BOSTON – The Boston University women's ice hockey team will welcome seven newcomers to the roster for the 2016-17 season, head coach Brian Durocher announced on Monday.

Six freshmen and a transfer comprise the incoming class. Nina Rodgers joins the Terriers after spending two seasons at Minnesota, where she won back-to-back national championships. Rodgers will be able to play right away for the Terriers.

Two forwards ( Deziray De Sousa , Natasza Tarnowski ) and four defensemen ( Alexandra Calderone , Abby Cook , Breanna Scarpaci , Katie Shannahan ) are part of the Class of 2020. They will join Rodgers and 15 returning letter winners from last season's squad. The seven-member incoming group boasts skaters from three states (Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota) and three Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec).

"I am excited to announce the six freshmen and one junior transfer that will enter Boston University this fall," Durocher said. "This group of talented student-athletes will add to the program's tradition of excellence both on the ice and in the classroom. They are an accomplished group of hard working young ladies that have experienced success throughout their playing careers."

"I want to thank assistant coaches Allison Coomey and Katie Lachapelle for the time and effort that went into the recruiting process. Our entire staff looks forward to working with the newest Terriers during their undergraduate years."

Alexandra Calderone (5-4 • D • Kirkland, Que./Dawson College)

BEFORE BOSTON UNIVERSITY

Played two seasons for Dawson College, where she was an alternate captain in 2015-16 … Was an RSEQ First Team All-Star in 2016 after she led all defensemen in scoring with 16 points in 22 games … Named to 2015 RSEQ All-Rookie Team … Invited to 2016 Hockey Canada National Development Camp … Helped lead Team Quebec to a gold meal at the 2016 Canada Games.

Durocher on Calderone: Alexandra is a dynamic and quick skater who possesses excellent hands and puck retention skills. She is a high-tempo player who should also be part of our special teams during her time here. While not a big blue liner, she uses her quickness to her advantage at both ends of the ice.

Abby Cook (5-10 • D • Kelowna, B.C./Pursuit of Excellence)

BEFORE BOSTON UNIVERSITY

Played four seasons for Pursuit of Excellence … Was her team's top-scoring defenseman in 2015-16 with 14 points (3g, 11a) … Finished 14th among all players in CSSHL scoring with six points (1g, 5a) in eight games … Skated for Team B.C. in 2015 … Helped POE win gold in 2015 at the World Sport School Challenge … Also won silver (2014, 2016) and bronze (2013) at that same event.

Durocher on Cook: Abby is a tall, rangy blue liner who has excellent hockey sense. She uses her size to take care of business in the defensive zone. She makes very good decisions and has outstanding passing skills that generate offensive opportunities for her teammates. Abby has the potential to play in all situations and I believe that her best hockey is ahead of her.

Deziray De Sousa (5-8 • F • Montreal, Que./Phillips Exeter (Mass.))

BEFORE BOSTON UNIVERSITY

Skated for Phillips Exeter Academy during the 2015-16 season, serving as an assistant captain … Led the team in scoring with 30 points (23g, 7a) and was named team MVP … Member of the New England All-Star Team … Named an assistant captain of Team Quebec in 2015 … Attended the U18 Team Canada May and August camps … Named a U18 Canadian Nationals MVP for a game … Won a gold medal with Team Quebec at the Canada Games in 2014.

Durocher on De Sousa: Deziray is a talented two-way player who will bring size and determination to our program. Her best work will be done in the hard-to-play areas such as the corners and in front of the net. Her straight-line speed and commitment at both ends of the ice will give her the chance to be a very solid Division I player.

Nina Rodgers (5-5 • F • Minnetonka, Minn./Minnesota)

BEFORE BOSTON UNIVERSITY

Played two seasons at Minnesota, winning a national title in 2015 and 2016 … In 81 games with the Gophers, scored nine goals and added six assists for 15 points … Named to the 2016 WCHA All-Academic Team and was an Academic All-Big Ten honoree … Scored career-high nine points (5g, 4a) in 2015-16 … Prior to Minnesota, played at Hopkins High with current Terrier Erin O'Neil … Was a two-time silver medalist with the U.S. Under-18 Team in 2013 and 2014.

Durocher on Rodgers: Nina, a transfer from Minnesota, will be a welcome addition with her experience on the ice at a highly successful program. I look for her to be a leader within our program as someone who knows what it takes to win. Her strength, hands and shot are major assets and she also has the vision and decision-making skills that the top collegiate players possess.

Breanna Scarpaci (5-5 • D • Washington, Mich./Shattuck St. Mary's)

BEFORE BOSTON UNIVERSITY

Skated at Shattuck St. Mary's for three seasons … Won a USA National Championship title in 2016 at the U19 level and in 2014 at the U16 level, while also taking home a silver in 2015 (U19)… Won 2011 U12 and 2013 U14 State Championships with HoneyBaked … Won 2010 U12 State Championship with Little Caesars U12 … Also played basketball and was named to the EMAC First Team in 2015 and 2016 as a point guard.

Durocher on Scarpaci: Breanna is a highly intelligent defenseman who has the poise and composure to succeed at this level. She is very strong on her skates and wins one-on-one battles in front of the net and along the walls. While not an end-to-end type of offensive player, Breanna possesses an effective shot and makes good decisions at the offensive blue line.

Katie Shannahan (5-7 • D • Colorado Springs, Colo./Detroit Little Caesars)

BEFORE BOSTON UNIVERSITY

Played for Detroit Little Caesars … Was the assistant captain of her team as a senior, totaling 14 points on one goal and 13 assists … Played for Colorado Select at the 2014 U19AAA National Championships … Won Colorado State Championship with her Boys U14 team in 2013.

Durocher on Shannahan: Katie is a talented skater who has played against excellent competition her entire life. Her ability to cover ground both offensively and defensively will make her a welcome addition to the program. She has experience playing both forward and defense and can be a valuable asset at both positions.

Natasza Tarnowski (5-4 • F • Embrun, Ont./Ottawa Senators)

BEFORE BOSTON UNIVERSITY

Played four seasons with the Ottawa Senators … Served as captain during the 2015-16 season, leading the team in scoring with 51 points (20g, 31a) … Was an alternate captain for Team Ontario Red and helped lead the team to a gold medal at the U18 National Championship … Won silver with Team Ontario at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships … Captained the École Secondaire Cyclones to league and EOSSAA titles … Earned École Secondaire Student-Athlete of the Year and Top Female Hockey Player awards … Was invited to Team Canada Strength & Conditioning Camp … Skated for Canada at the 2015 Summer Series against Team USA.



Durocher on Tarnowski: Natasza is an outstanding skater and adept stickhandler who people will notice when she is on the ice. For the past two years she has been a top scorer with the Ottawa Senators and I expect her to make those types of contributions as a member of our squad. She also has a high compete level that will help set a standard for her class and for the program.