WORCESTER, Mass. – Holy Cross Associate Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kit Hughes is honored to announce the retirement of three Holy Cross ice hockey jerseys at the College. Stacey Hochkins, Tyler McGregor and Patrick Rissmiller will all have their numbers hung in the rafters of the Hart Center forever, in honor of their significant impact on and off the ice for the Crusaders. They become the first ice hockey players in school history to have their jerseys retired.

Hochkins will be formally honored during the women's ice hockey game against Maine on Feb. 24, 2024. Rissmiller's jersey retirement will take place at the men's ice hockey contest against Air Force on Feb. 3, 2024. McGregor will be honored at a game to be determined during the 2024-2025 men's ice hockey season (details coming soon).

"I'm thrilled for the opportunity to honor the legacies of Stacey, Tyler and Patrick as they become the first Holy Cross hockey student-athletes to have their jerseys retired," Hughes said. "They have earned every bit of this recognition with their tremendous achievements on the ice, their impact on our programs' history, and their ongoing contributions as alumni of the College. I am excited to celebrate with these three, their families, and the entire Crusader community as their jerseys are hung in the Hart Center Rink rafters."

"When you think of Holy Cross hockey, you immediately think of Stacey Hochkins," said Holy Cross women's ice hockey coach Katie Lachapelle. "The legacy that she has left on this program is something that will forever be hard to match. It's very fitting that she'll be honored in February as she is our first and only Hall of Fame inductee. We are extremely excited to be retiring her jersey to honor the amazing legacy that she has left here at Holy Cross."

"It didn't take long after coming to Holy Cross to learn about what Tyler McGregor and Patrick Rissmiller mean to our hockey program," said Holy Cross men's ice hockey head coach Bill Riga. "Their impact on the program is indelible and long-lasting. Forever honoring their efforts and legacy with the jersey retirements is a well-earned and fitting way to celebrate their accomplishments and impact on the Holy Cross hockey community."

Hochkins was a standout forward on the Holy Cross women's ice hockey team from 2008-2012. She was a four-time first team All-ECAC East selection, in addition to being named All-America and All-New England three times. During her senior year, Hochkins led the team with a school-record 28 goals and 18 assists for 46 points. She ended her collegiate career as Holy Cross' all-time leader in all six major offensive categories, totaling 103 goals, 86 assists, 189 points, 18 game-winning goals, 22 power play goals and 15 shorthanded goals. A two-year team captain, Hochkins led the Crusaders to an overall record of 80-19-7 during her four years on the team.

"Speechless would best describe my reaction when being informed of this incredible honor," Hochkins said. "Hockey has always been my first love and this is truly something that I could never have dreamed of achieving. Upon receiving the phone call and reflecting on what this means, it is extremely apparent that none of this is possible without the support of my teammates, coaches, family, and friends. I am so proud to be a Holy Cross Crusader.  I'm in awe of how the women's hockey program has flourished since the days that I had the privilege of wearing the purple sweater. I'm humbled and grateful to be a part of this legacy."

McGregor was a standout member of the Holy Cross men's ice hockey team from 2002-2006. He led the Crusaders to two Atlantic Hockey Association championships and the first two NCAA Tournament appearances in school history, while scoring the game-winning goal in overtime to defeat Minnesota 4-3 in the 2006 NCAA West Regional. As a team captain during his senior season, McGregor was named the Atlantic Hockey Player of the Year and received third team All-America honors. A two-time first team All-Atlantic Hockey selection, he led the team in goals scored during both his junior (21) and senior (26) years. McGregor totaled 137 points over the course of his collegiate career on 70 goals and 67 assists, and was selected as the 2005-2006 Crusader of the Year. Following his graduation, he played professionally in the American Hockey League and the Central Hockey League.

"This is such an honor," McGregor said. "My coaches, instructors and the community at Holy Cross left an indelible mark on my life. So many of my teammates and classmates live up to our motto 'Men and Women for Others.' We continue to inspire each other to be our best. Holy Cross will forever hold a special place in my family's heart, and I'm proud to be an alumnus of the school and our hockey program."

Rissmiller totaled 53 goals and 90 assists for 143 points as a four-year member of the Crusader men's ice hockey team. He helped Holy Cross to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship as a freshman, when he led the team with 28 assists. By his senior year, Rissmiller earned MAAC Offensive Player of the Year honors in addition to being a first team All-MAAC selection, as he led the team in scoring with 46 points on 16 goals and 30 assists. His 30 assists during the 2001-2002 campaign were the most by a Crusader since the program moved to the Division I level. Following his collegiate career, Rissmiller went on to play professional hockey for 13 years, becoming only the second Holy Cross graduate to play in the National Hockey League. He appeared in 192 career games with the San Jose Sharks, New York Rangers, Atlanta Thrashers and Florida Panthers, totaling 46 points on 18 goals and 28 assists.

"It means the world to me and my family to have my jersey retired by Holy Cross, a place that was instrumental in my development as a player and more importantly as a student and a person," Rissmiller said. "I am humbled by this honor. While I can't name every person who helped and supported me, I want to thank my family, Paul Pearl, Father Vodoklys S.J., Jeff Oliver, my teammates and countless others who helped me on and off the ice."

FOLLOW THE CRUSADERS 
Be sure to follow all things Crusader Athletics on social media!
Twitter - @goholycross
Instagram - @goholycross
Facebook - Holy Cross Athletics
YouTube - GoHolyCross
 
ABOUT HOLY CROSS
The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Massachusetts — the second-largest city in New England  — is among the nation's leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,100 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition, and is one of only 85 colleges in America that meets 100% of students' demonstrated financial need. Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society since its founding in 1843 by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional and civic life.