One of the top recruits for Boston University is new coach Tara Watchorn, but on the ice, Alex Law and Mari Pieterson bring international experience with Canada.
One of the top recruits for Boston University is new coach Tara Watchorn, but on the ice, Alex Law and Mari Pieterson bring international experience with Canada.
When looking at recruiting classes, the focus is always on players. That is, unless you're a program looking to step into conversation of elite teams and you just hired one of the most respected coaches in the world.
That's the deal at Boston University, where the women's program looks to move side-by-side with the men's program as one of the top recruiting, and top talent producing powerhouses in the nation.
Boston University hired Tara Watchorn from Stonehill College. Watchorn has assisted with Hockey Canada, and is a Boston University alumni. As a player, she was part of Boston University, a program which once produced players like Marie-Philip Poulin and Jennifer Wakefield. More recently, BU graduated PHF Goaltender of the Year Corrine Schroeder. But the Boston University women's hockey program is still coming back.
Watchhorn hasn't got her hands on a recruiting class yet, but luckily, she is welcoming Alex Law, one of the most sought after players in North America, and elite netminder Mari Pieterson. They're two players who will help shape the Terriers women's hockey program under Watchorn.
Here's a look at Boston University's top women's hockey recruits for 2023-2024:
Alex Law, F, 2005 - A standout on Canada's U-18 women's World Championship gold medal team, Law had seven points in four games at the tournament. She was a driving force for the Canadian team, and as an assistant captain, made her presence known in multiple capacities. In the OWHL U22 Elite, Law has been a benefactor of playing for the powerhouse Durham West Lightning, surrounded by a team comprised almost solely of NCAA and USports commits. This season she totalled 39 points in 34 games for the Ontario gold medallists.
Mari Pieterson, G, 2004 - The longtime Etobicoke Dolphins netminder in the OWHL U22 Elite, is ready to jump to the NCAA. Andrea Braendli's graduation leaves room for Pieterson to not only come in, but to challenge Callie Shanahan for some games. Pieterson won gold with Team Canada's U-18 team in 2022, posting a 1.32 GAA and .938 save percentage in five games. The NCAA has been pumping out elite goaltenders, especially within this graduating class, opening the door for goalies like Pieterson to begin the next generation.
Tessa Demain, D, 2005 - This year, Demain moved from the East Coast Wizards program to play prep hockey at St. Paul's School. She captained the program leading them to a Lakes Region and NEPSAC championship. As the lone defender coming in this year, Demain won't face much pressure as Boston is eligible to return a strong veteran blueline.
Forwards Mikayla Blomquist, who comes from the strong RINK Academy program in British Columbia, Ella Huntley of the Etobicoke Dolphins and Jackson Kinsler from Shattuck St. Mary's.
In 2024-2025, Addison Finn, Avery Supryka, and Lola Reid are committed to the program.
THN's 2023-2024 NCAA Recruiting Class Features
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