Conference of New England (CNE) Women's Hockey All-40th Team Release
BEVERLY, Mass. (4/3/2025) – The Conference of New England (CNE) has announced its All-40
th Team for women's hockey, as the Nichols College women's hockey team landed three former members on the list. Mel McAleer '21, Alicia Hunks '21, MSA '22, and Kelly Ferreira '19 represented the Bison.
The minimum criteria for the list began with at least one First Team All-Conference selections or at least one Player of the Year honor, while graduating from their institution. Both current and former league members can earn recognition on the teams.
McAleer, the 2018-19 Player of the Year, and 2017-18 Rookie of the Year is the only member of the women's hockey program to eclipse 100 points in her time with the Bison. She graduated top is assists (58), points (106), and tied for first in goals (48). She is the single season assists leader (19) and points leader (33).
Hunks, a 2022 All-Conference First Team selection, finished her career with 13 goals, 20 assists, and 33 points as a defender for the Bison. In her senior season, she scored seven goals and added 10 assists for 17 points, which was best for third among all Conference defenders. Hunks finished her career with seven power-play goals (ranks 6 all-time) and toed for 10
th in assists (20).
Ferreira, a 2018-19 All-Conference First Team selection, graduated top in assists (35), ranked third in points (59), and tied for third in goals (24). In her senior season she totaled 13 goals, and 16 assists for 29 points in her final year with the Bison.
The 40th Anniversary campaign runs parallel to the league's new naming and branding initiative that was launched in August. This celebration also serves as a platform to highlight the conference's achievements, honor its history, and generate enthusiasm for future endeavors.
