Fairfield, Conn. – The Sacred Heart University women's ice hockey team hits the road this weekend to face Stonehill in New England Women's Hockey Alliance (NEWHA) action. Puck drop is set for 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 17, and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, at the Bridgewater Ice Arena. 
 
Top Headlines

• The Pioneers head into their second NEWHA series of the season holding a 1-1 conference record. After bouncing back with a strong win over Franklin Pierce on Saturday, Sacred Heart looks to build on that momentum this weekend.
• Sophomore defender Julia Zielinska is off to an impressive start in her Sacred Heart career. In her debut game, she found the back of the net twice, first just two minutes into the opening period to give the Pioneers an early lead, and again late in the third with an empty-net goal to seal the win. Zielinska looks poised to be a key contributor for Sacred Heart throughout the season.
• Sophomore forward Ella Holm is also off to an impressive start this season. Through four games, she has recorded one goal and two assists, proving to be a steady offensive presence for the Pioneers. In addition to her offensive contributions, Holm has also been strong defensively, registering three blocked shots.
• Captain and goaltender Jillian Petruno has been outstanding to start the season. Through three games, she's recorded 93 saves and holds an impressive .939 save percentage. The Pioneers are 2-1 in games she has started, and Petruno looks to carry her strong play into the upcoming weekend series.
• Senior defender Olivia LaRoche has been a steady defensive anchor for the Pioneers. Through four games, she's totaled 12 blocked shots, showcasing her strong defensive presence. LaRoche has also contributed offensively with an assist, proving she can make an impact at both ends of the ice.

Last Time Out vs Stonehill

• The Pioneers and Skyhawks last met in mid-January during the back half of the 2024-25 regular season, when Sacred Heart hosted Stonehill for a two-game home series.
• In the opening game, both teams traded chances in a tightly contested matchup that ended in a 3-3 tie through regulation. After a scoreless overtime, Stonehill edged out Sacred Heart with a 1-0 win in the shootout. Isabella Chaput tallied a key third-period goal for the Pioneers in that contest.
• Game two, however, belonged to the Skyhawks. Stonehill struck early in the first period and maintained control throughout, adding two insurance goals in the third to secure a 3-0 victory and complete the weekend sweep.

History vs Stonehill

• This weekend will mark the 13th and 14th all-time meetings between Sacred Heart and Stonehill. The Pioneers currently hold a narrow 5-4-3 edge in the series.
• Throughout their matchups, these two NEWHA rivals have built a strong familiarity with one another, often producing tight, hard-fought matchups. Many of their previous meetings have been decided by a single goal or in overtime.

On Stonehill

• Despite a 0-3 start to the young season, Stonehill has shown several bright spots and features key players who can make an impact on any given night.
• The Skyhawks opened the year with a two-game home series against Syracuse. In game one, Stonehill struck early, just 11 seconds into the contest, as Gracie Sacca buried the opening goal. Although Syracuse responded with three unanswered tallies, Reagan Whynot added a late second-period goal while also registering five blocked shots, capping off a strong individual performance in a narrow 3-2 loss. Game two leaned heavily in Syracuse's favor, as the Orange took an 8-2 victory to close out the weekend.
• Stonehill then hit the road for its first NEWHA matchup of the season against Saint Anselm. The Skyhawks once again struck first on a goal from senior forward Lily Geist, marking the 30th goal of her career, a milestone that underscores her experience and scoring ability. Despite the early lead, Saint Anselm battled back with three unanswered goals, including an empty netter, to seal a 3-1 win.
• Through three games, the Skyhawks have held their own in the faceoff circle, narrowly losing (103-91), and generated solid offensive pressure with 86 total shots. Between the pipes, senior goaltender Eve Stone has been a steady presence, stopping 69 shots across two starts for an impressive .932 save percentage.