With the NCAA’s ruling to offer an additional year of eligibility for its student-athletes, two seniors on the Oswego State women’s hockey team will return for the 2021-22 campaign. Seniors Philomena Teggart and Aislinn McAleer will take the extra year to play one final season in the green and gold.
Both women have been key contributors to the team on and off the ice. Teggart will lead the defense after graduating Madison Byrne and two-year captain Kate Randazzo, two crucial defenders from last season. Teggart was instrumental on the powerplay last season, scoring 21 points in 27 games, as well as four power play goals which was tied for second on the team. Her ability to move the puck efficiently and smoothly jump started an offense that reached an extra gear in the team’s run to the NEWHL Championship.
McAleer was an important part of an excellent third line last season, one that was very reliable defensively and even drove play into the offensive end. The Manasquan, New Jersey, native scored her second career goal against SUNY Cortland, as she netted two points in 26 games last season. While McAleer was set to graduate in 2021, the extra year of eligibility provides her the opportunity to get her master’s degree in 2022.
“Over the summer, I kind of thought about how it could possibly happen, we didn’t know what was going on,” McAleer said. “I talked to my parents and coaches and teammates and I think it was the best decision for me to stick around…while I could get the chance to play with my team for another year.”
Head coach Mark Digby is excited for the opportunity to return both seniors for next season. The three can continue to build and grow the culture of the team that Digby is in the process of instilling, as this is his first year at the helm. While it is an excellent opportunity for Teggart, McAleer and the rest of the team to build on their previous success, Digby knows the 2021-22 season will mean much more.
“[We are] excited to have Phi and Ash back,” Digby said. “I don’t want to add extra pressure on them that they’re playing for Emma [Morrisette] and Amber [Thomas] too, but the reality is, when they get back here and put the jerseys on representing that class, it’s more than just the two of them that are going to be there. It’s bittersweet when you think of it because, yes, we are excited you get Phi and Ash back, [but] you’d give everything to just have a practice and give Emma [and Amber] an opportunity to round out [their] college hockey career the right way.”
The Oswegonian file photo from 2020
