TROY, N.Y. – The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) women's ice hockey team and head coach Bryan Vines have announced eight newcomers set to join the Engineers' roster ahead of 2024-25 season. This incoming class features five forwards, two defenders, and a goalie, as well as a pair of transfers and a former National Champion.

Introducing the 2024-25 RPI Women's Ice Hockey newcomers, in alphabetical order:

Maelee Ambrass – First Year
Goaltender – 5'11" – Cranberry Township, PA

A former member of Pittsburgh Penguins Elite and Philadelphia Jr Flyer programs, Ambrass is coming off her third consecutive appearance in the Tier I USA Hockey Nationals, where she won the bronze medal in 2024. In addition to winning the 2023 Mid Atlantic Women's Hockey Association (MAWHA) Championship, Ambrass and the Jr Flyers also claimed the 2023 and 2024 Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA) District titles. Ambrass has been selected to multiple USA Hockey Girls player development programs as well, including the 2022 U16/17 National Camp and the U18 Select Camp in 2023.

Ambrass on choosing RPI: "I chose Rensselaer because of the outstanding academic and athletic opportunities that will enable me to grow, both in the classroom and on the ice. Additionally, I value the welcoming and collaborative campus community that makes RPI feel like home."

Alexis Brunet – First Year
Forward – 5'7" – Kingston, Ontario

Brunet comes to Rensselaer after spending the last four seasons in the Kingston Jr Ice Wolves program. After debuting with Kingston in the P-WHL in 2019-20, Brunet would move up to the Ice Wolves OWHL U22 AA squad, where she produced 78 points (43 goals, 35 assists) in 106 games following the promotion. Brunet's game took a big jump in 2023-24, as the forward tallied a career-highs of 21 goals and 19 assists in 43 contests.

Brunet on choosing RPI: "When I went on my official visit, I knew RPI was the school for me. The girls were so welcoming, the coaches are amazing, and the team culture is unmatched. I can't wait to get started."

Molly Hamilton – First Year
Forward – 5'3" – Bay Tree, Alberta

Hamilton was a member of Team Alberta for the 2023 U18 National Championships, where she registered one assist while playing in all six games. Hamilton had 11 goals and 27 assists over two seasons with the Northern Alberta Extreme of the CSSHL U18, which included an CSSHL All-Star honor in 2022-23. This past season, she posted 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) with the Red Deer Chiefs in the AFHL U18 AAA division.

Hamilton on choosing RPI: "RPI is a place that kindles the spirit of discovery and really pushes you to be your best. I am excited to test my limits and create opportunities along the way." 

Sophie Helgeson –  Transfer (Wisconsin)
Defense – 5'6" – Roseau, Minn.

Helgeson brings championship experience to the RPI roster, as she was part of Wisconsin's national title-winning squad this past season. In her three seasons as a Badger, Helgeson suited up for 109 games, where she totaled three goals and four assists as part of Wisconsin's defensive unit.

Helgeson on choosing RPI: "It's a great program led by great coaches and I can't wait to contribute. I also love RPI's reputation for strong academics and business connections. I am looking forward to earning my Master's in Business Administration and I am excited to play hockey for RPI."

Gracyn Mackay – First Year
Defense – 5'6" – Irma, Alberta

Mackay has played alongside Hamilton the past three years with the Northern Alberta Extreme and Red Deer Chiefs. A two-time All-Star with Northern Alberta in the CSSHL, Mackay played 55 contests with the Extreme from 2021-23 before suiting up in 30 AFHL games this past season with the Red Deer Chiefs. Mackay and the Chiefs won the Mandi Schwartz Fire Starter Tournament and ranked No. 1 in Canada for most of the 2023-24 season.

Mackay on choosing RPI: "RPI is a highly respected academic school that will help make my dreams come true."

Natalie Tulchinsky – Grad (transfer from Saint Anselm College / Boston College)
Forward – 5'4" – Clifton Park, N.Y.

Tulchinsky joins RPI as a graduate transfer after two seasons each at Boston College (2020-22) and Saint Anselm (2022-24). After recording three goals and four assists in 47 games at BC, Tulchinsky would go on to shine at Saint Anselm, as she debuted with 20 goals and 22 assists as a Hawk in 2022-23 to earn All-New England Women's Hockey Alliance (NEWHA) second team honors. 2023-24 saw Tulchinsky tally another 20 goals and 22 assists, for which she was named NEWHA first team all-conference as well as the NEWHA Player of the Year. Tulchinsky becomes the first New York State-native on the Engineer's roster since Blake Orosz '20.

Charlotte Wensley – First Year
Forward – 5'5" – Dover, NH

Wensley arrives in Troy after two years with the East Coast Wizards and St. Paul's School, where at the latter she was named both a New England Prep School All-Star as well as a Lakes Region All-Star. Wensley was also picked for the 2022 USA Hockey National Camp.

Wensley on choosing RPI: "As soon as I stepped on campus, I felt a sense of home and community and I knew this was where I was meant to be."

Calla Woodcroft – First Year
Forward – 5'10" – Toronto, Ontario

Woodcroft has played 72 games the past three seasons with Ridley College (2021-22) and London Devilettes (2022-24) of the OWHL U22 AA. Woodcroft's best season came in 2023-24, which saw the forward record a career-high 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 41 contests.  Calla's father, Craig Woodcroft, has served as the head coach of the KHL's Dinamo Musk since 2019.

Woodcroft on choosing RPI: "I am very excited to be attending RPI in the fall. I knew from the moment I stepped onto campus and spent time with the team and coaching staff that I would be calling this place home for the next four years. I can't wait to get started and meet all my teammates."


Season ticket orders and renewals for RPI Hockey's 2024-25 season are currently available. Please contact the Houston Field House Box Office to purchase season tickets, renew or with any questions at 518-276-6262 or boxoffice@rpi.edu. Individual tickets will go on-sale on August 19 at www.rpiathletics.universitytickets.com.