Season Preview: Women's Ice Hockey Begins Inaugural Season Friday

PITTSFORD, N.Y. – After more than a year of preparation and anticipation, the St. John Fisher University women’s ice hockey team will make history on Friday night, opening its inaugural season on the road against Neumann University in Aston, Pa. 

This long-awaited debut marks a significant milestone for the university and reflects the continued growth of its intercollegiate athletics department. Backed by a motivated roster and a drive to establish their identity, the Cardinals are focused on building a strong foundation and setting the standard for the program’s future.

“This inaugural season marks a defining moment — not just for our program, but for everyone who believes in what Fisher Hockey can become,” head coach Scott McDonald said. “As head coach, it’s an incredible honor to help build something from the ground up, to set the standards, culture, and identity that will carry forward for years to come.

“Every day, we’re laying the foundation — teaching our players what it means to wear the Fisher crest, to compete with pride, and to represent something bigger than themselves. This first season is about more than wins and losses; it’s about creating the blueprint for sustained success, growth, and excellence in everything we do. The future of Fisher Hockey starts here, and we’re just getting started.”

Meet the Staff

Scott McDonald (Head Coach) – Scott McDonald became St. John Fisher University’s first-ever women’s ice hockey coach in June 2024. 

A veteran in the local and collegiate hockey landscapes, McDonald arrived at Fisher after spending three years as the player development coach for the Bishop Kearney Selects girls’ hockey program. 

Before that, he led the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) women’s hockey program for 12 seasons (2006-2018), compiling a 205-154-29 overall record, including a 151-38-15 (.777) mark in Division III. He put the Tigers on the map as one of the top Division III teams and led the program’s eventual transition to Division I. 

Under McDonald, RIT reached the NCAA Tournament four times (three in DIII) and won four conference titles, including two ECAC West championships and two College Hockey America championships. The two-time ECAC West Coach of the Year nominee produced a slew of All-America and All-Conference selections. 

In 2010-11, RIT won its first ECAC West Championship and reached the NCAA Division III National Championship game. The Tigers finished 26-2-2 and boasted three All-Americans, including three-time selection Sarah Dagg, the Laura Hurd National Player of the Year.

In their final season as a Division III program, 2011-12, the Tigers took down Norwich University 4-1 to claim the first national championship in program history. They began and ended that season with 14-game winning streaks en route to an NCAA record 28 victories (28-1-1). RIT held the top spot in the national poll for 18 weeks. 

RIT moved up to Division I before the 2012-13 season and quickly began competing at a high level. After a 16-16-5 finish to their first DI season, the Tigers went 20-15-3 and won the College Hockey America (CHA) Tournament in 2013-14. They repeated as CHA champions the following season to clinch their first NCAA Tournament berth as a DI program. 

A 2000 graduate of Niagara University, McDonald played defense for the Purple Eagles from 1996-2000. He was part of the school’s inaugural freshman and first graduating classes as a Division I program. During his senior year, he helped Niagara, in only its fourth season, to an NCAA Tournament at-large bid, beating the University of New Hampshire in the northeast regional. He also helped Niagara to an undefeated season in the College Hockey America conference (15-0-2, 30-8-4 overall), as well as the CHA regular season and tournament titles.

McDonald later served as an assistant at Utica College for one season before moving to RIT to serve as the assistant coach for the RIT men’s hockey program from 2003-06. The men’s program moved up to Division I in 2005. 

McDonald, a native of Oakville, Ontario, is the only person in NCAA history to play at the Division I and III level and coach at both divisions on both the men’s and women’s sides.

Prior to college, he played in Toronto for the St. Michael’s Buzzers and the North York Rangers. Professionally, McDonald played in Hagfors, Sweden, for the IK Viking Ishockeyklubb. Prior to that, McDonald played with the San Angelo (Texas) Outlaws of the Western Professional Hockey League.

Georgiana Santullo (Assistant Coach) – Georgiana Santullo, who played five collegiate seasons at Utica, joined the brand-new St. John Fisher program in September 2024 after one professional season in Italy. She played for Eagles Sudtirol in the European Women's Hockey League (EWHL) and the Italian Hockey League (IHL). 

Santullo compiled an impressive resume while playing in the UCHC during her collegiate career at Utica (2018-23). She won the UCHC Player of the Year award and garnered AHA All-American honors in 2021-22 when she scored 29 goals and had 26 assists in 26 games. The three-time team captain also earned All-UCHC first-team honors twice and All-UCHC academic honors four times. 

Santullo holds Utica’s single-season records for points (55), goals (29), power-play goals (9) and points per game (2.12). She reached all of those marks during her senior year. 

Rochester Ice Center: Home Of St. John Fisher Hockey

Located about 20 minutes from campus in Fairport, the Rochester Ice Center, in collaboration with St. John Fisher University, added a third rink that the Cardinals’ men’s and women’s programs call home. The facility can accommodate up to 2,200 spectators and includes a video board, heated seating areas, two press boxes and a full-service restaurant overlooking the ice, the Great American Wing Company. 

Meet The Team 

Defense

The Cardinals enter their inaugural season with a young defensive unit made up of five players — four freshmen and one transfer with collegiate experience.

Cordelia Wemyss – So., Pittsburgh, Pa.

A transfer from Utica University, Wemyss is the only defender on the roster with prior collegiate experience, having appeared in two games for the Pioneers. Before college, she competed for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite.

• Why Fisher: “I chose Fisher for the strong coaching staff, the clear goals set for the program, and the welcoming atmosphere on campus.”
•  Fun Fact: She hopes to become a forensic pathologist.

Alayna Denofrio – Fr., Erie, Pa.

Denofrio joins the Cardinals after competing for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite.

• Why Fisher: “I chose Fisher for its outstanding nursing program and welcoming campus community.”
• Fun Fact: She hopes to become a pediatric nurse.

Brooklyn Joyce – Fr., Jefferson Hills, Pa.

Joyce also competed with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite prior to joining the Cardinals.

• Why Fisher: “I wanted to be part of something new and help build a program from the ground up.”
• Fun Fact: She can juggle.

Casey Turek – Fr., Winfield, Ill.

Turek played for Team Illinois and represented the USA Hockey Central District team in 2022.

• Why Fisher: “I chose Fisher for the friendly people and the chance to pursue my dream of playing collegiate hockey.”
• Fun Fact: She enjoys hiking and baking.

Jailey Wilson – Fr., Pueblo, Colo.

Wilson captained Team Colorado, leading them to two national tournament appearances, and later played for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite.

• Why Fisher: “I liked that Fisher is a small school with a strong athletic community.”
• Fun Fact: She has a dog named Moose.

Forwards

Fisher’s forward group features 13 players, including 12 freshmen and one transfer with collegiate experience.

Cameran Evans – Jr., Pittsburgh, Pa.

A transfer from Utica University, Evans appeared in 14 games across two seasons, tallying two assists. She previously played for the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite.

• Why Fisher: “I chose Fisher for the coaching staff, the welcoming campus, and the opportunity to be closer to home.”
• Fun Fact: She enjoys golf and has six siblings.

Cecelia Stewart – Fr., Buffalo, N.Y.

Stewart joins the Cardinals after playing for Nichols School.

• Why Fisher: “I was drawn to the strong atmosphere and the coaching staff’s vision.”
• Fun Fact: She enjoys baking pumpkin bread.

Nicole Doeringer – Fr., Batavia, N.Y.

Doeringer played for the Amherst Knights and USA Hockey’s 19U team, earning multiple tournament championships.

• Why Fisher: “It’s always been my goal to play collegiate hockey, and Fisher gave me that opportunity.”
• Fun Fact: She can play the harmonica.

Sienna Chin Gerding – Fr., Smithfield, R.I.

Gerding competed for the Rhode Island Sting, helping them qualify for the 2025 nationals.

• Why Fisher: “I loved the welcoming campus, the coaching staff, and the great food.”
• Fun Fact: She’s proud to represent Rhode Island.

Sophie Grant – Fr., Media, Pa.

Grant played for the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers, earning both Playmaker of the Year and MVP honors.

• Why Fisher: “I was drawn to Fisher’s welcoming environment and the opportunity to be part of something new.”
• Fun Fact: She enjoys skiing in her free time.

Erin Lantry – Fr., Massena, N.Y.

Lantry played for the Kemptville Thunder and helped her high school team capture two Section X titles.

• Why Fisher: “Fisher was the perfect distance from home, and I loved the campus environment.”
• Fun Fact: She has a cat named Cleo.

Andrea Fernandez – Fr., Danville, Calif.

Fernandez played for Team Illinois, earning All-State honors twice and team MVP recognition in 2024–25.

• Why Fisher: “I chose Fisher for its welcoming community and strong academic and athletic opportunities.”
• Fun Fact: She’s a triplet.

Eibhleann Knox – Fr., Princeton, N.J.

Knox played for the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers.

• Why Fisher: “I’ve always dreamed of playing collegiate hockey, and Fisher made that possible.”
• Fun Fact: She enjoys fishing in her free time.

Maddie Southwick – Fr., Tupper Lake, N.Y.

Southwick competed for the ADK 46ers, helping her high school win a Section X title.

• Why Fisher: “I chose Fisher for its friendly community and the chance to play collegiate hockey.”
• Fun Fact: Her favorite food is Greek yogurt.

Keira Reckley – Fr., Frisco, Texas

Reckley played for the Ontario Hockey Academy, earning Player of the Year and Forward of the Year honors.

• Why Fisher: “I believed in the coaching staff’s vision for the program, and Fisher immediately felt like home.”
• Fun Fact: She’s one of seven siblings and has hosted 26 exchange students.

Josie Palumbo – Fr., Littleton, Colo.

Palumbo played for the Winchendon School in Massachusetts.

• Why Fisher: “I loved the atmosphere on campus and the connection with the coaching staff.”
• Fun Fact: She enjoys baking.

Katelyn Cyr – Fr., Gorham, Maine

Cyr played for the Maine Moose, helping her team win a 2025 state championship and appearing in the Maine Senior All-Star Game.

• Why Fisher: “Fisher offers an outstanding education program and a true sense of community.”
• Fun Fact: She can identify every country on a world map.

Ellie Prantner – Fr., Arlington, Va.

Prantner played for the Washington Pride and was named a 2025 JWHL All-Star.

• Why Fisher: “I wanted to study nursing in a competitive program while playing collegiate hockey.”
• Fun Fact: She’s from the Washington, D.C. area.

Goaltenders

The Cardinals’ goaltending corps includes one senior transfer and two freshmen.

Anna Riek – Sr., Lewiston, N.Y.

Riek transferred from Neumann University, where she appeared in eight games and earned UCHC All-Academic honors. She previously played for the Rochester Edge Girls Hockey program.

• Why Fisher: “I was already attending Fisher and playing for the men’s club team — joining the varsity women’s program was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
• Fun Fact: She ran a half-marathon last summer.

Lizzie Poole – Fr., Georgetown, Ontario

Poole joins Fisher after playing for the North Halton Twisters.

• Why Fisher: “It’s always been my dream to play collegiate hockey, and Fisher’s community and environment made it an easy choice.”
• Fun Fact: She is the only full Canadian on the roster.

Brynn Bacak – Fr., Williamsville, N.Y.

Bacak played for Nichols Prep prior to joining the Cardinals.

• Why Fisher: “I chose Fisher for its great campus atmosphere and outstanding nursing program.”
• Fun Fact: Her favorite animals are turtles.