Dani is a solid blueliner who always seemed to be in the right position at the right time. A solid skater, she also read the game very well. Her incredible intelligence and consistency made her our outstanding defense person.  Her absence during the play offs was obvious, especially her enthusiasm for the team and the game.  A graduating senior, Dani has won the admiration and respect of both her coaches and her teammates for her talent, dedication, and leadership.

Adrienne Phelps came to our club this year from Widener University just when we needed her the most. Her talent and skill made her a strong defensive and offensive presence on the ice this season and she led the league in +/-  towards the season’s end. In addition to leading the league in +/- she also had 5 goals and 8 assists making her an unstoppable force.  For her talent, hard work, and amazing performance at defense this season, she deserves this award. 

Nicolette has been with North Jersey Phoenix since the beginning two years ago. She exudes a quiet confidence both on and off the ice with the ability to go end to end with the puck on a regular basis. She also has the mental ability to control a hockey game when she is on the ice. Her personality is such that she is very modest about her on ice abilities and talent if you were to ever point them out to her in conversation. A solid two-way defenseman, Nicolette is one of the hardest competitors we have on Phoenix. She is rarely out of position in a game and is very difficult to beat one on one when being challenged by the opposition. Apart from her on ice defensive responsibilities, Nicolette was also voted an assistant captain by her teammates for the 2nd year in a row and she was one of our DVCHC All Star representatives last year in Hershey. 

Taylor Wade has been a key player on as a defender for IUP. She quickly learned the role of defense and stepped up as a defensive player when her team needed it the most. Taylor transitioned from an offensive player to defense in the three short years that she has been playing the game. Taylor played in 9 games for IUP this past season. She notched 4 assists and did not give up any penalty minutes while playing defense. Taylor's quick ability to learn and her drive to be good at her position kept the puck out of the net numerous times. She pushed and gives 100% even when it hurts or she thinks she cannot go on. Taylor made huge strides with playing defense and was quick to learn how she could get better. 

Gina can do it all.  As a rock solid defensemen, her hard work and tenacity defended our net while her offensive talent was good for a goal a game (12) - the most on our team and 2nd most in the DVCHC.  She plays every other shift and has only been to the box twice.  If you've played our team, you remember her.  Best of all, if you've met her off the ice, you remember her too.    Gina is crazy outgoing, inclusive of everyone, positive and welcoming to all - teammate or no.  Her love of hockey and those around her is unmatched.  Beyond her offensive ability, her veteran hard work, back checking and heads up play made her our defensewomen of the year.