TROY, N.Y. - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) head women's ice hockey coach John Burke has announced the addition seven student-athletes to the 2012-2013 roster.  Joining this year's team will be three defensemen, three forwards and one goaltender.
 
“This group of student-athletes brings vision, puck distribution and mobility to our blue-line.  Upfront we add a high level of skill, tenacity and speed.  In net, we are adding an athletic, competitive goaltender who will challenge for playing time,” said Burke.  “Brent Hill and Colette Youlen have done an outstanding job putting together this year's class, which will contribute to our program's ability to compete for an ECAC Hockey championship.”
 
Below is an alphabetical list of Rensselaer's recruits:

Name	Ht.	Pos.	Hometown	Previous Team
Brandi Banks	5-9	D	Burlington, ONT	Stoney Creek Sabres
Jennifer Godin	5-5	D	Clarence Center, NY	Tabor Academy
Alexa Gruschow	5-6	F	Mechanicsburgh, PA	Washington Pride
Marielle Mankey	5-2	F	Coon Rapids, MN	Hopkins High School
Delaney Middlebrook	5-5	D	Minneapolis, MN	Niagara University
Sara Till	5-10	G	Jericho, VT	Rice Academy
Lauren Wash	5-5	F	Belle Mead, NJ	New Jersey Rockets

Rensselaer posted a 9-21-4 overall record in 2011-12 with a 6-14-2 ECAC Hockey mark. RPI finished tied for eighth in the conference standings, but fell just short of making their fourth straight ECAC Hockey Playoff appearance, losing the tie-breaker against Brown.  
 
The Engineers will return six of their top 10 scorers from the 2011-12 season. Eleven forwards, four defensemen and two goaltenders are also expected back in the fall.