In the midst of another winning season, the Clarkson University Women’s Hockey coaching staff added more good news for the Golden Knights with the announcement of the highly regarded incoming class who will join the Green and Gold next fall for the program's 10th season.

Co-head coaches Shannon and Matt Desrosiers along with assistant coach Matt Kelly have put together an incoming group of five freshmen, comprised of three forwards and two defensemen, who will join the Green and Gold roster for 2012-13.

The Golden Knights new signees include Erin Ambrose (Keswick, Ontario), Olivia Howe (Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan), Shannon MacAulay (Mt. Herbert, Prince Edward Island), Renata Fast (Burlington, Ontario) and Cayley Mercer (Exeter, Ontario).

“We are extremely excited to announce our incoming recruiting class for the 2012-13 season," stated Matt Desrosiers. "It was very important for us to bring in these high quality student-athletes as we are losing a lot to graduation in terms of leadership, commitment, and competitiveness. The overall character of our five signees both on and off the ice is outstanding as they all bring elite level talent, experience, and leadership abilities. We foresee this class having the capability to contribute to the teams overall success immediately and look forward to having them as part of the Golden Knight family.”

Erin Ambrose – D (Keswick, Ontario)

Played this past season for the Toronto Junior Aero’s (PWHL)

Canadian Women’s U18 Team Member; 2009, 2010, 2011 Summer Series vs. Team USA

· Canadian Women’s U18 Team Member; 2010 U18 World Championships (Gold Medalist), 2011 U18 World Championships (Silver Medalist), and the 2012 U18 World Championships (Gold Medalist)

· Invited to the 2009, 2010, & 2011 Canadian Women’s U18 Selection Camp

· Invited to the 2009, 2010, & 2011 Canadian Women’s U18 Team Strength and Conditioning Camp

· Erin was also invited to the 2010 Canadian Senior Selection Camp

· At the 2012 U18 World Championships, Erin was presented with the award for the Tournament’s Top Defenseman as well as being named as one of the top three players on her team throughout the tournament voted on by the coaching body

· Was a member of the Ontario Provincial team at the 2008, 2009, & 2011 Canadian U-18 Nationals where she won 2 Gold Medals

· Won silver at the 2011 Canada Winter Games as a member of Team Ontario

· Erin has also served as co-captain in 2010 and team captain in 2011 for her PWHL team the Toronto Junior Aero’s. She also served as an assistant captain for Team Ontario at the 2011 Canada Winter Games; Captain for Team Canada at the 2011 Selection Camp; Captain for Team Ontario in 2011; and Captain of the 2012 Canadian U18 team

Honor roll student in grades 9, 10 and 11

“I chose Clarkson because for me it was a great combination of elite hockey and strong academics. I felt like this was where I wanted to spend and enjoy the next four years of my life because of the family atmosphere the team presented me. I couldn’t be happier with my decision.”

Olivia Howe – F (Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan)

· Played this past season for the Notre Dame AAA Hounds (SFMAAAHL) where she served as Team Captain

· Invited to the 2010 & 2011 Canadian Women’s U18 Selection Camp

· Invited to the 2010 & 2011 Canadian Women’s U18 Conditioning Camp

· Participated in the 2011 Canadian U18 Nationals as a member of and assistant captain for Team Saskatchewan

· Participated in the 2011 Canada Winter Games as a member of Team Saskatchewan

· Olivia is the career All-Time Leading Scorer for Goals, Assists, and Points in the Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA Hockey League

· She also volunteers her time for “works of mercy” in Regina, SK where she helps elementary students with school

"I chose Clarkson because it was where I felt most welcome. I have never heard anything bad about the school, hockey programs, or coaches. I knew it must have been a good school when all of my friends were considering it and having a coach that went there and enjoyed her experience really helped make the decision seem like the right one. It also doesn’t hurt to know people who will be attending with you. Clarkson seems like the right place to spend the next four years of my life.”

Shannon MacAulay – F (Mt. Herbert, Prince Edward Island)

· Played this past season for the Warner Warriors (JWHL) where she has been the team captain from 2010-2012.

Canadian Women’s U18 Team Member; 2011 Summer Series Vs. Team USA where she served as an assistant captain

· Canadian Women’s U18 Team Member; 2012 World U18 Championships (Gold Medalist)

· Invited to the 2010 & 2011 Canadian Women’s U18 Selection Camp

· Invited to the 2010 & 2011 Canadian Women’s U18 Conditioning Camp

· Participated in the 2009 and 2011 Canadian U18 Nationals as a member of Team Atlantic where she served as assistant captain in 2011

· Participated in the 2011 Canada Winter Games as a member of Team Atlantic

· Shannon received the Top Forward award at the 2011 Canadian U18 National tournament as well as the “players player” award for her Warner Warriors team

“I like the idea of attending a smaller University with a great atmosphere. I believe Clarkson is somewhere I can improve my hockey skills and academics as well as becoming a better all-around person.”

Renata Fast – D (Burlington, Ontario)

· Played this past season for the Burlington Junior Barracudas (PWHL)

· Received academic Honors from 2007 - 2011

· Was named Female Athlete of the Year from 2006 – 2011 and received Athletic Honors in 2011

· Renata was named MVP for her high school hockey team in 2010 as well as for her soccer team from 2008 – 2010

· Renata was also recruited by NCAA schools for a soccer scholarship

“When first visiting Clarkson University I knew this was the school I wanted to attend. I was impressed having met the coaching staff and learning about the level of commitment towards the hockey program. In addition to great athletics, Clarkson also has a great academic reputation. Altogether I am convinced Clarkson is a great school for me.”

Cayley Mercer – F (Exeter, Ontario)

· Played this past season for the Bluewater Junior Hawks where she is the team captain

Canadian Women’s U18 Team Member; 2010 & 2011 Summer Series vs. Team USA

· Canadian Women’s U18 Team Member; 2011 U18 World Championships (Silver Medalist), and the 2012 U18 World Championships (Gold Medalist)

· Invited to the 2010 & 2011 Canadian Women’s U18 Selection Camp

· Invited to the 2010 & 2011 Canadian Women’s U18 Team Strength and Conditioning Camp

· At the 2012 U18 World Championships, Cayley was named as one of the top three players on her team throughout the tournament voted on by the coaching body

· Won Gold at the 2011 Canadian U18 Nationals as a member of Team Ontario

· Won Silver at the 2011 Canada Winter Games as a member of Team Ontario

· Cayley received the Most Sportsmanship award at the 2011 Canadian U18 National tournament

Honor roll student in grades 9, 10 and 11

“The reason I chose Clarkson University is because I was drawn in by the amazing atmosphere the campus has to offer. I feel like it resembles my small hometown, and is somewhere I know that I will be comfortable. Also, with the renowned academics and wide variety of course options, I know I will come out with a degree that I am happy with. Clarkson University will challenge me every day to achieve a level of excellence on and off the ice, as well, the hockey program will push me to strive for my goals. Finally, I chose Clarkson because one of their students happens to be my sister, and getting the chance to attend University with her couldn’t make me happier.”