HAMILTON - Colgate women's hockey is excited to start the 2015-16 season and have announced eight newcomers who are set to join the squad for the upcoming year.

The incomers are split with four Americans and four Canadians joining the team of already 14 returning players. The eight players include four forwards, two blue liners and two goalies. With the loss of six from the graduating class of 2015, head coach Greg Fargo is confident that these new players will make an immediate impact on the ice for the Raiders.
 
"The class of 2019 will fulfill various needs that we have throughout our roster. On the ice, they bring a wide variety of talents and abilities and we anticipate this group to compliment the rest of our lineup very well. Overall, we are bringing in two quality goaltenders that compete and bring big-game experience, two defensemen that will add to skill and mobility to our defense corps and four forwards that will add offense and grit to our lineup.
"We are eager to see what this group can accomplish throughout their four years at Colgate and the impact they will have on our hockey program. We know they are coming in with skill and ability; however, our staff is looking forward to working with each one of them and helping them develop and reach their full-potential here at Colgate."
  

Fargo on DuBois: "Megan is a goaltender that brings a wealth of high quality youth hockey experience with her. Her Shattuck St. Mary's team has enjoyed plenty of success while she was a part of that program. She's performed well in big games including winning a national championship at the U-16 level. She's an athletic goaltender that is positionally sound. She will add depth to our goaltending position we expect to very strong"

Fargo on Eldridge: "Jessie is coming off a season where she won the PWHL scoring title. She is another right shot-forward, who is a very smart player and will add skill and ability to our group. She's strong on the boards and very crafty in small areas. She's excellent around the net, sees the ice well and makes others around her better. Jessie does a lot of subtle things that make a big difference in a hockey game."

Fargo on Jacques: "Chelsea is another extremely hard working, committed person, player and student that comes from a hockey family. She's a steady, two-way defenseman that has a ton of upside to her game. She brings a very strong base of ability that we are excited to work with and help her reach her maximize. She's a strong good skater, she defends well and likes to start and join the rush. Chelsea sees the ice well and will help limit time in our end."

Fargo on Labbe: "Shae is another player coming off a great season and we anticipate her diving right in here at Colgate. She led the JWHL in points per game and was named the Player of the Year in the league. In addition to her year in Warner, she gained valuable experience and played a big role with Hockey Canada at the U18 Championships in Buffalo, NY. She will add size, strength and toughness. Shae loves to shoot the puck and has a great release. Shae will be an impact player for us next season."

Fargo on Larson: "Bailey is a very talented forward who plays hard all over the ice and has a real knack around the net. Bailey loves a challenge and loves to compete. She's going to fit in very well to our system and how we play. She helped her team win a national championship this year and she has international experience wearing the USA Hockey jersey. All these traits and experiences will help allow Bailey to have an immediate impact on our team."

Fargo on Ormel: "Shannon is another great addition to our program. She is determined to maximize her potential, she takes pride in her game and is extremely committed to her strength and conditioning. She is a good skater, never afraid of physical play and is great on face-offs. Shannon has worked very hard at different aspects of her game and I believe she will continue to thrive here at Colgate."

Fargo on Vandyk: "Julia is a extremely hard working goaltender who takes her craft very seriously. She is competitive, yet poised in the net and is technically very strong. She's coming off another outstanding year in the PWHL. Her experience playing against Canada's best at different points in her career should give her plenty of confidence as she transitions to the college game."

Fargo on Zafuto: "Olivia comes to us having experience playing both defense and forward. She's been a leader and contributor at every level she's played at. I believe Olivia is committed to taking her game to the next level and I am excited to help her reach her potential. She is a smooth skater with a tremendous skill set that allows her to make great plays at both ends of the rink. We expect Olivia to contribute both offensively and defensively."