May 30, 2002

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Providence College women's hockey Head Coach Bob Deraney announced that four student-athletes have committed to attend Providence College and compete for the women's hockey team, beginning in the fall of 2002. The four student-athletes are: Jana Bugden (Corner Brook, Newfoundland), Gretchen Gottwald (Stoneham, Mass.), Katelynn Laffin (Norwell, Mass.) and Melissa Smith (Hudson, Mass).

Budgen is a goaltender and has the potential to be a key contributor for the Friars. Last season, Bugden played hockey at Hebron Academy in Maine, where she led her team to a 21-5-1 record. She posted a record nine shutouts and a 1.45 goals against average. Budgen was named Boston Globe Prep Division All-Scholastics Hockey Player of the Year in 2001-02.

Gottwald is the second signee. Gottwald is a defenseman who played at Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, N.H. "Gottwald has tremendous vision and terrific hockey sense," fourth year Head Coach Bob Deraney said. "She will make an immediate contribution to the program."

The third newcomer to the Friar squad is Laffin. Laffin was a three-sport (hockey, softball, soccer) standout at the Pomfret School. "Katelynn brings a competitive spirit to the team," Deraney said. "She has a knack for producing points." Laffin will participate in the U.S. Select 18-19 Camps in Lake Placid, N.Y. this summer.

Smith (Hudson, Mass.) rounds out the list of newcomers. Smith is a defenseman who will bring size to the Friar lineup. "She's a solid defenseman and a very intelligent player," Deraney stated. Smith also will participate in the U.S. Select 18-19 Camps in Lake Placid, N.Y. this summer. This past season, she scored eight goals and added 17 assists in 32 games at the North American Hockey Academy in Stowe, Vt.

The Providence College women's hockey team completed the 2001-02 season with a 20-13-4 overall record and captured the 2002 ECAC Eastern League Tournament title.