TROY, N.Y. – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) head women's ice hockey coach John Burke has announced that seven student-athletes will make up the program's Class of 2013. Joining the team this fall are three forwards, two defensemen and two goaltenders.

“This group of student-athletes brings in the size, speed, depth and skill our program needs in order to remain competitive and successful in ECAC Hockey,” said Burke. “Colette Bredin and Shivaun Siegl have done an outstanding job in putting together another solid class, which will continue to elevate the success of our program throughout their four years at Rensselaer.”

Below is an alphabetical list of Rensselaer's recruits with a quote from Burke about each:

Kristen Burney * Goaltender * 5-10 * Alta Loma, CA/Northwest Selects
“Kristen's work ethic and size will help us create depth amongst our goaltenders. Her positive attitude and drive will help increase our team's competitiveness.”

Janessa Haller * Defense * 5-4 * Anoka, MN/Anoka
“Janessa is an offensive-minded defenseman who sees the ice very well. She has excellent stick skills and a hard shot that will be a real asset to us as we look to increase our offensive production.”

Taylor Horton * Forward * 5-9 * St. Thomas, ON/Bluewater Hawks
“Taylor is a complete player who will play in many different situations. Her size and strength along with exceptional playmaking abilities, shot and skating stride, make her a tough competitor who wins puck battles. She scored 10 power play goals this past season and is a dangerous offensive threat every time she hits the ice.”

Andrea Le Donne * Defense * 5-11 * Toronto, ON/Durham Lightning
“Andie will add size and strength to our blue line. Her shot will help create offense, and her long reach combined with her aggressive style will help to defend off attackers. She will be a valuable addition to our team.”

Clare Padmore * Forward * 5-8 * Toronto, ON/Toronto Jr. Aeros
“Clare is a hard-working, two-way forward who will contribute in many ways. She is strong on her skates and her skating ability will cause havoc on our fore-check. Clare also has a knack for finding the net and will contribute offensively.”

Shannon Ramelot * Goaltender * 5-11 * Bloomfield, MI/Honeybaked
“Shannon's competitive nature and presence in net will allow her to challenge for playing time. She is a technical goaltender who has great positioning, and will adjust to the Division I level very well.”

Audrey Stapleton * Forward * 5-6 * Barrington Hills, IL/Chicago Young Americans
“Audrey handles the puck well in tight spaces and will help to create offensive opportunities with her playmaking abilities. Her work ethic and willingness to go to the net will make her an asset to our program.”

Rensselaer posted 19-14-4 overall record in 2008-09 with an 11-8-3 ECAC Hockey mark. The Engineers finished as the conference's runner-up at the league tournament. They return seven of their top 10 scorers, including each of the first five. Among those expected back are 12 forwards, four defensemen and one goaltender.