COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – USA Hockey today announced the roster for the 2017 U.S. Women’s National University Team that will compete at the 2017 Winter World University Games in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from Jan. 28-Feb. 8.
“We’re excited to be heading into Kazakhstan later this month with this group of players,” said Shelley Looney, head coach of the U.S. Women’s National University Team. “We saw a lot of positive things out of this team during our camp last month and can’t wait to get back on the ice as a cohesive unit here in just a couple weeks.”
The complete roster, which includes two goaltenders, six defensemen and 13 forwards, is composed of players who compete in the American Collegiate Hockey Association.
The roster is highlighted by three forwards returning from the 2015 U.S. Women’s National University team, including two-time All-Americans Katie Augustine (West Chester, Ohio/Miami University) and Rachael Booth (Washington, Mich./Miami University), along with Kendra Myers (Cedar Springs, Mich./Grand Valley State University).
Among the newcomers is junior Brittani Lanzilli (Medford, Mass./University of Massachusetts), the reigning ACHA Zoe Harris Player of the Year who led the nation in goals (49) and points (68) in 2015-16. Defenseman Becca Senden (Medina, Minn./University of Minnesota) also makes her Team USA debut after being named a second-team All-American last season.
Team USA opens the tournament on Sunday, Jan. 29, against Russia at 2:30 a.m. ET.
NOTES: Eight different states are represented on the U.S. roster. Michigan and Minnesota lead the way with five representatives apiece, while Massachusetts and Ohio each have three … The 21 players represent nine different schools. Miami University and University of Minnesota are tied with a team-high four representatives on the roster … Katie Holmgren (Colorado Springs, Colo.), USA Hockey’s manager of adult hockey, is serving as team leader of the 2017 U.S. Women’s National University Team … Shelley Looney (Brownstown, Mich.) is serving as head coach of the 2017 U.S. Women’s National University Team alongside assistant coaches Brett Berger (Springfield, N.J.) and Scott Hicks (Richmond, Ind.) … The United States will field a women’s hockey team at the Winter World University Games for the fourth straight time … The U.S. is competing at the 2017 Winter World University Games alongside Canada, China, Great Britain, Japan, Russia and host Kazakhstan. All games will be played at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace …
