By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Janecke named HCA National Rookie of the Year
Second time in three years a Nittany Lion has earned the honor
TessaJanecke_PennState
Tessa Janecke

UNIVERSITY PARK — Following a record-breaking campaign that saw the Penn State women’s hockey program reach new milestones, freshman forward Tessa Janecke was named the 2022-23 Women’s College Hockey National Rookie of the Year by the Women’s Hockey Commissioner’s Association on Thursday.

“We are proud of Tessa; she is certainly deserving of the recognition. She has a nice mixture of grit, determination, skill, and humility,” said head coach Jeff Kampersal. “Every day, our team benefited from her competitiveness and work ethic.”

Janecke tallied two goals and an assist in her first collegiate game aiding in a 4-1 win over WCHA opponent Wisconsin back on September 22, and never looked back. An integral part of Penn State’s championship season (College Hockey America regular season and tournament champs), Janecke played 38 games and recorded 22 goals, 25 assists and 47 points for coach Kampersal.

The Orangeville, Ill. native scored her first hat-trick as a Nittany Lion on February 25 against Lindenwood in the CHA semifinals as it was the second time in program history a hat-trick was scored in the postseason. She also broke all the program records for freshman including single season points, assists and goals.

It is the second time in three years that PSU has had the Rookie of the Year as forward Kiara Zanon was the recipient in 2021. Janecke was recognized three times by the HCA during the regular season, earning Player of the Month honors once and runner-up twice. Penn State went 27-9-2 with its season ending in a tough 3-2 triple overtime loss to Quinnipiac in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. 

Additional accolades from the 2022-23 season includes one CHA Forward of the Month honor, three CHA Rookie of the Month awards, and six CHA Rookie of the Week nods.

The national women’s Rookie of the Year is chosen by a vote of the NCAA Division 1 schools’ assistant coaches, with one vote per staff. The names on the ballot are each conference’s Rookie of the Year. All-America selections are chosen by members of the American Hockey Coaches Association.