Chris MacKenzie

NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. - Niagara women’s hockey head coach Chris MacKenzie has revealed his 2010-11 recruiting class. The second-year head coach brings in eight newcomers featuring five forwards, one defensemen and two goalies.

 

“We are excited these student-athletes have chosen to become a part of Niagara University," MacKenzie said.  "Our assistant coaches, Josh Sciba and Shivaun Siegl, have done a great job of recruiting the type of student-athletes our program needs to be successful.  This class has a blend of skill, size, leadership and work ethic that will complement our returning core of student-athletes. We’ll be a young team that will have depth and some experience at each position.  We are confident our returning players will help the incoming class make a smooth transition to Niagara and NCAA D-I hockey.”   

 

Forwards Kaleigh Chippy, Katie Dods, Jessica Hitchcock, Kristen Richards and May Wilkerson, defenseman Chelsea Witwicke, and goalies Sarah Moses and Paige Sasser will don the Purple and White this upcoming season.

 

Kaleigh Chippy | Forward | Cleveland, Ohio | Holy Name High School | Ohio Flames

 

·         A member of the Ohio Flames, Ohio’s Premier AAA Girls Hockey Club- member of the Tier I Elite Hockey League (T1EHL), from 2006-10

·         Ranked in the Tier 1 Elite Top 10 in stats in 2007 and 2010

·         Finished first in the Tier 1 Elite in points in 2009

·         Amassed 92 goals, 63 assists and 155 points in 79 games during the 2009-10 season

“I felt like I belonged once I stepped on campus. I love what the coaching staff is all about.”

 

Katie Dods | Forward | Kemptville, Ontario | North Grenville District High School | Ottawa Senators

 

·         2008 High School Female Athlete of the Year

·         2008 Midget AA Provincial Silver Medalist

·         2007 Bantam AA Provincial Gold Medalist

“I chose Niagara because I was looking for a great small school experience and a great hockey experience.  I fell in love with the campus when I visited, and the small class sizes at the University were very appealing to me.  I had always aspired to play Division I hockey, and I knew playing for the Purple Eagles and their great coaching staff would be a perfect fit for me.”

 

Jessica Hitchcock | Forward | LaSalle, Ontario | Sandwich Secondary School | Southwest Wildcats

 

·         Captain of the Southwest Wildcats (PWHL)

·         Named Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year at Sandwich Secondary School for four-straight seasons

·         Four-time MVP for the girls’ hockey, basketball, track and field at Sandwich Secondary School

·         Will play on the Niagara softball team

“I chose Niagara University because it was close to home and had a small school atmosphere. The coaches here were welcoming and made me feel comfortable. Niagara offered me the chance to pursue the two sports I love, Hockey and Softball at the Division I level.”  

 

Sarah Moses | Goalie | New Hamburg, Ontario | Waterloo-Oxford | Kitchner-Waterloo Rangers

 

·         Participated in the 2008 Winter and Summer Ontario Games

·         Named Stratford Midget AA 2008 Best Defensive Player

·         2007 and 2008 Waterloo-Oxford Team MVP

·         2007 and 2008 Waterloo Region All-Star

·         2006 Provincial and Silver Stick Gold Medalists

“I chose Niagara because of its hockey program, nice campus and its academics.”

 

Kristen Richards | Forward | Toronto, Ontario | St. Basil-the-Great College School | Mississauga Jr. Chiefs

 

·         Four time Toronto District Colleges Athletic Association (TDCAA) Champion

·         Two time Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association (OFSAA) Champion

·         2009-10 Mississauga Captain

·         2008-09 Provincial Gold Medalist

·         2007-08 Provincial and PWHL Bronze Medalist

·         2007-08 Mississauga and Ottawa Winterlude Silver Medalist 

“I chose Niagara because it offers the area of study I wish to pursue, the campus and its proximity to home. I really enjoy the coaching staff as well.”

 

Paige Sasser | Goalie | Coral Springs, Fla. | National Sports Academy Mountaineers

 

·         USA Hockey National Development Camp (2006, 2007)

·         A member of the NSA team that set a program record in wins during the 2008-09 season

·         Won the 2009 Northwood New Year’s Showcase and Deerfield Tournament

·         Was named MVP of the Northwood New Year’s Showcase Tournament

·         Three-time winner (2007-09) of the Top Goalie Award Hockey Night in Boston

·         Won the 2009 National Sports Academy Goalie Award

“I liked the coaching staff a lot, the small community environment and the sense of how tight knit the community is.”

 

May Wilkerson | Forward | Lakewood, Colo. | Colorado Select

 

·         USA Hockey National Development Camp (2006, 2007, 2008)

·         2009 Under-19 AAA National Tier I Tournament Bronze Medalist

·         2008 Under-16 Bronze Medalist

·         2007 and 2008 Midwest Elite Hockey League (MWEHL) Under-16 Playoff Champions

·         2008 Justine Pellman Award Finalist

·         2007-08 Team Captain

·         Four-year letterman member of the Dakota Boys High School Varsity Team

“I chose Niagara because it has a small student body, intimate class sizes and a strong hockey program.”

 

Chelsea Witwicke | Defenseman | Roseville, Minn. | Roseville Area High School | Minnesota Jr. Whitecaps

 

·         Four-year letterman in hockey

·         Roseville High School Co-Captain her senior season

·         All-State and All-Conference selection during her junior and senior seasons

·         Minnesota State Class AA Champion during her senior season

·         Was named  to the Class AA All-Tournament Team

“I chose Niagara because it felt like a perfect fit for me. I want to pursue a career in pharmacy and I will also get to follow my dream of playing Division I hockey.”