Women’s Hockey Adds Six with Incoming Recruiting Class

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Brown head women's hockey coach Melanie Ruzzi has announced her first recruiting class, introducing five members of the incoming class of 2026, and one transfer who will be joining as part of the Class of 2024. The group features three forwards, two defenseman and one goaltender, and represent the states/provinces of Minnesota, Pennsylvania, British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan.

Forwards Jade Iginla and India McDadi, defensemen Ellie Gauvin and Maddie Morgan, and goaltender Mégane Pilon will be coming to College Hill as freshman in the fall, while junior transfer Jess Ciarrocchi will be coming to Providence after spending the last two years at Penn State.

"I am really proud of the first class that our staff is bringing to Brown University and to join an already dynamic team of women in our locker room," Ruzzi said. "Each of these young women have a skill set that will enhance the team's play, and character that will contribute to the Brown community. We are a team that prides itself on playing an aggressive style and exhibiting joy in the game – our staff is excited to put all of these pieces together to build on the late success of the 2021-22 season."

Jade Iginla – Forward – Lake Country, B.C. – RINK Kelowna Female Prep U18
Before Brown: Named to the U18 Team Canada roster for the 2022 IIHF U18 Women's World Championships…Helped her team capture the 2022 CSSHL championship…Member of Team BC that captured the 2021 Western Regional Women's U18 Championship…Also played soccer and softball.

Personal: Daughter of Kara and Jarome Iginla…Has two younger brothers, Tij and Joe…Her father Jarome played 20+ years in the NHL, is a former member of the Canadian National Team and is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Why Brown?: "I chose Brown to play hockey for a great program and explore various interests through the Open Curriculum alongside like-minded, passionate individuals."

Ruzzi on Jade: "Jade has the IQ, powerful stride and skill set to be able to fill the hole provided by graduation at the center position. Her game is showing continuous growth and she is proving to be an elite goal scorer. As a fierce competitor, I believe Jade will thrive in the more physical college game and she will make an impact in the ECAC in her rookie campaign."

Ellie Gauvin – Defense – Moose Jaw, Sask. – Notre Dame Hounds
Before Brown: Assistant captain for Team Saskatchewan…Competed for the Notre Dame Hounds, finishing her career with 10 goals and 13 assists across 63 games…Helped lead the Hounds to a league title, western championship and participated in a national championship…Mandi Schwartz Memorial Scholarship recipient…Chancellor Fred Hill Award winner.

Personal: Daughter of Vivian and Stéphane Gauvin…Has one sister, Vera, who is a member of the cross country team at the University of Regina…Her father graduated from Cornell and was a member of the hockey team.

Why Brown?: "I chose Brown to further my educational and hockey aspirations. The open curriculum will allow me to explore many different courses to pick a concentration I am passionate about."

Ruzzi on Ellie: "Ellie originally caught our eye because of her elite skating coupled with the ability to add some size to our D core. Over time we saw consistent execution and details in her game that point to her maturity and high IQ as a defender. We believe Ellie is capable of being an impact player for us and within the ECAC."

Jess Ciarrocchi – Forward – West Chester, Pa. – Penn State
2021-22 (at Penn State): Appeared in 22 games…Tallied one assist.
2020-21 (at Penn State): Appeared in all 21 games…Totaled three goals and five assists to help the Nittany Lions to the CHA regular season title.
High School: Three-time selection to the U18 USA Hockey National Camp (2017-19)…Played three years of hockey at The Hill School (2017-20) and one year at West Chester Rustin High (2016-17)…Graduating as The Hill School's all-time leading scorer with 108 career points…Served as team captain, was named MVP and led The Hill School to a Prep League Championships title…Two-time First Team All-Area selection…First Team All-Prep League selection…Received the Coaches Award for Excellence…Prep Hockey Forward of the Year Candidate…MAPL All-Academic Team selection…Also competed for the Boston Jr. Eagles, helping them to a Mass. state title in 2019.…Also played lacrosse where she was an Under Armour All-America Team selection and named to the MAPL All-Academic Team…Two-time Physical Fitness Champion at The Hill School…Honor roll student.

Personal: Daughter of Andrea and Mark Ciarrocchi…Has one sister, Elena…Her father Mark played baseball at West Chester U.

Why Brown?: "I chose Brown because of the opportunities the school and hockey program will afford me, not only now, but for the rest of my life. The quality of education is second to none, and the school feels like a very welcoming and tight-knit community. In addition to the outstanding academics, I fell in love with the coaches and team, and am excited to join a program with such an amazing culture and limitless potential."

Ruzzi on Jess: "Jess brings valuable playing experience after completing two seasons at Penn State – only three of our returners have multiple seasons under their belt. Her extraordinary work ethic on- and off- the ice will solidify the culture of the program and makes her a great fit for the aggressive, high-tempo we want to play."

India McDadi – Forward – Mississauga, Ont. – Philadelphia Junior Flyers
Before Brown: Member of the U19 Philadelphia Junior Flyers, helping the team to the finals of the 2022 USA Hockey Nationals while serving as team captain…Member of the 2020 Mississauga Hurricanes that were ranked No. 2 in Canada U17, won the LLFHL Division title, and finished runner-up in two national tournaments while playing as a U21 team…Selected for the 2016 OWHA U16 camp…Also played high school boys baseball; named baseball team's MVP as a freshman…Honor roll student...Graduated with a 4.0 GPA…Peel Regional Speech Competition winner.

Personal: Daughter of Jennifer Kennedy and Hatem McDadi…Has two siblings, Bodi and Kye…Her father, Hatem is a former Canadian national champion and ATP ranked tennis player.

Why Brown?: "I choose Brown because I think I will develop as a player and a person. I really liked the coaching staff and it felt like home. And I will graduate with a great education."

Ruzzi on India: "India has a knack for scoring that's usually a result of savvy play and elite puck skills. Outside of India's offensive flash, she competes in all three zones and exudes happiness in how she plays and interacts with her teammates."

Maddie Morgan – Defense – Edina, Minn. – Junior Whitecaps
Before Brown: Two-time all-conference honorable mention selection…Academic All-State honoree…Holy Family Catholic High School Science Award winner.

Personal: Daughter of Jennifer and Michael Morgan…Has two siblings, Drew and Jia.

Why Brown?: "I chose Brown because of the unique opportunity it provided me to both further my hockey career at a high level, and get a world-class education. I loved the idea of Brown's open curriculum, as I am still not sure exactly what field I look to go into. The location and beauty of the school is also very attractive, and I know it will be a great place to spend my future. The women's hockey team itself is historic, being the first women's college hockey team, and one that looks to have a very bright future, so I knew I wanted to be a part of that journey."

Ruzzi on Maddie: "Maddie skates the surface really well and makes some quick puck plays that will serve her well at this next level. There is an offensive component to her game that is really exciting and a skill set that will allow her to quickly develop into a versatile and effective player."

Mégane Pilon – Goalie – St. Jerome, Que. – Stanstead College
Before Brown: Had a three-year varsity career at Stanstead College…Posted a 10-1-0 record with three shutouts during her senior season with a .938 save percentage and 1.36 GAA…Finished the 2019-20 season with seven shutouts and a 20-3-2 record, holding a .937 save pct….Honor roll student.

Personal: Daughter of Hélène Jounault and Hugo Pilon…Has an older brother, Olivier.

Why Brown?: "Brown is the place where I can see myself grow as a person and as an athlete.

Ruzzi on Mégane: "Mégane is coming from a top hockey program so she has been facing elite shooters throughout her development and has prepared her to make the jump to NCAA DI. We are most excited about her willingness to compete on every save, plays on top of her crease and has confidence in herself."

The incoming class will look to continue the momentum started by the Bears this past season. Under the direction of an entirely new coaching staff, Brown finished the 2021-22 season with its best record since the 2016-17 season, and won its most games in ECAC play since the 2008-09 season, leading to its highest conference finishes in a decade. For her efforts in leading the Bears' turnaround, head coach Melanie Ruzzi was named one of three finalists for ECAC Coach of the Year.

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Women’s Hockey Adds Six with Incoming Recruiting Class

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