ORONO – The University of Maine women’s ice hockey team has signed two players to National Letters of Intent, coach Guy Perron announced Friday.

Taryn Peacock and Elyce Thomas will attend the University of Maine starting in the fall of 2006.

Peacock, a forward from Calgary, Alberta, was a member of the 2005 Albert U-18 team which placed fourth at the Canadian Championships, was the leading scorer in 2004-05 for the Calgary PSA Chaos despite missing 19 games, and was a gold medal winner and the leading scorer at the 2004 Alberta Winter Games.

This season, Peacock was named captain of her club team and has netted eight goals and six assists in seven games. She attends EDGE School in Calgary and played with current Maine goaltender Lundy Day in the 2003-04 season.

“Peacock … brings speed and finesse up front,” Perron said. “She is a hard worker with the ability to score goals.”

Thomas is a defenseman-forward from Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. She played for Team British Columbia for three years and was a member of U18 Team BC at the Canada Winter Games in 2003, as well as a member of the 2004 bronze medal-winning team in the Canadian U18 National competition. Thomas also played for Team British Columbia at the Esso Women’s Nationals in Sarnia, Ontario.

Thomas played boys hockey at the peewee and bantam levels. As a 14-year-old, Thomas was the first girl to play in the Kamloops International Bantam Ice Hockey Tournament.

“Thomas … brings size and strength to our squad,” said Perron. “She is a versatile player excelling both as a defenseman and a forward.”

The eligibility of all student-athletes is contingent upon admission to the University of Maine and compliance with all NCAA rules, including registration with the NCAA Clearinghouse. The early signing period began November 9 and ended November 19.