EASTON, MASS. (September 23, 2022)- Stonehill College women's ice hockey head coach, Tara Watchorn has announced graduate forward, Katie Sonntag as the team captain and junior forward, Paige Whaley as the assistant captain. 

"I'm honored to announce the program's first-ever captains going into our inaugural season," said Watchorn. "It's a historic moment and we are fortunate to have Katie Sonntag and Paige Whaley lead the way.  Paige is a natural at thinking ahead and organizing the group, while Katie's passion, professionalism, and consistency will be just what this young team needs.  It's an absolute pleasure to work alongside them and the leadership group, to help define what it means to be a Stonehill Women's Ice Hockey player." 

Sonntag hails from Hailey, ID, and is a transfer from Union College. During her time at Union, Sonntag played three years in 97 games and tallied eight goals while dishing out nine assists (17 points). Her best season came during her freshman year when she finished with nine points (four goals, five assists). Sonntag was named to the ECAC All-Academic Team four times (2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, and 2021-22). Prior to collegiate hockey, Sonntag was a member of the Pursuit of Excellence (Candian Sports School Hockey League) where she totaled 40 points in 57 appearances. 

Whaley comes from Carlisle, Ontario, and previously attended Mercyhurst University. In her two seasons with the Lakers, Whaley played in 37 games and dished out one assist while blocking four shots. Her best season was her sophomore year when she played in 20 games and dished out one assist while recording three blocks. Prior to her playing collegiate hockey, Whaley played for Appleby College and was named the team captain, and won Conference of Independent Schools Athlete Association gold two years in a row. She also was a member of the Brampton Canadettes where she was part of the provincial championship team and played in the Esso Cup while being named Most Sportsmanlike Player of the tournament.  

Stonehill will make its long-awaited debut as a member of the New England Women's Hockey Alliance (NEWHA) which features Franklin Pierce University, Long Island University, Post University, Sacred Heart University, Saint Anselm College, and Saint Michael's College. 

After hosting an exhibition game against the University of Moncton at the Bridgewater Ice Arena Saturday, September 24, at 5 p.m., Stonehill officially starts its inaugural regular season schedule with a home and home weekend series with Hockey East member, University of Connecticut on Friday, September 30 in Storrs, Connecticut, at 6 p.m. followed by the Skyhawks official home opener against the Huskies on Saturday, October 1, at the Bridgewater Ice Arena at 5 p.m. 

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