HAMILTON – Three Colgate first-years were named to the Hockey Commissioners Association (HCA) Rookie of the Year Watchlist, announced by the HCA Thursday afternoon. Kaia Malachino, Emma Pais and Madeline Palumbo all earned nods for the national award, presented at the Frozen Four in Durham, N.H., this March.

Playing on Colgate's first line, Pais has poured in 26 points on 13 goals and 13 assists so far this season. Recently voted as ECAC Hockey's Rookie of the Month, she is currently the third-highest scoring first-year player in the NCAA with the second-most goals across all rookie skaters. Her .93 points per game also rank in the top 50 nationally. 

Malachino has knocked in 18 points for the Raiders this season with four multi-point performances under her belt. Her production as a second-line winger has been undeniable as she boasts the 4th highest plus/minus rating across all NCAA first-year skaters. 

Palumbo rounds out the list of Raider rookies on the national watchlist, currently sitting in the top 10 for first-year scoring. She has racked up 19 points so far in her inaugural season as a Raider with four separate point streaks of three games or longer. 

The first-year phenoms will look to avenge the only ECAC loss of their careers thus far as they head to Clarkson for a bout with the No. 4 Golden Knights on Friday night. The Raiders then take on No. 8 St. Lawrence on Saturday at 3 p.m. in Canton, N.Y.