Fairfield, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team will host Saint Michael's for a two-game series as they continue New England Women's Hockey Alliance (NEWHA) play on Friday, October 24, and Saturday, October 25. Puck drop is set for 5:00 p.m. on Friday and 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, both at Martire Family Arena. 
 
Top Headlines

• The Pioneers head into their third NEWHA series of the season holding a 1-3 conference record. The Pioneers lost both games to Stonehill last weekend. They will look to bounce back this weekend as Saint Michael's comes into town.
• Senior defender Olivia LaRoche has been outstanding to start the season. Last Friday, she scored a clutch goal in the final minute of regulation to force overtime and added an assist in the same game. Through six games, LaRoche has already recorded 19 blocked shots, showcasing her impact on both ends of the ice.
• Junior forward Isabella Chaput has been generating offensive attempts at an impressive rate. Though she's only found the back of the net once so far this season, last year's leading goal scorer for the Pioneers looks poised to break through. Averaging nearly five shots per game through six contests, it seems only a matter of time before Chaput's persistence starts paying off on the scoreboard.
• Sophomore forward Ella Holm continued her strong start to the season this past weekend. On Friday night against Stonehill, Holm scored a clutch goal late in the third period to cut the deficit in half. It marked her second goal of the season, and she has now recorded a point in three of the team's first six games. Holm has been efficient on both ends of the ice, totaling 12 shots and three blocked shots so far this season.
• The Pioneers have been outstanding on the penalty kill to start the season. They've successfully killed off 15 of 16 penalties for an impressive 93.75% success rate. On the other end, Sacred Heart has converted three of 17 power-play opportunities and will look to build on that efficiency as the season progresses.

Last Time Out vs Saint Michael's 

• The Pioneers and Purple Knights last faced off in early February during the 2024–25 regular season, when Sacred Heart hosted Saint Michael's for a two-game home series.
• In the opener, Saint Michael's came away with a 3–1 win despite being heavily outplayed statistically. Sacred Heart dominated possession, outshooting the Purple Knights 37–21 and winning the faceoff battle 34–14, but couldn't capitalize on their chances.
• The second game was all Pioneers. After falling behind late in the first period, Sacred Heart exploded for five unanswered goals to secure a commanding 5–1 victory. Alyssa Antonakis led the way with two goals, while the Pioneers once again controlled the pace, outshooting Saint Michael's 37–18.

History vs Saint Michael's 

• This weekend marks the 50th and 51st meetings between the two programs. The Pioneers have found consistent success in the matchup, holding an impressive 39-5-5 record against the Purple Knights.
• Despite Sacred Heart's strong track record, Saint Michael's is never an opponent to overlook. Both teams know each other very well and will look to get on a hot start once the puck is finally dropped

On Saint Michael's 

• Despite Saint Michael's 1-4 start, the Purple Knights have shown bright spots and feature several key players the Pioneers will need to keep an eye on this weekend.
• Through five games, Saint Michael's has been strong on the penalty kill, successfully stopping 18 of 20 power plays for an impressive 90% kill rate. However, puck possession has been an area of concern. The Purple Knights have been outdrawn in the faceoff circle 171-84 and are averaging just 19.4 shots per game compared to their opponents' 50.8. That's a margin Sacred Heart will look to exploit by controlling possession and maintaining offensive pressure throughout the series.
• Sophomore forward Alicia McDonald has been the Purple Knights' leading goal scorer so far, tallying three goals through five games, including two against NEWHA rival Saint Anselm. McDonald has also recorded eight shots, showcasing her ability to generate scoring opportunities.
• Junior defender Maddie Quinn has been a defensive anchor for Saint Michael's, already blocking 22 shots this season. She's also contributed offensively with a goal and an assist, proving she can make an impact on both ends of the ice. 
• In goal, senior goaltender Annika Lavender has been exceptional to start the season. Through three games, she has allowed five goals while turning away 139 shots, posting a remarkable .965 save percentage.