Coming off one of the best seasons in the program's illustrious 14-year history, the Clarkson University Women's Hockey team will be striving to add another banner year in 2016-17, and will look for the Golden Knights' Class of 2020 to play a key role.

"We are extremely excited to be welcoming these five student-athletes to Clarkson University this fall," stated Head Coach Matt Desrosiers. "This group of freshmen will complement our returning players very well, and will have a great impact on our future success. The overall character of these incoming student-athletes, both on and off the ice is outstanding as they all bring a tremendous level of talent, experience and leadership abilities. The coaching staff is looking forward to working with these talented individuals and welcoming them to the Clarkson family."

Desrosiers along with assistant coaches Britni Smith and Tony Maci have added two forwards - Katherine Beaumier (Richland, WA) and Michaela Pejzlova (Pardubice, Czech Republic), two defensemen - Ella Shelton (Ingersol, ONT) and Taylor Turnquist (Blaine, MN), and one goaltender – Jenna Brenneman (Egan, MN) to the talented Green and Gold roster. The five members of the Golden Knights incoming class will add to the depth of a Clarkson squad that graduated four all-star players – forwards Olivia Howe and Shannon MacAulay, and defensemen Erin Ambrose and Renata Fast - from this past year's team.

"Although we had a fantastic season this past year, our returning players are focused and committed to working hard to achieve our goals," Desrosiers said. "It will be up to them, especially our leaders, to help the freshmen make the transition to college hockey seamless. With the tremendous character and commitment of our core players that we have returning, we are confident the freshmen will flourish under their leadership."

The Knights skated to 30-5-5 overall record in 2015-16, including a 14-3-5 ECAC Hockey mark, and made their fourth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament, including their second Frozen Four showing in the past three years.

Below is an alphabetical list of the Golden Knights recruits with a quote from each student-athlete on why they chose Clarkson:

Jenna Brenneman

Played for Breck School (MN High School)

USA Player Development Camp (2013, 2014)

Minnesota Senior Goalie of the Year (2015-2016)

All State Team (2014-15, 2015-16)

All Conference Team (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16)

All Conference Honorable Mention (2012-13)

Why Clarkson?

"I chose Clarkson because of its great academics and great hockey program on a smaller campus. And, because the second that I stepped on campus, I knew that Clarkson was where I wanted to be."

Katherine Beaumier

Played for Anaheim Lady Ducks (Anaheim, CA)

USA - Selection Camp (2012)

USA - Multi-district camp (2013, 2014)

Honor Roll (2012-2016)

Beckman High School Scholarship recipient

California State Seal of Biliteracy

California Golden State Seal of Merit

California CSF Sealbearer

Why Clarkson?

"I chose to come to Clarkson because Clarkson gave me the possibility of never having to give up the greater joys in life - science and hockey. To be surround by people who understand the pleasure and struggle of being a student-athlete, instead of alienated, is the greatest treasure known."

Ella Shelton

Played for London Jr Devilettes (PWHL- London, ON)

U18 Team Ontario (2016)

Hockey Canada - Strengthening and condition camp in May (2016)

Warrior wall of fame (2016)

Senior Athlete of the year (2015-2016)

Honor roll student (2013-2016)

Why Clarkson?

"I chose Clarkson University because of its great reputation. With their strong academics, strong hockey program and great coaching staff, I felt that Clarkson was the best school for me to develop as a person both on and off the ice."

Taylor Turnquist

Played for Spring Lake Park High School (Spring Lake, MN)

Played for Minnesota Blades AAA hockey club

2016 - Athena award for outstanding athletic achievements as a 3 sport athlete

2016 - Minnesota National Invitational team

2015 - U18 Minnesota team

2015-2016 National Honors Society

2012-2016 Honor roll student

Why Clarkson?

"I chose Clarkson because it is a top rated school with high job placement when you graduate. I also chose Clarkson because of the successful Golden Knights hockey program. When I visited campus, the coaches were so welcoming and I knew instantly that it was where I wanted to spend the next four years of my life!"

Michaela Pejzlova

2014-2016 - Played at Stanstead College (Standstead, QC)

2012-2014 - Played at Wyoming Seminary (Kingston, PA)

U15 - Czech National Team

U18 - Czech National Team

Olympic - Czech Senior National Team

2015 Gold Medal - World Championship Division I

2016 TOP Division World Championships

IIHF Camp (London, England)

Honor roll 2015

Why Clarkson?

"I chose Clarkson because from the first moment I stepped on campus I knew I wanted to be a Golden Knight. Clarkson has many excellent academic and athletic programs that are well known. The hockey program is one of top in the country, and I know that Clarkson will help me grow both academically, athletically, and as a person. It will prepare well me for the future and help me to achieve my goals."