Women’s Hockey: A rundown of the Terriers’ off-season

By Miranda Lemus 

Now that the summer dust is slowly starting to settle, all eyes are on Boston University Women’s Hockey to leave their mark this season. With the departure of former Head Coach Brian Durocher and the rest of the coaching staff, the Terriers have a chance to start fresh and reestablish themselves as an NCAA Tournament contender.

This transformational year for BU all starts with bringing in new players who have proved during their minor hockey or college hockey careers that they could be the missing pieces the Terriers have needed. This year’s highly anticipated incoming class includes five forwards and one goaltender. In addition to the 2027 incoming class, BU has also secured three transfers, two forwards and a goaltender.

Among this talented group comes international experience, elite goal-scoring, creativity, and potential, which is exactly what the Terriers need to have a successful year.

Class of 2027

Alex Law | Forward – Durham West Junior Lightning 

‘22-’23 with Durham West: 34 GP, 14 G, 25 A

Fresh off a U18 Women’s Worlds gold medal with Team Canada, as well as an OWHA U22 Provincial Championship with the Durham West Junior Lightning, Law arrives in Boston hoping to continue her winning streak. Law’s arrival has been much anticipated following her standout U18 Worlds performance (4 GP, 3G 4A). Whether it be her off-ice leadership as an assistant captain for Canada U18, or her ability to generate scoring in clutch moments, Law looks to make an immediate impact for BU this season. 

Mikayla Blomquist | Forward – RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna 

‘22-’23 with Kelowna: 30 GP, 8 G, 21 A

Joining the Terriers from Western Canada’s most prestigious hockey program, Blomquist also brings championship experience to this incoming class. After securing the title of back-to-back CSSHL Champion, Blomquist went on to represent British Columbia at the Canada Winter Games this past spring, where she was a key part in winning the team’s first-ever gold medal in women’s hockey. Blomquist will also reunite with Kelowna teammate, sophomore defenseman Brooke Disher, and perhaps reignite on-ice chemistry along the way. 

Jackson Kinsler | Forward – Shattuck St. Mary’s

‘22-’23 with SSM: 53 GP, 8 G, 22 A

After a successful campaign with Deerfield Academy, Kinsler took her talents to American prep powerhouse Shattuck St. Mary’s for one final year of minor hockey before making the jump to the NCAA. Although her stint at Shattuck was short, Kinsler managed to make a name for herself on the star-studded roster, appearing in all 53 games for the Sabres where her 22 assists aided the team’s championship run.

Neely Nicholson | Forward – Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 19U

‘22-’23 with Pittsburgh: No stats available

Following another season with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite club, Nicholson found herself producing amongst the average with other NCAA commits. Throughout her most recent season, Nicholson showed glimpses of elite goal-scoring and production. Previously BU has had former Penguins, such as Reagan Rust ‘19, come into the program and excel. With this new coaching staff and strong leadership, Nicholson looks primed to exceed expectations.

Ella Huntley | Forward – Etobicoke Junior Dolphins

‘22-’23 with Etobicoke: 40 GP, 14 G, 11 A

With the departure of flashy goalscorer Julia Nearis, the Terriers will look to Buffalo native Ella Huntley for on-ice creativity. Huntley spent most of her minor hockey career in the US, but made the move to Canada’s premier hockey league, the OWHL, during her sophomore year. The move proved to be beneficial for her development with consistent upward progress in her stat line and skill.

Mari Pietersen | Goaltender – Etobicoke Junior Dolphins 

‘22-’23 with Etobicoke: 21 GP, 14-5-2, 1.93 GAA, .930 SV%

Backstopping Canada’s U18 Team to a gold medal in 2022, long-time commit Mari Pietersen will finally make her NCAA debut this year. Over the past couple of seasons, Pietersen has split time with her goalie partners and this year could look very similar. There’s no doubt that Pietersen has the skill to compete at the college and judging from her standout U18 Worlds performance, the Terriers should be confident with her in between the pipes. 

Transfers

Luisa Welcke | Forward – University of Maine

‘22-’23 with Maine: 33 GP, 8 G, 22 A

Adding onto the abundance of international experience comes long-time Team Germany forward and University of Maine transfer, Luisa Welcke. This Hockey East All-Rookie team member will provide a much-needed boost in offensive production the Terrier’s lacked in the 2022-2023 season. A threat when playing for the Black Bears, having Welcke wearing the scarlet and white will help BU in more ways than one.

Lilli Welcke | Forward – University of Maine

‘22-’23 with Maine: 33 GP, 6 G, 15 A

Similar to her twin sister, Lilli Welcke comes to BU in hopes to build off the success of her rookie campaign. Welcke demonstrated her dominance last season with her shifty play style, resulting in many offensive opportunities. Also earning a spot on last year’s Hockey East All-Rookie team, the Terriers are building a solid young foundation for years to come and Welcke will be a large part of that. 

Alexa Matses | Goaltender – Northeastern University 

Career with Northeastern: 5 GP (0 starts), 31:41 TOI, 1.89 GAA, .941 SV%

Sharing time with Northeastern’s star graduate goaltender Gwyneth Philips, Matses has minimal NCAA experience with just five games under her belt. Coming into her last season of eligibility with BU, Matses should fight for the Terriers’ starting job. After four years in the shadows, she’ll hope to have a larger spotlight on her in 2023.

Coaching Staff

Tara Watchorn | Head Coach – Stonehill College

In pursuit of leading her alma mater to victory, Tara Watchorn is back in Beantown as Head Coach of the new and improved Terriers squad. Although her stint at Stonehill College was short-lived, Watchorn managed to earn the honor of being named 2022-2023 NEWHA Coach of the Year for her work with the Skyhawks during their first year at the D1 level. Also recognizing Watchorn’s coaching talents was Hockey Canada, who named her as an assistant coach for the 2023 U18 World Championships for the second year in a row. Earlier this summer, it was also announced that Watchorn will continue her partnership with U18 Team Canada and will once again be on the coaching staff for the U18 World Juniors. With many Terriers looking for that extra step up after a disappointing season, they’ll look to Watchorn for guidance on creating a winning team starting this season. 

Courtney Kessel | Associate Head Coach – Princeton University 

Coaching alongside Watchorn at the 2023 U18 World Championships as Head Coach, Kessel is headed to BU for a fresh start. Before coming to Boston, Kessel was previously an assistant coach at Princeton University, where she’s spent the past three seasons. Coming into this transformative year for the Terriers, Kessel will be leaned on a lot by incoming players and veterans, who are hoping to take their talents to a professional squad. Kessel also happens to be the former Head Coach of the Toronto Furies, a former professional women’s hockey team. Fans should be excited that Kessel and Watchorn plan to join forces to ensure this program gets back on its feet. 

Megan Myers | Assistant Coach – Stonehill College

Also hopping on the Beantown bandwagon is former Stonehill College assistant coach Megan Myers. Before her time at Stonehill, Myers spent five seasons with Becker College before the university decided to close its doors. Myers and Watchorn have worked very closely together during their time at Stonehill and even as teammates during their professional hockey careers. Their pre-existing coaching chemistry will make the transition into this season much smoother.