From the moment SJU icehockey came into existence there was Therese D'Allegro.  She is the driving force behind our team both on and off the ice.  From meetings, to paperwork, to jersey creation, Therese has been been our MVP each and every day. 

Therese is a solid two way player and can be counted on in any situation to make the important stop on defense or to lead the rush on offense.  Therese gives her all and skates hard every shift. 

Having played since her high school days, Therese is constantly matched up against the other team's top line players a job she takes very seriously.  #12 does it all and can constantly be seen blocking shots, back checking, or taking the lead in diving for a juicy rebound to give her team the edge. 

Therese is all heart and leads by example whether in a game or a 5am morning skate, there is no quit in Therese D'Allegro.

Senior, Kristina Harter is without question the University of Pennsylvania  Most Valuable Player. Playing as the team’s starting center, co-captain and co-president of the team, and excelling at one of the top Ivy League schools in the nation; Kristina displayed why she is the Most Valuable Player in the league.

Kristina was constantly the first girl at the locker room and always had her pads on ready to hit the ice when the time came. Having Kristina in the locker room, on the bench and most importantly on the ice; the difference was noticeable.

Last season, the UPenn women’s ice hockey team did not win a single game. When I met with Kristina during the summer of 2011; she told them that things need to and will change come the upcoming season. I gave her my word that I would try my best to coach the team to become successful. The motivation in Kristina’s eye’s should have been captured through a lens.

Knowing how badly Kristina wanted to win the upcoming season; I knew she was going to be ready. But the way she got the girls ready for a game and how she made plays on the ice every single game…priceless and remarkable.

We lost Kristina for one game during the season due to a family obligation back in her hometown of Michigan. We played Columbia, who at the time was undefeated. We lost that game, as we had no offensive pressure whatsoever. The next game Kristina was back, we played Columbia again…we came flying out of the gates and Kristina led the way. It was magical. Kristina had two goals and two assists during a 5-2 victory.

Kristina was a huge factor in making players around her much better; as we marched in to the playoffs…Kristina carried us to the championship game. Kristina is the gasoline to our team. Without her, our team would be skating on fumes. Kristina Harter is far and beyond this year’s league Most Valuable Player.

Amy brought a great dynamic to our program this season. She possesses the hockey skills, speed, and hockey knowledge along with the work ethic that enabled our team to have the success it did. 

Given the fact that our team had such a short bench this season (only 10 skaters all season) Amy was called upon to carry much of the load for the team. Playing with only 3 defensemen, one of whom was our only true defenseman; the other being a converted goalie, with Amy often being the third, she stepped up in a big way by playing 35+ minutes each game, always without question.

Amy played offense and defense with the same enthusiasm and was able to score and provide support from both positions. In many games it was difficult to get her to come off the ice, even though she was dead tired; but she never slowed down. Many times she would play offense, drop back on D to rest the defense and then jump right back up on offense for a third shift. I’m sure every coach in the league would love to have 10 players of Amy’s caliber, but they would be happy to settle for one of her.

We truly appreciate the incredible effort Amy gave to our program this season and we are very excited to have her nominated for league MVP. She certainly is our team MVP. We look forward in anticipated excitement to what she might bring to our program and the league over the next few years.

Amy’s abilities and dedication enabled her to be top 5 in the league for goals scored (12), assists (5) points (17) and +/- (22). Her contribution to raising the standard of play both at Rutgers and in the DVCHC, I believe is unmatched. It truly was a pleasure to have the opportunity to be her coach this season.  Being awarded the league MVP and Sportsmanship awards only seems fitting for such an unselfish and dedicated player. 

Melissa is an Assistant Captain on our team who leads by example, playing every shift with urgency, focus and purpose. She is a fundamentally sound hockey player; her positioning, skating and puck handling skills are excellent.  

She is an integral part of the team playing on both the penalty kill and power play. This year was Melissa’s first foray into playing on offense; she went from being a stay-at-home defenseman to playing wing and center in half our games. I soon discovered she is a standout two-way player and playmaker. 

Melissa is second on our team in scoring and assists, and third in plus-minus.  Melissa was instrumental in helping the team achieve our best ever divisional record.

Melissa’s ice hockey skills are evident the moment you see her step on the ice. As excited as I am to see someone with her ability wearing an IUP Women’s Ice Hockey Jersey there is something I am even more elated about. Melissa put all her years of hard work and training to good use this season by becoming a USA certified coach. I am proud to say that Melissa is my daughters’ ice hockey Coach.

Melissa has a great rapport with the players and has a unique ability to bring out the best in them.  All the girls on the team look up to her and I can say unequivocally that she is their favorite coach.  Not only does she give back to the community by volunteering as a coach but she is also involved in helping our own team thrive as Vice President of IUP’s Women’s Ice Hockey Club. 

Melissa Zehe is a leader both on and off the ice, a respected coach, an outstanding student athlete and our teams Most Valuable Player.