hockey player and help me choose the right path for my future academically."
#20 Madison Maloney | Goaltender
Hometown: Denton, Md.
Previous Team: Washington Pride
Previous League: 19U AAA
Intended Major: Criminology
Maloney joins the Cadets after competing for Washington Pride at the 19U AAA level. Her accomplishments include high school All-Star Team selections, JWHL Second Team All-Star recognition, and a trip to USA Hockey Nationals in 2025.
Maloney on choosing Norwich: "Historically, Norwich has great hockey. I loved the campus, and they have a top-of-the-line ROTC and criminology program."
#8 Jayden Russo | Defense
Hometown: Northfield, Vt.
Previous Team: Rice Prep / Rice Memorial High School
Previous League: NGHL
Intended Major: Psychology
Russo brings a local connection to the incoming class after competing for Rice Prep and Rice Memorial High School. She set the Rice Prep points record with 143 career points on 56 goals and 87 assists, and was named the team's Most Valuable Player for the 2025-26 season. Russo also earned Hill Tournament All-Tournament Team honors, served as an assistant captain in 2024-25 and captain in 2025-26, and attended USA Player Development Camp in 2023.
Russo on choosing Norwich: "Growing up locally, Norwich has always felt like home to me. Norwich has a tight-knit community, a strong alumni base, and excellent academic opportunities."
#27 Lola Boutilier | Defense
Hometown: Moncton, New Brunswick
Previous Team: Moncton 18AAA Rockets
Previous League: MMGHL U18AAA
Intended Major: Education
Boutilier arrives at Norwich after competing for the Moncton 18AAA Rockets. She has represented Team New Brunswick several times and helped the Rockets win the league, provincial, and Atlantic championships during the 2025-26 season. Boutilier also helped the team win the Silver Bracket at the Stoney Creek Showcase, served as an assistant captain, and finished the season with a career-high 43 points.
Boutilier on choosing Norwich: "I chose Norwich because of the team-first mentality of the hockey team. I loved the campus and loved what the academics had to offer. It was like love at first sight."
Norwich is set to begin the 2026-27 season with an exhibition at Saint Anselm College on Sunday, Oct. 18, before opening the regular season on the road at Plattsburgh State University on Friday, Oct. 31. Norwich will take to Kreitzberg Arena for its LEC opener on Nov. 6 against Keene State College.
