The celebration brought together members of the inaugural 2001-2002 team, the 2015-2016 squad that won the program’s first ECAC championship and last year’s team that captured the program's second conference title in March.

As part of the event, seven members of the 2015-2016 championship team presented rings to the newest ECAC champions, connecting two generations of student-athletes whose accomplishments have helped shape the program's history.

For Head Coach Cassandra Turner, who has been part of Quinnipiac women's ice hockey for 19 of its 25 years, the occasion was an opportunity to celebrate much more than championships.

"Days like this remind us that we're much more than a hockey program," Turner said. "We're a family connected by shared experiences, lasting friendships and a pride in being Bobcats that extends well beyond our time on the ice."

The day included an alumnae skate, a ceremonial puck drop by former athletic director Jack McDonald, a championship banner-raising ceremony during the Bobcats' game against Northeastern and a postgame celebration honoring the 2025-2026 championship team.

A legacy 25 years in the making

Among those returning to celebrate was Liz Jankowski '03, JD '08, a captain of Quinnipiac's inaugural women's ice hockey team who has remained a dedicated supporter of the program since graduating.

Jankowski, who has supported the program as a mentor and benefactor, reflected on how her experience as a student-athlete has continued to influence her life and career.

"I really do think that the program and playing women's ice hockey in a team sport really has shaped who I am and how I lead my team today," Jankowski said.

She also reflected on the program's growth and the pride she feels watching today's student-athletes build on the foundation established by earlier generations.

"I've loved watching Quinnipiac grow," she said.

Jankowski credited Turner with fostering a culture that keeps alumnae connected to the program while ensuring current players understand the history behind the Bobcats' success.

"Coach Cass has really done a wonderful job keeping the program's legacy alive and connecting generations," she said.

Addressing the alumnae in attendance, Jankowski thanked them for their contributions to the program's development.

"Every single one of you has played a part over the years in shaping what the name Quinnipiac and Quinnipiac women's ice hockey is," she said.

She also had a message for the current players, expressing her admiration for their talent and accomplishments.

"I think that we can be proud of how far Quinnipiac women's ice hockey has come, and excited for what's ahead," Jankowski said.

Director of Athletics Greg Amodio, who joined Quinnipiac during the 2015-2016 academic year, recognized the university leaders who helped establish the program, particularly McDonald, who was athletic director when the women's ice hockey program began.

"He was the architect behind the start of women's hockey,” Amodio said of McDonald.

Turner also recognized McDonald and former Quinnipiac President John L. Lahey for helping establish the program and guiding its eventual entry into ECAC Hockey.

Amodio reflected on arriving at Quinnipiac during a remarkable season for both the men's and women's ice hockey programs, including the women's first ECAC championship and the men's appearance in the national championship game.

He said it was especially meaningful to reconnect with members of the 2015-2016 women's team and see the paths their lives have taken since graduation.

Amodio praised the current student-athletes for their commitment to representing Quinnipiac beyond competition.

"They do an unbelievable job on the ice, but also in the classroom and in the community," Amodio said. "They're a credit to what we do and portray the image for the university in a very, very positive way."

A special connection between champions

One of the celebration's most meaningful moments came when seven members of Quinnipiac's first ECAC championship team returned to help present rings to the 2025-2026 champions.

Danielle Marmer '17, Emma Greco ‘17, Emma Woods ‘17, Nicole Connery ‘16, Randi Marcon ‘19, Raquel Barbieri ’18 and Tori DeAngelis ’18, participated in the presentation, welcoming another generation of Bobcats into the program's championship tradition.

Marmer, who helped the Bobcats capture their first ECAC title in 2016, reflected on the significance of returning to celebrate another championship a decade later.

"It's really special to be back here 10 years after winning our championship to celebrate another group of ECAC champions here at Quinnipiac," Marmer said.

Looking back at the 2015-2016 season, Marmer recalled the close relationships that helped make the team successful.

"We had a really special group. We loved spending time together. We had so much fun together, and there's no doubt that that played a huge role in our success on the ice," she said.

A decade after winning the championship, Marmer said her greatest appreciation for that season has little to do with the final score of any game.

"What I appreciate the most about that team isn't necessarily just that championship, but it's the relationships that came along with it," she said.

Those relationships have endured through weddings, growing families, career milestones and reunions, with former teammates continuing to support one another long after their playing careers ended.

Marmer encouraged members of the current team to appreciate the relationships they developed during their time together, explaining that those friendships would become even more meaningful in the years ahead.

"Ten years from now, you might not remember every goal, you might not remember every game, but you'll remember the locker room, you'll remember the laughs, you'll remember the people who were beside you through it all," she said.

Her message to the 2025-2026 team was simple: Enjoy the accomplishment, but don't overlook the people who made it possible.

"Enjoy the night, enjoy the rings and more than anything, appreciate the people who are sitting beside you, because that's what makes all of this so worth it," Marmer said.

She concluded with a message that drew applause from the newest generation of champions.

"Congratulations, welcome to the club — and let's not wait another 10 years to celebrate one,” she said.

Honoring a championship season

The ring ceremony recognized the Bobcats' historic 2025-2026 season, which culminated in the program's second ECAC championship and fifth NCAA tournament appearance.

Quinnipiac captured the conference title on March 7 with a 5-1 victory over top-seeded Yale at the legendary Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, New York, becoming the first women's team to win the ECAC championship at the venue.

The Bobcats finished the season with 29 victories, including an NCAA tournament win over Franklin Pierce.

Turner praised the players for their resilience, determination and commitment to one another throughout the season.

"The comeback wins, the battles through adversity and the belief in one another created memories that will last a lifetime," Turner said.

As each member of the championship team received their ring, the presence of the 2015-2016 alumnae served as a reminder of the program's growing tradition of success.

"That's why it means so much to have members of our first championship team from 2015-2016 here tonight to present the rings," Turner said. "You helped create this winning tradition, and now you get to welcome this team into that championship legacy."

The ceremony also recognized the coaches and support staff who contributed to the championship season, including members of the athletic training, equipment management, athletic communications, academic advising, sports nutrition and mental wellness teams.

Turner thanked Amodio, Deputy Director of Athletics Sarah Fraser, President Marie Hardin and university leadership for their continued investment in women's ice hockey.

"Your support has allowed us to recruit and develop the incredible women in our program," Turner said. "It helps us to compete at the highest level and win championships."

She also expressed appreciation for the alumnae who have continued to follow the program, attend games and support current student-athletes.

"Thank you for showing up for us, sending messages throughout our season and being such a great Bobcat fan," Turner said.

Looking ahead

For Turner, the anniversary celebration offered a personal opportunity to reflect on nearly two decades of memories and relationships at Quinnipiac.

"Personally, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of Quinnipiac women's hockey for 19 of its 25 years," she said. "This place and the people in it have given me more than I could ever have imagined."

From the program's beginnings in 2001 to its first ECAC championship in 2016 and its second conference title a decade later, Quinnipiac women's ice hockey has grown into a nationally recognized program.

But throughout the celebration, the message from alumnae, coaches and university leaders remained consistent: The relationships formed through the program are every bit as important as the championships won on the ice.

For the 2025-2026 champions, the rings will serve as a lasting reminder of an extraordinary season and the teammates who shared in that success.

For the alumnae who returned to celebrate, the gathering was another opportunity to reconnect with a program that continues to be an important part of their lives.

"Being a Bobcat means being part of a family and being part of that family forever," Turner said.

As the program begins its next chapter, Jankowski's message to the generations of Bobcats gathered for the celebration captured the spirit of the occasion.

"Here's to the next chapter of the Bobcats."