A New Era for Union Women’s Hockey
Union College has unveiled a seven‑player recruiting class that will join the women’s hockey program for the 2026‑27 season, bringing a mix of seasoned transfers and promising first‑year athletes, as announced by head coach Tony Maci.
The newcomers hail from three states and provinces — New York, Illinois and Alberta — and the coaching staff has arranged them into three forwards, three defenders and a goaltender, ensuring balance on both ends of the ice.
Among the arrivals is Madi Gaines, a forward from Frankfort, Illinois, who captained the Chicago Mission and helped the club secure a bronze medal at the national level, bringing defensive reliability and a knack for killing penalties.
Evie Hanson, also a first‑year forward, comes from Calgary, Alberta, where she led the Edmonton Junior Oilers (AFHL) in scoring and captured multiple provincial and national championships, noted for her lethal shot and offensive drive.
Defensive depth arrives via Lily Leckelt of Sherwood Park, Alberta, a key member of the Edmonton Junior Oilers championship squad, whose leadership and two‑way play are expected to anchor the blue line.
Madison Macaulay, a sophomore defender from Queensbury, New York, adds collegiate experience from Saint Anselm College and Dean’s List academic honors, bringing physicality and poise to the lineup.
Lily Oster, another Albertan, joins as a first‑year defender who previously starred for the Calgary Red Fire (AFHL) and earned All‑Star defender honors, praised for her offensive contributions and defensive steadiness.
In goal, Ava Romanow from Lacombe, Alberta, brings a 30‑7‑3 record and a .911 save percentage from her time with the Bishop Kearney Selects U19 team, where she also served as assistant captain.
Completing the class, Ella Skotty, a forward from Elmhurst, Illinois, contributed to five state championships with the Chicago Mission and was recognized as an All‑Star MVP, known for her work ethic and penalty‑killing prowess.
Head coach Tony Maci highlighted each player’s strengths, emphasizing Madi’s defensive responsibility, Evie’s scoring threat, Lily Leckelt’s leadership, Madison’s physical presence, Lily Oster’s two‑way skill set, Ava’s calm demeanor and Ella’s relentless work ethic.
The coaching staff believes the blend of championship experience and fresh talent positions Union’s women’s hockey team to compete strongly in the upcoming season, aiming to build on recent successes and contend for conference honors.