University adds women’s ice hockey as a varsity sport
Fitchburg State University is lacing up for a major expansion of its athletics program, announcing Thursday that women's ice hockey will be added as the university's newest varsity sport. The university’s Board of Trustees, chaired by Michael Fiorentino Jr. , made it official at their meeting Thursday, voting in favor of adding a women’s ice hockey team as the 18th varsity sport at Fitchburg State University. "This vote today solidifies the Board's commitment to the growth and diversity of our student experience," said Lynn Barrieau, Vice Chair of the Fitchburg State University Board of Trustees and chair of the subcommittee that forwarded the proposal for board consideration. "Women's ice hockey will be a fantastic addition, attracting talented new students and fostering a thrilling new tradition on campus. This is a major step forward for the university." The program is set to hit the ice for the 2027–2028 season. “Today is a monumental day for Fitchburg State University as we announce the addition of a women’s varsity ice hockey team,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. “It reflects our deep commitment to supporting women’s athletics and creating meaningful opportunities for our female student‑athletes. It also underscores how Fitchburg State continues to gain momentum — growing stronger as an institution, increasing our impact, and showing that we truly value the dedication, talent, and passion of all our students.” Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Commissioner Angela Baumann said that she is extremely excited to expand MASCAC membership in women’s ice hockey to include Fitchburg State University. “The outstanding leadership of President Hodge and Athletic Director Matt Burke have brought this dream to a reality for the outstanding Fitchburg ice hockey community,” said Baumann. The launch of a women's varsity ice hockey program gives aspiring female student-athletes a new opportunity to compete at the NCAA level and marks a significant commitment to growing women's athletics on campus. “The addition of women’s ice hockey as a varsity sport at Fitchburg State represents an exciting and strategic step forward for our athletics program,” said Burke. “Women’s hockey is among the fastest-growing sports in the country, and we’re proud to be part of that momentum. This new program will provide meaningful opportunities for our female student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level while continuing their academic pursuits. We look forward to building a team that embodies the competitive spirit and values of Fitchburg State.” The Fitchburg State men’s ice hockey team has been a pillar of success under the tutelage of veteran coach Dean Fuller. The Falcons continue to soar to new heights, winning the MASCAC championship last winter and advancing to the prestigious NCAA Division 3 tournament with a 3-1 victory over Mass. College of Liberal Arts. It was the Falcons’ first MASCAC championship since 2018. The women’s team will play its home games at the Wallace Civic Center – also the home of the men’s ice hockey team. The women will have their own locker room space, ice time for games and practices, and use of the Landry Arena – a state-of-the-art strength and conditioning and indoor practice facility. The inaugural Fitchburg State University roster in the 2027–2028 season will feature incoming freshmen, current students and transfers. Participation in women’s ice hockey at the collegiate level has seen significant growth over the past 10 years, up 39 percent, with participation growing from 2,121 to 2,947, according to information from NCAA.org. According to the New England Hockey Journal, the number of girls’ ice hockey teams in Massachusetts at the high school level increased from 125 to 211 over a 10-year period from 2013-2023. The Fitchburg State women’s ice hockey club will continue to operate and there will be an increase in the number of games at the club level in 2026-2027. There will be a nationwide search for a full-time head women’s varsity ice hockey coach. Once hired, the coach can immediately begin recruiting student-athletes.
Fitchburg State University is lacing up for a major expansion of its athletics program, announcing Thursday that women's ice hockey will be added as the university's newest varsity sport.
The university’s Board of Trustees, chaired by Michael Fiorentino Jr., made it official at their meeting Thursday, voting in favor of adding a women’s ice hockey team as the 18th varsity sport at Fitchburg State University.
"This vote today solidifies the Board's commitment to the growth and diversity of our student experience," said Lynn Barrieau, Vice Chair of the Fitchburg State University Board of Trustees and chair of the subcommittee that forwarded the proposal for board consideration. "Women's ice hockey will be a fantastic addition, attracting talented new students and fostering a thrilling new tradition on campus. This is a major step forward for the university."
The program is set to hit the ice for the 2027–2028 season.
“Today is a monumental day for Fitchburg State University as we announce the addition of a women’s varsity ice hockey team,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. “It reflects our deep commitment to supporting women’s athletics and creating meaningful opportunities for our female student‑athletes. It also underscores how Fitchburg State continues to gain momentum — growing stronger as an institution, increasing our impact, and showing that we truly value the dedication, talent, and passion of all our students.”
Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Commissioner Angela Baumann said that she is extremely excited to expand MASCAC membership in women’s ice hockey to include Fitchburg State University.
“The outstanding leadership of President Hodge and Athletic Director Matt Burke have brought this dream to a reality for the outstanding Fitchburg ice hockey community,” said Baumann.
The launch of a women's varsity ice hockey program gives aspiring female student-athletes a new opportunity to compete at the NCAA level and marks a significant commitment to growing women's athletics on campus.
“The addition of women’s ice hockey as a varsity sport at Fitchburg State represents an exciting and strategic step forward for our athletics program,” said Burke. “Women’s hockey is among the fastest-growing sports in the country, and we’re proud to be part of that momentum. This new program will provide meaningful opportunities for our female student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level while continuing their academic pursuits. We look forward to building a team that embodies the competitive spirit and values of Fitchburg State.”
The Fitchburg State men’s ice hockey team has been a pillar of success under the tutelage of veteran coach Dean Fuller. The Falcons continue to soar to new heights, winning the MASCAC championship last winter and advancing to the prestigious NCAA Division 3 tournament with a 3-1 victory over Mass. College of Liberal Arts. It was the Falcons’ first MASCAC championship since 2018.
The women’s team will play its home games at the Wallace Civic Center – also the home of the men’s ice hockey team. The women will have their own locker room space, ice time for games and practices, and use of the Landry Arena – a state-of-the-art strength and conditioning and indoor practice facility.
The inaugural Fitchburg State University roster in the 2027–2028 season will feature incoming freshmen, current students and transfers.
Participation in women’s ice hockey at the collegiate level has seen significant growth over the past 10 years, up 39 percent, with participation growing from 2,121 to 2,947, according to information from NCAA.org. According to the New England Hockey Journal, the number of girls’ ice hockey teams in Massachusetts at the high school level increased from 125 to 211 over a 10-year period from 2013-2023.
The Fitchburg State women’s ice hockey club will continue to operate and there will be an increase in the number of games at the club level in 2026-2027.
There will be a nationwide search for a full-time head women’s varsity ice hockey coach. Once hired, the coach can immediately begin recruiting student-athletes.
Latest Fitchburg State University News
- Fitchburg State’s Communications Media Department presents ‘Stop Kiss’ on Nov. 12-15 & 19-22The Fitchburg State University Communications Media Department presents the timely romantic drama, “ Stop Kiss” by Diana Son in November. " Stop Kiss" will be performed at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12 and 19; Thursday, Nov. 13 and 20; Friday, Nov. 14 and 21; and Saturday, Nov. 15 and 22. There will be matinee performances at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 and 22. All shows are at the Wallace Theater for Performing Arts (McKay Complex) at 67 Rindge Road. Performances are free and open to the public. The elevator in the McKay building is currently out of service. To accommodate guests who cannot access the theater on the second floor, we will be simulcasting the performances of "Stop Kiss" at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14; and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 in Room C-165 of the McKay building. This drama about two young women in New York City is a powerful story that you won’t want to miss. “ Stop Kiss” is set in New York City in 1998. Callie is a traffic reporter who has grown tired of New York City. Sara is a fresh face from St. Louis, hoping to make a difference as a school teacher in the Bronx. Both women have boyfriends, but as their friendship develops into something more, they begin to question what they really want in life. Their first kiss provokes a violent attack that transforms their lives in surprising ways. “Callie experiences a blend of anger, sadness, and guilt as she confronts her own identity and the world’s shifting perceptions of her,” said director Denise Alexander. Alexander said she was drawn to the play by its ability to spark important conversations about LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of telling stories from marginalized communities. While the play grapples with serious themes, the story is full of laughter and tender moments. When it first premiered, audiences were won over by the love story at the heart of the drama. One reviewer from The Star-Ledger said, “something as thought-provoking and ultimately moving as STOP KISS is a joy to experience.” The cast includes: Emerson DiSalle, Julia Dufresne, Hunter Whitehead, Noah Barnes, Thomas Meehan, and Lina Kherallah. The Understudy cast features Sebastian Desumas, Jaylis Lopez, Keren Noonan, and Nicolas Salamack. Technical crew includes: Ryan Barker, Alyssa Brayley, Payton Kut, Jo Nazro, Adam Post, and David Allen Prescott. For more information, please contact director Denise Alexander at dalexan8@fitchburgstate.edu or 978-868-3554. Photo by Fitchburg State Student Photographer Katharine Nizwantowski. The “Stop Kiss” cast and crew.
- ‘Falcons Cold Rush’ turns green for one lucky studentThe first winter sports pep rally “Falcons Cold Rush” was a tremendous success on Thursday night at the Rec Center. The gymnasium exploded with Green and Gold pride and unmistakable electricity, putting the winter student-athletes on full display and celebrating them in front of an enthusiastic crowd of fellow students, faculty, and staff. “The energy in that gym was absolutely incredible,” said Fitchburg Athletic Director Matt Burke. “It was a phenomenal night to honor our winter student-athletes. That level of support truly shows the strength of our campus spirit.” Representatives from all the winter athletic teams – men’s ice hockey, women’s club ice hockey, men’s and women’s indoor track, and men’s and women’s basketball – were part of the event, which also included performances by the Cheer Team, Dance Club and first-year Falcons Drumline. For additional, heart-thumping excitement, the evening featured an unforgettable moment when one lucky student earned the chance to take a single half-court shot for the ultimate prize: tuition and fees for the Spring 2026 semester. Taking the spotlight, freshman softball player Kiley Connors was selected and stepped up for the half-court shot. “I was definitely nervous when getting selected,” said Connors. “I only signed up since my friends were. I was not expecting to be picked.” While Connors’ shot missed the hoop, the excitement continued. For participating in the challenge, Connors received a $1,000 scholarship for the upcoming semester. “We are incredibly proud of Kiley for stepping up and demonstrating such fantastic school spirit during the half-court challenge,” said Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge. “While she didn't sink the basket, her willingness to take that high-pressure shot embodies the courage and determination we celebrate in all of our students. We are absolutely thrilled to award her a $1,000 scholarship for the spring semester.” Connors said that she was surprised to win anything. “It is very much appreciated,” Connors said. “That caught me off guard and it means a lot.” Keep up with all the university’s teams by visiting fitchburgfalcons.com. Photo by Student Photographer Kaleigh Papierski.
- Music Area Faculty Recital on Oct. 28Fitchburg State University music faculty presents its annual faculty recital on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 4-5:30 p.m., in the Western Auditorium. University music faculty members include: Jonathan Harvey, Justin Casinghino, Jane Fiske, Alanna Rantala, Eddy Troxler and Amy McGlothlin. Guests Cindy Liu, Kris Layton and Christina Wright-Ivanova will also be featured at the recital. “The music faculty is excited to present creative projects to the Fitchburg State community,” said McGlothlin. “There is a wide variety of different types of music.” This recital is free and open to the public. To learn more about Fitchburg State’s instrumental and choral groups, visit fitchburgstate.edu/music.
- Putting civic discourse into actionIn his celebrated 1916 book Democracy and Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education, philosopher and author John Dewey articulated his vision for the role of education in functional societies. “Democracy must be reborn every generation, and education is its midwife,” Dewey wrote. Dr. John Reiff, Director of Civic Learning and Engagement at the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, quoted Dewey to start a daylong conference on civic discourse in action that drew hundreds of educators to Fitchburg State University. The program was sponsored by Fitchburg State’s Crocker Center for Civic Engagement. Through keynote talks and breakout sessions, educators from colleges and universities across Massachusetts and beyond engaged in thoughtful deliberation on the role of civic discourse in a healthy democracy. The conference explored how faculty and staff can build students’ capacity to engage in three critical forms of civic discourse: principled debate drawing on evidence; dialogue across differences; and deliberation that examines advantages and consequences of proposed actions in response to public problems. “The university is the home of civic discourse,” said Massachusetts Deputy Commissioner for Academic Affairs and Student Success Richard L. Riccardi, who encouraged the attendees to take the lessons from the conference forward in shaping better dialogues tomorrow. “Higher education has long been recognized as the marketplace of ideas—the place where the fundamental questions of our time are debated, discussed, and ultimately, redefined,” Fitchburg State President Donna Hodge said in her welcoming remarks. “Yet, in an era marked by increasing polarization and complexity, our commitment to teaching students how to engage across differences is more critical than ever. This forum is dedicated to advancing three foundational pillars of engagement: debate, dialogue, and deliberation. Perhaps more than ever before, it is our duty to prepare students to engage in the vigorous, evidence-based exchange of ideas, where we test the strength of our own convictions. We must do this while maintaining genuine, empathetic listening, so we may truly understand other perspectives, even those we don’t share. And we must work to strengthen the ability to collectively weigh alternatives in search of common ground.” In his morning keynote, Dr. Martin Carcasson, professor of communication studies and the founding director of the Center for Public Deliberation at Colorado State University, said combating the reality and the perception of “toxic polarization” was one of the biggest challenges facing public discourse. “We’re not nearly as divided as we think,” he said. “The problem is, the perception of polarization is more important than the reality.” College campuses can play a significant role in improving the discourse, he said, by equipping communities to tackle “wicked problems” like our current political dynamic. “Every single issue we deal with, we have to learn how to understand opposing values,” he said. “Campuses need to be the place where the conversation is at its best.” These effective conversations must simultaneously tackle the challenges of polarization, information disorder, and those who seek to profit off conflicts, Carcasson added. The afternoon’s keynote address, “Meeting the Moment: Talking, Teaching, and Uniting in a Democracy in Question,” was given by Dr. Nancy Thomas, Founding Director of the Institute for Democracy in Higher Education with the American Association of Colleges and Universities.
- Gallery exhibit "Inside Out: A Look Into the Creative Process"Fitchburg State University will host a gallery exhibition exploring the creative process throughout the fall semester. The exhibit, “Inside Out: A Look Into the Creative Process,” is curated by Associate Professor Britton Snyder of the Communications Media Department. The exhibit features work by artists Luigi Guatieri, Jarien Skywall, Vicki Sarkissian, Carlos Jambrina, and Ali Swei. The artists’ work will be exhibited in the Hammond Hall Art Gallery from October 27 to December 18. There will be an opening reception on Thursday, Oct. 30 from 3:30-5 p.m. at the Hammond Gallery, located at 160 Pearl St. Gallery hours are Monday-Thursday (7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.), Friday (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Saturday (noon-5 p.m.) and Sunday (noon-11:30 p.m.). How do the images we consume on a daily basis—such as those we see in games, advertising, comics, illustrations—come into being? What is the creative process of the minds that birth them? The evolution of a public image is often as compelling as the final outcome, but it is rarely made accessible to the public. This show draws back the curtain to explore the creative process of five artists working in commercial production, from early sketches and 3D models to final products. Revealed are the experiments and dead ends, the hard work and passion, the playful attitude and disciplined focus that results in the image-saturated world we live in. “The artists featured in this exhibition—Luigi Guatieri, Jarien Skywall, Vicki Sarkissian, Carlos Jambrina, and Ali Swei—represent a range of different paths and outcomes developed through their practice,” Snyder said. “Some focus on narrative richness and memorable characters, others on intriguing settings or pensive moments. Each artist searches for the thread that connects their voice to the larger conversation that makes up our social experiences. Their work demonstrates how artists work through ideas and persist until they craft an image that resonates with their original intent, even when the final version has led them to an unexpected destination. The dynamic balance between technical control and wondrous surprise is central to creativity, resulting in the range of styles and subject matter shown here.”
- Nursing exam pass rate hits a perfect 100% scoreFitchburg State University, with a comprehensive nursing program steeped in over 60 years of academic excellence, announced recently that its nursing program achieved a perfect pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination ( NCLEX), with 100 percent of the 2025 graduates passing on their first attempt. “It’s hard to put into words the commitment all faculty in this program have to the success of our students,” said Associate Professor Debbie Benes, PhD, RN, PNP-R, chair of the Nursing Department. “The faculty are committed to making sure every student is successful. Since COVID, and through all the barriers nursing education is facing, we haven’t stopped and strive to provide a program that reflects the mission and vision of the university, and our department and meets the needs of our community. We preserve and are so proud of our students and each other.” The NCLEX is the mandatory, standardized test graduates must pass to become licensed registered nurses (NCLEX-RN) or practical/vocational nurses (NCLEX-PN). The exam assesses a candidate's ability to provide safe and effective patient care through critical thinking, serving as the essential gateway to professional practice. "Fitchburg State has prepared outstanding nurses for generations, and this perfect NCLEX pass rate is both a remarkable achievement and a reflection of that tradition of excellence," said Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge. "Our graduates leave here not only with the knowledge and skill demanded by their profession, but with the resilience, compassion, and commitment to service that define the best of nursing. This milestone affirms the strength of our program and the impact these new nurses will have in healthcare settings across the Commonwealth and beyond." The university’s NCLEX results echo other recent metrics of Fitchburg State’s success. Earlier this fall, Fitchburg State was once again recognized by U.S. News & World Report for supporting the upward social mobility of its students in the publication’s annual rankings of colleges and universities. In addition to being named among the best regional universities in the North and among the top public universities, Fitchburg State was ranked among the highest performing institutions in Massachusetts for social mobility. This category measures how well institutions succeed at enrolling and graduating economically disadvantaged students. To learn more about Fitchburg State’s nursing program, visit fitchburgstate.edu/nursing.
