From McKendree Bearcats Athletics
By Patrick Knapinski, Assistant SID
LEBANON, Ill. – McKendree University women’s hockey and head coach Derek Pallardy officially introduced the signing class for the upcoming 2023-24 season with five forwards kicking-off the announcement. The Bearcats return to the ice after a successful 2022-23 season with their sixth double-digit win season, their first-ever ACHA National Tournament victory, and the program’s first win over two-time defending and No.1 Liberty in overtime at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex. Three of McKendree’s top-five scoring forwards will make their return with sophomore Jayna Barnden (24p / 12g-12a), junior Larisa Gorgevska-Sharpe (20p / 10g-10a), and junior Kiley Hasenfratz (16p / 10g-6a) while the offense fired 92 goals as a whole last year. The Bearcats finished out the year with a 15-11-2 overall record.
Abby Jeffers | Inner Grove Heights, Minnesota | Simley
Abby has very strong play-making ability. She sees the ice well, makes good decisions, and has the skill to execute.
Madison Soukup | Maple Grove, Minnesota | Maple Grove
Madi has a well-rounded skill set and very good hockey sense. She is a versatile player who can play any position. I’m excited to see her game and her confidence grow on this team.
Brooklynne Painter | Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada | South Alberta Hockey Academy
Brooklynne skates well and has a good shot with a quick and deceptive release. She will come in as a strong player, but she is very determined and hard-working, so her game will continue to grow.
Grace Crooks | Calgary, Alberta, Canada | Calgary Fire AAA / Calgary Titans AJFHL
Grace can be an offensive threat both as a play-maker and scorer. She also prides herself on her defensive habits. Grace will be a strong player in all three zones.
Julia Koski | Hillsdale, Ontario, Canada | Barrie Jr Sharks
Julia brings speed, grit, and energy which will make her immediately effective in our style of play; and she has the skills and play-making ability to help improve our team’s offensive output.
Pallardy on the Forward Signing Class:
“This group of forwards can provide an immediate increase in scoring for our team. We had big contributions from some of the freshmen last season and breakout seasons from some of our rising Juniors, so I’m excited and hopeful about the potential for it to all come together this year.”
(Originally published at https://mckbearcats.com/news/2023/8/16/womens-hockey-adds-five-to-offensive-entourage.aspx)
