Two current members of the U-18 Canadian National Team — Jessica Healey and Catherine Daoust — along with two Minnesota natives Lynn Astrup and Duluth's own Alexia Klaas have all signed a National Letter of Intent to attend and play hockey for the University of Minnesota Duluth.
The quartet of signees includes three defensemen and one forward.
Jessica Healey • D • 5-3 • Edmonton, Alberta
Suited up for the U-18 Canadian National Team in their series with the U.S. this past summer after spending time at the U-18 Canadian National Development camp…earned a bronze with Team Alberta in the Canadian National Women's U-18 Championships and earned the Defenseman of the Tournament honors…currently captains the Edmonton Thunder of the AMMFL with nine points (2g, 7a) in eight skates…named the Top Defenseman for the Edmonton Thunder in 2013...interested in pursuing a degree in Environmental Sciences.
Head coach Shannon Miller on Healey — "Jessica has excellent poise and patience with the puck ands he sees the play extremely well. With her recent U-18 Canadian National Team involvement this past summer verses the U.S., Jessica brings a high level caliber of play to our defensive core."
Catherine Daoust • D • 5-5 • Ile Bizard, Quebec
Also a member of the U-18 Canadian National Team and skated in the IIHF U-18 World Championship in Heinola, Finland and played with current Bulldog rookie Ashleigh Brykaliuk, where together they won gold….played for Team Quebec for three years including the 2011 Canadian U-18 Nationals in Saguenay, QC where her squad won bronze, just one season removed from the 2012 Canadian U-18 team that won silver...currently plays for the Saint-Laurent Patriotes in the first division of RSEQ in Quebec...named First Team All-Star in her first season with Saint Laurent in 2012-13 and was most recently named assistant captain...plans to study Mechanical Engineering at UMD.
Miller on Daoust — "Catherine is recent member of the U-18 Canadian National World Championship Team, and is a big strong offensive blueliner who also brings more international experience to our roster. She loves to battle, is difficult to steal the puck from, and poses a real offensive threat."
Lynn Astrup • D • 5-7 • Warroad, Minnesota
Won back-to-back state hockey titles with Warroad High School in 2010 and 2011, as well as earning third-place in 2012 and runner-up in 2013…selected to the MSHS All-Tournament team in both 2012 and 2013…named to the All-State squad in 2012 and 2013, as well as All-State Honorable Mention in 2011…USA Hockey National Camp participant for the past three years (2011-2013)…owns two school records for track at Warroad in the mile and two mile...plans to study at the Labovitz School of Business and Economics at UMD.
Miller on Astup — "Lynn, a top Minnesota player from Warroad, has great puck skills, sees the ice incredibly well and is incredibly competitive. We are excited to have another Minnesotan of her caliber join the team."
Alexia Klaas • C • 5-2 • Duluth, Minnesota
Will be a two sport athlete at UMD after committing to play softball for the Bulldogs…attends Denfeld High School and currently captains the Northern Stars with seven goals and one assist for eight points in her first four games…led the Northern Stars as a junior with 15 goals and 11 assists for 26 points, helping the team to a 10-15-2 overall record…named to the All-Area Team as well as Second Team All-Lake Superior Conference in 2013...is interested in pursuing a career in medicine at UMD.
Miller on Klaas — "Alexia, a Duluth native, is an extremely hard working intelligent player who loves to battle, fight through checks, and play with a lot of heart. We are proud to have Alexia join the Bulldog family."
Miller and the Bulldogs will host team Russia tonight (Tuesday) and then jump back into WCHA action this upcoming Friday and Saturday in 6:07 p.m. games against No. 2 Wisconsin at AMSOIL Arena.
