University of Connecticut Athletics
Women's Ice Hockey Welcomes Six Newcomers to Program
5/30/2018 12:00:00 AM | Women's Ice Hockey
STORRS, Conn. - The UConn women's ice hockey team and head coach Chris MacKenzie have announced the six incoming players who will join the program for the upcoming 2018-19 season, making up the Class of 2022.
The Huskies, coming off a season where they finished as Hockey East runners-up, welcome the six newcomers - Samantha Carpentier-Yelle, Danielle Fox, Viki Harkness, MacKenzie Nicholas, Danika Pasqua and Camryn Wong - who will add depth and versatility to the roster.
Five of the six players hail from Canada, with two each from Ontario and British Columbia, while the other is from Quebec. Nicholas (Lake Worth, Fla.) is the sole native of the United States in the class. UConn's returning roster has 18 players, 10 of which come from up north.
"I would like to recognize assistant coaches Casey Handrahan and (former assistant) Carson Duggan for their efforts in putting this group together," said MacKenzie. "We are excited to welcome our newest recruiting class to UConn. This group will add depth to our returning core of players in the program."
Samantha Carpentier-Yelle | Bromont, Que. | Goalie
Before UConn: Graduated from Cegep Edouard-Montpetit…Second All-Star Team in the RSEQ, the sports league for Cegep in Quebec…Finished her second Cegep season with a save percentage of 0.971…Named Athlete of the Year in Secondary 4 and 5 on the provincial level…Student-Athlete of the Year in Secondary 4.
Personal: Samantha Carpentier-Yelle is the daughter of Denis Carpentier and Caroline Yelle…One younger sister, Alex-Ann…Intended major is biological sciences.
Danielle Fox | Unionville, Ontario | Forward
Before UConn: Attended Unionville High School…Played for the Whitby Junior Wolves, serving as assistant captain…In 2017, she earned a gold medal with the U-18 Nationals Team Ontario Red…Earned a place in the 2017 National Women's U-18 Team Selection Camp and Team Canada U-18 Strength and Conditioning Camp…Provincial bronze medalists in 2016…Vaughan Flames Most Sportsmanlike Player from 2013 to 2015…Honor Roll student all four years of high school…Gym Award as a sophomore and junior at Unionville.
Personal: Danielle McLean Fox is the daughter of Dave and Julie Fox…Two sisters, Jamie and Jayden…Sister, Jamie, plays at UConn and will serve as team captain for the 2018-19 season…Exploratory major.
Viki Harkness | Berwick, Ontario | Forward
Before UConn: Graduated from École Secondaire Catholique Casselman…Played for the Ottawa Lady 67's, serving as captain in 2017-18 season and assistant captain in 2016-17…Nominated for the Elizabeth "Liz" Turegon Award for Player of the Year…Won National Championship with U-18 Nationals Team Ontario Red in 2017, playing alongside UConn teammate Danielle Fox…Honor Roll student throughout high school…Named Athlete of the Year as a sophomore and junior at Casselman…Won school board championship in badminton, as well as holds the record in 1200m.
Personal: Viki Harkness is the daughter of Denis and Lucie Harkness…One younger brother, Mika…Intended major is allied health sciences.
MacKenzie Nicholas | Lake Worth, Fla. | Goalie
Before UConn: Graduated from Chelmsford High School…Played with the Lady Vipers out of Florida, making four-consecutive USA Hockey National Championship appearances as a goalie with the team…Competed at the New England Hockey Club in the Junior Women's Hockey League for the past two seasons…National Honor Society members and Honor Roll student in all four years.
Personal: MacKenzie Jacqueline Nicholas is the daughter of Michael and Melissa Nicholas…One younger brother, Michael…Exploratory major.
Danika Pasqua | Langley, B.C. | Forward
Before UConn: Attended Walnut Grove Secondary School…Played for the Pacific Steelers in the Junior Women's Hockey League…Team captain, All-Star and JWHL silver medalist in the 2017-18 season…Assistant captain of Team British Columbia (provincial team) in 2017, earning a bronze medal at nationals…Assistant captain for Pacific and JWHL silver medalist in the 2016-17 campaign…Played major midget for the Greater Vancouver Comets and earned second-place finish at provincials in 2015-16…Honor Roll student throughout high school…During her youth, played softball and soccer, in addition to hockey.
Personal: Danika Marie Pasqua is the daughter of Rich and Anick Pasqua…One younger sister, Jessica…Intended major is sport management.
Camryn Wong | Vancouver, B.C. | Defense
Before UConn: Graduated from York House School…Played with UConn teammate Danika Pasqua on the Pacific Steelers of the Junior Women's Hockey League…Served as assistant captain for Pacific during 2017-18 season…Coming off a strong campaign, where she earned a spot on the JWHL All-Star Team, as well as Top All-Star Defenseman and Defensive Player of the Year…Assistant captain for Team British Columbia this past season…Provincial Championship in PeeWee AA with the Burnaby Winter Club in 2013-14…On the academic side, she earned numerous awards and honors, including the District/Authority Dogwood Scholarship in 2018, the Sherry Robson Taylor Spirit Award in 2015-16, and served as Class President for the 2014-15 school year.
Personal: Camryn Elise Wong is the daughter of Joey and Linda Wong…One older sister, Courtney…Intended major is psychological sciences.
