May 14, 2002
UMaine Women's Ice Hockey Signs Three to NLIs


ORONO, MAINE- University of Maine women's ice hockey coach Rick Filighera
announced today the signing of three prospective student-athletes to
National Letters of Intent (NLI). Morgan Janusc (Dundas, Ontario/North York
Aeros), Vicky Johnstone (St. Laurent, Quebec/Hotchkiss Prep School (Conn.)),
and Alanna Pfeffer (Farmington Hills, Mich./Honeybaked Hockey Club) has all
singed NLIs and will join the UMaine program in the fall.

Janusc, a blueliner, stands 5-feet-8 and was a five-year captain and
three-time MVP of her St. Mary's High School team in Hamilton, Ontario. She
compiled 42 points in 17 games on 23 goals and 19 assists. As a member of
the North York Aeros (Senior AAA), she played 63 games, scoring three goals
and assisting on 19 others. Janusc (pronounced "janus") intends to study
kinesiology and physical education.

"Morgan is a feisty player who will bring skill, toughness, and a good
knowledge of the game to our backline," said Filighera. "Her experience with
the Aeros playing Senior AAA and competing with and against Canadian and US
Olympians will be an asset to our hockey program."

Johnstone, is a 5-7 "stay-at-home" defensemen. She is undecided on her field
of study. "Vicky is a defensive defenseman who will provide a good shot from
the point and will also add toughness and calmness to our defense."

Pfeffer, who plays defense and forward, scored 12 goals and added 22 assists
in 60 games last year. She is 5-8, ranked third on her team in scoring, and
first among defensemen. She was chosen a league all-star in 2001-2002, and
selected to spring 2002 Michigan women's select team. Pfeffer (pronounced
"feffer") is undecided on her major.

"Alanna will bring us flexibility and depth. She has displayed an offensive
touch around the net."

The Black Bears were 16-15-4 last season with an 8-10-3 mark in the ECAC
East. Filighera's team competed in the ECAC playoffs for the first time.
Other season highlights included a win over nationally-ranked New Hampshire
and an overtime victory vs. number two Northeastern. The Black Bears return
eight of their top nine scorers from last season and two of three
goaltenders. UMaine also gains the services of senior Raffi Wolf (Voerde,
Germany/Gesamtschule am Lauerhaas) who spent last season competing with the
Germany Olympic team.