University of St. Thomas Athletics
Maurer, Vallario of Women's Hockey named to team Switzerland
1/13/2022 10:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
Opfikon, Switzerland - University of St. Thomas women's hockey goaltender Saskia Maurer and defender Nicole Vallario have been selected to the Swiss women's national team, the organization announced on Thursday.
"We could not be prouder of the official announcement of Nicole and Saskia making the national team for Switzerland," said assistant coach Bethany Brausen. "Nicole is a dynamic defenseman who separates herself with her elite skating ability and hockey sense. She has the ability to influence the game on both ends of the ice. Saskia is a gifted goaltender who plays a very tactical and structured game. She is a dire competitor that competes to make every member of our team better."
"The two are exceptional athletes who have earned this opportunity and we cannot wait to see them compete on the national stage."
Maurer, a two-time WCHA Rookie of the Week, has played in 10 games while making nine starts for the Toms. Maurer's 3.16 goals allowed average leads the team and her 332 saves are second on the squad. The freshman out of Rothenbach, Switzerland, has tallied a 3-6-0 record alongside a .917 save percentage in her first collegiate season.
"We are so proud and happy for Saskia and Nicole," said assistant coach Marty Sertich. "They have been exceptional student athletes so far and are well deserved of this honor. It's so exciting for the University of St. Thomas and our women's hockey program to have Saskia, Nicole, and Coach Johnson in the Olympic Games."
Vallario, a one-time WCHA Rookie of the Month and two-time WCHA Rookie of the Week, has amassed four goals (tied for the team lead) and three assists. Her seven points this season are tied for second on the Tommies. The freshman from Lugano, Switzerland, has also added 22 blocked shots and one game-winning goal for St. Thomas.
Switzerland will open up play against Canada at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games on Feb. 3, competing in Group A.
Follow Along
For more information on St. Thomas women's hockey, follow along on Twitter at @USTwomenhockey and on Instagram at @ustwomenshockey.
"We could not be prouder of the official announcement of Nicole and Saskia making the national team for Switzerland," said assistant coach Bethany Brausen. "Nicole is a dynamic defenseman who separates herself with her elite skating ability and hockey sense. She has the ability to influence the game on both ends of the ice. Saskia is a gifted goaltender who plays a very tactical and structured game. She is a dire competitor that competes to make every member of our team better."
"The two are exceptional athletes who have earned this opportunity and we cannot wait to see them compete on the national stage."
Maurer, a two-time WCHA Rookie of the Week, has played in 10 games while making nine starts for the Toms. Maurer's 3.16 goals allowed average leads the team and her 332 saves are second on the squad. The freshman out of Rothenbach, Switzerland, has tallied a 3-6-0 record alongside a .917 save percentage in her first collegiate season.
"We are so proud and happy for Saskia and Nicole," said assistant coach Marty Sertich. "They have been exceptional student athletes so far and are well deserved of this honor. It's so exciting for the University of St. Thomas and our women's hockey program to have Saskia, Nicole, and Coach Johnson in the Olympic Games."
Vallario, a one-time WCHA Rookie of the Month and two-time WCHA Rookie of the Week, has amassed four goals (tied for the team lead) and three assists. Her seven points this season are tied for second on the Tommies. The freshman from Lugano, Switzerland, has also added 22 blocked shots and one game-winning goal for St. Thomas.
Switzerland will open up play against Canada at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games on Feb. 3, competing in Group A.
Follow Along
For more information on St. Thomas women's hockey, follow along on Twitter at @USTwomenhockey and on Instagram at @ustwomenshockey.
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