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WiceSeasonPreview
Miles Wesolowski

Women's Ice Hockey

Women's Ice Hockey 2026-27 Season Preview

DUDLEY, Mass. (10/25/2026) - The Nichols College women's ice hockey team returns to the ice for the 2026-27 season, looking to build on its offensive success from this past year under the sixth-year tutelage of head coach Michael Barrett.

The Bison finished the 2025-26 campaign with a 7-18-0 overall record and a 4-14-0 mark in Conference of New England (CNE) play. Nichols recorded 53 goals, averaging 2.12 goals per game, while converting 20.2% of its power-play opportunities. All three marks ranked among the top three single-season totals in program history.

When asked about his expectations for the season, head coach Barrett explained, "I am very excited about our culture, our depth throughout the lineup, and the commitment and energy we have displayed so far. We have always maintained that who we are as people has been more important than our athletic ability. Our new players add to that, and for that reason, we feel that we continue to get better every year, which in turn brings higher expectations."

Barrett's coaching staff for the 2026-27 season includes Melissa Montessi, Dylan Knox, and Alicia Hunks, who will help guide the Bison throughout the upcoming campaign. Montessi has assisted and will continue to assist with all aspects of the coaching experience with specific responsibilities for recruiting, working with the defense, and social media. Knox will be working primarily with the goaltenders and Hunks with film.

Nichols will be led by captains Kerstin Ambruso, Kasey Litwin, and Rhea Bullens, who bring experience and leadership to the returning core. Among the Bison's top returning offensive contributors is sophomore forward Keira Goffe, who earned Second Team All-CNE honors after leading Nichols with 11 goals and 21 points during her freshman season. Sophomore Kaylyn Bourque also returns after recording nine goals and nine assists for 18 points. On the blue line, junior Sienna Reeves looks to build on a team-high 12 assists and 14 points, while junior forward Angalisa Caceda returns after contributing six goals and five assists for 11 points.

Between the pipes, Nichols returns sophomore Ivy Grant, junior Taylor Daley, and senior Paige Almon. Grant recorded a 3-4-0 record in eight appearances last season, posting a 2.04 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage. Daley earned two wins and recorded 247 saves, while Almon also collected two victories and made 225 saves. Freshman goaltender Adaline Ploof joins the Bison, adding depth to the team's goaltending group. Head coach Barrett also explained that the top spot for goaltender could be competed for and earned any given night.

With a strong returning offensive core, experienced leadership, and several options in goal, Nichols will look to carry its scoring production into the new season and compete for a spot in the CNE postseason.

Most recently, women's ice hockey boasts two dominant exhibition victories over Worcester State University (7-0) and the University of Rhode Island (6-1).

The Bison open the 2026-27 campaign on Friday, October 30th, against Framingham State University at Loring Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 PM.

For updates throughout the season, follow @ncbison on X and Instagram.
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Players Mentioned

Paige Almon

#33 Paige Almon

G
5' 2"
Junior
L
Kerstin Ambruso

#12 Kerstin Ambruso

F
5' 5"
Sophomore
R
Rhea Bullens

#13 Rhea Bullens

D
5' 5"
Junior
L
Angalisa Caceda

#4 Angalisa Caceda

F
5' 2"
Sophomore
L
Taylor Daley

#31 Taylor Daley

G
5' 6"
Sophomore
L
Kasey Litwin

#17 Kasey Litwin

D
5' 5"
Sophomore
L
Sienna Reeves

#11 Sienna Reeves

D
5' 7"
Sophomore
R
Kaylyn Bourque

#2 Kaylyn Bourque

F
5' 3"
Freshman
R
Keira Goffe

#3 Keira Goffe

F
5' 4"
Freshman
R
Ivy Grant

#30 Ivy Grant

G
5' 10"
Freshman
L
Adaline Ploof

#1 Adaline Ploof

G
5' 7"
Freshman
R

Players Mentioned

Paige Almon

#33 Paige Almon

5' 2"
Junior
L
G
Kerstin Ambruso

#12 Kerstin Ambruso

5' 5"
Sophomore
R
F
Rhea Bullens

#13 Rhea Bullens

5' 5"
Junior
L
D
Angalisa Caceda

#4 Angalisa Caceda

5' 2"
Sophomore
L
F
Taylor Daley

#31 Taylor Daley

5' 6"
Sophomore
L
G
Kasey Litwin

#17 Kasey Litwin

5' 5"
Sophomore
L
D
Sienna Reeves

#11 Sienna Reeves

5' 7"
Sophomore
R
D
Kaylyn Bourque

#2 Kaylyn Bourque

5' 3"
Freshman
R
F
Keira Goffe

#3 Keira Goffe

5' 4"
Freshman
R
F
Ivy Grant

#30 Ivy Grant

5' 10"
Freshman
L
G
Adaline Ploof

#1 Adaline Ploof

5' 7"
Freshman
R
G
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