May 12, 2004

DETROIT - Jim Fetter, the head coach of the Wayne State University women's hockey program announced today the addition of four players. Joining the WSU roster in 2004-05 will be goaltender Valery Turcotte (Jonquiere, Quebec) and forward Kristy Leng (Lindenhurst, Ill.). Transferring to Wayne State are defenseman Sarah Campbell (Quinnipiac) and forward Laura Monk (Findlay). This quartet joins November signees Ashley Deeley (a forward from Hamilton, Ont.), Ashley King (a forward from Winnipeg, Man.) and Danielle Wilson (a defenseman from Gravenhurst, Ont.).

Turcotte (pictured right), a 5-8 netminder, played the 2003-04 season with the Royal Metabetchouan, a junior BB boys team in the Saguenéens junior league.

"Val is a butterfly-style goalie with exceptional hand-eye coordination," said Fetter. "We expect her to compete for playing time right away with returnee Tina Thibideau."

Leng (pictured left), a 5-6 forward, played hockey in 2003-04 for the Wisconsin Wild where she served as team captain. She led the Wild in scoring with 56 points on 29 goals and 27 assists as the squad placed second in the MWEHL.

"Kristy is a very creative playmaker who raises the play of the people around here. We are looking for her to contribute right away at both ends of the rink," added Fetter.

Campbell (pictured right), a 5-6 blueliner who played in the NWHL for the Vancouver Griffins, was named Quinnipiac's Best Defensive Player for 2003-04 after appearing in 33 of the Bobcats 34 games. She tied-for-second on the squad with 12 assists. Campbell tallied the game-winning goal on Jan. 31 at Cornell and assisted on two game-winning goals (Dec. 2 vs. Union and Feb. 28 vs. Sacred Heart). She played in 28 games for Quinnipiac during the 2002-03 campaign.

"Sarah is a smart defenseman who we hope will be able to quarterback our power play. She has the ability to rush the puck. With two years of collegiate experience we expect her to step in right away and contribute," commented Fetter.

Monk (pictured left) is a 6-0 forward who played junior hockey with the Stoney Creek Sabres. Last year while playing at the University of Findlay, she was named to the CHAW All-Rookie team and All-League Second Team. Monk tied-for-second on the Oiler squad in goals and was third in points and power-play goals. In league contests, she recorded 13 points in 10 games on seven goals and six assists with four power-play goals.

"Laura is a big, strong power forward who we expect to contribute immediately offensively after playing last season at Findlay," stated Fetter.

"I would like to thank Grant and Mare for all their hard work in recruiting this class as we continue to elevate the program," said Fetter.

Wayne State graduated eight players from last season's squad which set the school record with 15 victories.