Mercyhurst Lakers women's ice hockey

History

The Mercyhurst women's ice hockey program began before NCAA governance of the sport. The Great Lakes Women's Hockey Association was formed by Mercyhurst University, the University of Findlay, and Wayne State University during a period when Title IX was reshaping women's athletics. Michael Sisti, who had been an assistant coach with the Mercyhurst men's team since 1993, was named the inaugural head coach in 1999.

In its first GLWHA season, Mercyhurst posted a 23–6–0 record with 17 shutouts and scored ten or more goals in six games. The 2000–01 regular season was less successful, with a 14–16–3 record and six shutout losses, but the Lakers became regular season champions and reached the GLWHA championship, losing 1–2 to Findlay. Freshman goaltender Desirae Clark joined the team in 2001–02 and split duties with junior Tiffany Ribble, helping the Lakers to a 24–8–1 record and first place in the conference. In the GLWHA championship rematch against Findlay, Chrissy Yule scored the game-winning goal in the third period for a 4–2 victory.

Britney Millar recorded three points and was named playoff MVP. Ribble, Clark, defender Jenn Jeffrey, and forward Sara McDonald earned All-GLWHA First Team honors. For the 2002–03 season, College Hockey America formed a women's conference comprising Mercyhurst, Findlay, Wayne State, and Niagara University.

Awards and Honors

Awards through the 2023–24 season were presented by the CHA; subsequent awards starting in the 2024–25 season are presented by the AHA. Player of the Year recipients include Teresa Marchese (2005), Valerie Chouinard (2006), Meghan Agosta (2007, 2008, 2009), Vicki Bendus (2010), Meghan Agosta (2011), Kelley Steadman (2012), Christine Bestland (2013, 2014), Emily Janiga (2015), and Emma Nuutinen (2020). Defenseman of the Year winners are Cassea Schols (2011), Molly Byrne (2012, 2014, 2015), and Sydney Pedersen (2024).

Best Defensive Forward honors went to Jess Jones (2012), Shelby Bram (2014), Sarah Hine (2019), Alexa Vasko (2020), and Kylee Mahoney (2024). Goaltender of the Year was awarded to Ena Nystrøm (2023, 2024). Rookie of the Year recipients are Samantha Shirley (2003), Valerie Chouinard (2006), Meghan Agosta (2007), Vicki Bendus (2008), Bailey Bram (2009), Rachel Smith (2016), Vanessa Upson (2022), and Julia Schalin (2025). Individual Sportsmanship Award winners include K.K. Thiessen (2022), Liliane Perreault (2023), Vanessa Upson (2024), and Marielle Parks (2025).

Mike Sisti was named Coach of the Year in 2003, 2005, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020. Tournament MVPs include Desi Clark (2004), Teresa Marchese (2005), Valerie Chouinard (2006), Meghan Agosta (2007, 2008, 2011), Jesse Scanzano (2009), Ashley Cockell (2010), Stephanie Ciampa (2013), Jenna Dingeldein (2016), Emma Nuutinen (2018), and Kennedy Blair (2020). All-Conference First Team selections are listed for seasons from 2002–03 through 2011–12.

Did You Know?

• Kylie Rossler became an American football player with the Regina Rage of the Lingerie Football League.
• Hillary Pattenden was the first overall selection in the 2012 CWHL Draft but never appeared in the league.