Moon Township, Pa. – The Robert Morris University women's hockey team announced their official group of captains for the upcoming 2023-24 campaign. Head coach
Logan Bittle named graduate defenders
Wasyn Rice and
Allyson Hebert Captains. Defender Chloé Puddifant was named an Alternate Captain, as well as goaltender
Emma Gorski and junior forward
Madison Primeau.
"Our coaching staff is very pleased to announce our 2023-24 leadership group," stated head coach
Logan Bittle. "This group brings a very deep level of experience in college hockey."
Captain – Wasyn Rice, Graduate, Defenseman
From Invermere, British Columbia, Rice has been with the program since the 2018-19 season. Over three years of collegiate hockey, she owns 94 games under her belt. In total, she's scored three goals and seven assists. Playing in all 25 games for the Colonials as a junior in 2020-21, Rice blocked 31 shots, was a +6 and scored one game-winning goal.
"It's a dream. Over the years I've looked up to every leader here at RMU and learned something valuable from each of them. I wouldn't be the person I am today without the guidance of those who led me from the very beginning. I'm immensely grateful for the opportunity to be a leader and I aspire to have the same positive impact on others as they had on me."
Captain – Allyson Hebert, Graduate, Defenseman
Joining Rice in wearing the "C", Hebert is another Canadian leading the Colonials this year, growing up in St. Andrews West, Ontario. Across two playing years at RMU, Hebert has appeared in 58 games, recording one goal and two assists from the blueline.
"I'm extremely honored to be named co-captain for the 2023-24 season. I have loved being a Colonial for the past four years and I'm proud to have been a part of bringing hockey back to RMU. I'm excited to be a part of this leadership team to lead such an amazing group of teammates."
Alternate Captain – Chloé Puddifant, Graduate, Defenseman
Entering her fifth year of collegiate hockey, Puddifant joins the team, transferring from St. Lawrence University. From 2020-2023, she laced up the skates for 86 games. With the Saints, she produced three goals and 33 assists in the past three campaigns. At the end of last year's season, Puddifant as a senior led all players at St. Lawrence in +/- (+18). She also recorded 26 blocks. Prior to St. Lawrence, Puddifant played her freshman season at Dartmouth. For the Big Green, she played in all 29 games on the schedule and ended the year with six points.
"Our team is filled with natural leaders regardless of the letters given out. I'm thankful every day to be able to put on my Colonials jersey alongside my teammates."
Alternate Captain – Emma Gorski, Graduate, Goaltender
Also a veteran, Gorski spent the last four years playing at Merrimack College before transferring to RMU. Overall, during her first four seasons, Gorski played between the pipes in 83 games. Statistically, she owns a 3.46 G.A.A., .895 save percentage and has made 2,357 career saves. Last season, her 56 saves in one game were a career-high at Northeastern. She's also earned five career shutouts.
"Being a leader for the Colonials means I have the opportunity to empower others and mend the ideas between the many leaders of this team and the coaching staff. Overall, I'm super excited to be a part of such a great program."
Alternate Captain – Madison Primeau, Junior, Forward
Transferring from fellow CHA member, Syracuse University, Primeau takes on a leadership role in her first season at RMU. Dressing up for 68 career games so far, she's produced 21 goals and 11 assists in her two years with the Orange. On the power play unit, she put together five goals with the advantage and scored three game-winning goals during her time at Syracuse. As a sophomore, she was second on the team in goals (11) and fourth in points (20).
"I'm beyond grateful for the opportunity and recognition to wear a letter, given both the amazing group of ladies besides me and the history of this hockey program. To wear the jersey is a great blessing in itself and I will take great pride in adding the letter to it."
"We know this group, along with the many other leaders we have on this team, will guide our culture in a positive manner," said Bittle.
Going into his first season as the head coach of RMU, Bittle along with his five captains look to get back to the success the Colonials had achieved in recent history.
RELATED: RMU Women's Hockey 2023-24 Roster
The Colonials first games back in action will be on the road, as RMU faces Union on Friday, September 29 at 6:00 p.m. and then the following day at 3:00 p.m.
The long-awaited home opener will take place on Saturday, October 7 at 2:00 p.m., at Clearview Arena in the RMU Island Sports Center. On home ice, the Colonials will take on Saint Anselm in the series.
Season tickets, single game tickets and group packages for the 2023-24 season are on sale now and
can be purchased by using the following link. There are a limited number of season tickets available, so make sure to purchase yours today.
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