TROY, N.Y. – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) head women's ice hockey coach John Burke has announced that five student-athletes will make up the program's Class of 2014. Joining the team this fall are three forwards and two defensemen.

“Our five incoming freshmen will help offset some key losses to graduation by bringing in speed, toughness and an offensive punch,” said Burke. “Colette Youlen and Brent Hill have done a great job in bringing in a group that will help us build upon our continued success in ECAC Hockey.”

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

Name   Pos.   Ht.   Hometown/Previous Team
Nona Letuligasenoa   D  5-6   Fairbanks, AK/North American Hockey Academy
“Nona will add size and strength to our blue line. Her ability to read the ice and distribute the puck will make her an asset in many ways.”

Missy Mankey   F   5-4   Coon Rapids, MN/Minnesota Whitecaps/Hopkins HS
“Missy is a tough, tenacious forward whose quickness will help improve our overall team speed. She is a player which we will be able to use in numerous situations.”

Madison Marzario   D   5-9   Prior Lake, MN/Shattuck St. Mary's
“Maddy will add physical presence and a big shot to our blue line. Her aggressive nature and ability to jump up into the play make her a valuable addition to our team.”

Toni Sanders   F   5-7   York, PA/West York HS Boys/Susquehanna Rapids U19
“Toni is a smooth skating, skilled forward who has a nose for the net. With her quick release, she has the ability to be a threat from anywhere in the offensive zone.”

Jordan Smelker   F   5-8   Anchorage, AK/Team Alaska U19
“Jordan will have an immediate impact on our team as she is a hard working, competitive kid who can be counted on from both sides of the puck.”

Rensselaer concluded the 2009-10 season with a 16-15-6 record, including an 11-7-4 mark in ECAC Hockey play. RPI advanced to its second straight appearance in the semifinals before falling to eventual conference champion and NCAA Runner-up, Cornell. The Engineers will return six of their top 10 scorers for the 2010-11 season. Nine forwards, four defensemen and three goaltenders are also expected back in the fall.