Cards mix veteran leadership, young talent in title pursuit

PLATTSBURGH | Coming off another deep SUNYAC playoff run and looking to return to national prominence, head coach Kevin Houle and the Plattsburgh State women's hockey team enter the 2025-26 campaign with high expectations and a renewed sense of determination. With Houle back behind the bench, the Cardinals continue their pursuit of an NCAA Division III-record eighth national championship. Entering his 23rd season at the helm, Houle boasts a career record of 517-69-28, one of the highest winning percentages in Division III history. His leadership and consistency remain central to Plattsburgh State's national success as the program looks to build upon its storied tradition. This year's roster features a balanced mix of veteran leadership and promising young talent. The team welcomes eight newcomers to a lineup already loaded with returning contributors from last year's SUNYAC championship squad. The Cardinals will once again lean on their depth, structure, and trademark defensive strength as they open the 2025-26 season. Goaltenders The Cardinals return a strong goaltending unit anchored by junior Chloe Lewis (Monson, Mass.), who emerged as one of the top goalies in Division III last season. Lewis started all 28 games, posting an impressive 0.89 goals-against average and a .954 save percentage, both ranking among the best marks in the SUNYAC and nationwide. Her 12 shutouts and SUNYAC Tournament MVP performance propelled Plattsburgh deep into postseason play. She will be joined by sophomore Maddie Stetson (Wasilla, Alaska), who appeared in two games during her first collegiate season, and sophomore Ava Varecka (West Falls, N.Y.), who made her debut against Middlebury. Together, the trio forms one of the most complete and experienced goaltending groups in the conference. Defense Plattsburgh's blue line remains a strength entering 2025-26, led by returning standouts Adriana Urban (Monroe, N.J.), Taya Balfour (Moorestown, N.J.), Su-An Cho (Madison, Ala.), Maeghan Forsyth (Billings, Mont.), and Seoyoung Yoo (Yongin, Republic of Korea). Urban was one of the team's most reliable two-way defenders last season, tallying 11 points and leading the team with 62 blocked shots. Yoo matched her point total and provided steady play throughout her first collegiate season. Balfour, who appeared in all 28 games, recorded eight points and ranked second on the team with 34 blocked shots. Cho and Forsyth also contributed offensively, combining for nine points while providing veteran stability on the back end. The blue line also features several exciting newcomers, including Nikola Janekova (Banská Bystrica, Slovakia), who competed in the EWHL for HK PSRZ Bratislava, and Lauren Farris (Northville, Mich.), a proven winner with multiple state and national titles. Their arrival gives the Cardinals a deep and dynamic defensive corps. Forwards The Cardinals return a deep offensive unit led by last season's point leaders: senior Molly Riggi (Farmingdale, N.J.), sophomore Tessa Morris (Grand Island, N.Y.), and sophomore Kayson Ruegge (Edmond, Okla.). Riggi tallied 16 points (6 goals, 10 assists) and three game-winning goals while earning All-Tournament honors during the SUNYAC Championship run. Morris led the team with 11 goals, tying for the conference lead and earning both All-Tournament and All-Rookie honors for her clutch postseason play. Ruegge also impressed in her rookie campaign, producing 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists) and three game-winning tallies en route to SUNYAC All-Rookie Team recognition. Additional key returners include junior Emily Kasprzak (Niagara, N.Y.), who tied for second on the team with seven goals and 13 total points, and junior Sydnee Francis (Canton, N.Y.), whose strong two-way play and +16 plus-minus rating anchored the top lines. Sophomore Kate Conlon (New Hudson, Mich.) was dominant in the faceoff circle and adds grit and consistency up front. Sophomore Ella Procyk (Stratford, Conn.) and senior Ella Fesette (Plattsburgh, N.Y.) add depth and experience, while sophomore Brooke Terry (Massena, N.Y.) joins the program after transferring from Nazareth University. The 2025-26 roster also welcomes several talented first-year forwards who will look to make an immediate impact: Riley Keller (Cuba, N.Y.), Bailey MacKeller (Hamburg, N.Y.), Piper Smith (Newnan, Ga.), Faith Steiner (Burlington, Mass.), Parker Riley (London, Ontario), and Zoe Puc (West Palm Beach, Fla.). This mix of proven returners and promising newcomers provides Houle with an abundance of options up front as the Cardinals set their sights on another championship-caliber season.

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Cards mix veteran leadership, young talent in title pursuit

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