The St. Thomas Tommies women's hockey team has added a former Swiss National team player to the front line and has increased the depth at the blue line with its latest recruits.

The 2015-16 Atlantic University Sport finalists will welcome Alex Woods, a defender from Courtice, Ontario, and Rahel Michielin, a forward from Sonterswil, Switzerland, to the program this fall 

Michielin spent the last three seasons playing for the SC Weinfelden Ladies in the top Swiss Division. During that time, the smooth skating forward netted six goals and dished out 11 assists. She also brings elite-level playing experience to the Tommies, having played four years with the Swiss National team.

"Rahel is a quick, strong skating forward who plays with a lot of intensity and will add more speed to a team that relied on a transitional fast attack last year," Tommies head coach Peter Murphy said. "She has experience playing with the Swiss National team and we look forward to her bringing that skillset to the program next season."

Coming to Fredericton from Switzerland will be a big transition for Michielin, but after visiting campus and meeting the team she's confident St. Thomas is a good fit for her on and off the ice.

"The people I met made me feel comfortable here and the practices and games that I observed during the time I was in Fredericton have convinced me that being here will allow me to develop athletically and personally," she said. "The Tommies had an amazing year and I can't wait to come in the fall and contribute to this program."

Woods doesn't have as far to go—coming to the Tommies from Ontario—but it was still important that St. Thomas matched her academic and athletic goals.

"After visiting St. Thomas I knew it was the place for me. With the warm welcome, not only from the hockey team but also the students, I really felt excited to be a part of this university," Woods said. "I can't wait to play hockey here, and although STU is a small university I feel the opportunities here are endless."

On the ice, Woods will be a welcomed addition to the Tommies' defensive corps. She comes to the team from the Leaside Wildcats of the Provincial Women's Hockey League, where she contributed five goals and eight assists in 35 games this season.

"Alex is a very heads up, dynamic defender. She has great speed and proven ability to join the rush," Murphy said. "We see her as being a great addition to our already strong D corps and we have no doubt she will be contributing to the Tommies continued success this year."

Woods and Michielin join defender Alison Bruder of Dundas, Ontario, and forward Lauren Legault of Elie, Manitoba, in the 2016-17 recruiting class.