my-server
← Wiki

Ontario Tech Ridgebacks women's ice hockey

The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks women's ice hockey team is an active ice hockey program representing the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks athletic department of the Ontario Tech University. The program is a member of Ontario University Athletics, participanting in the East division. Currently serving as head coach, Kassidy Nauboris is the first Ontario Tech graduate to serve in this role with a Ridgebacks team.

History

The Ridgebacks debuted in U Sports ice hockey during the 2007–08 season. Recording only one regulation win, compared to 24 regulation losses, their mark in overtime involved two wins and two losses.

Former Winter Games medalist Karen Nystrom joined the Ridgebacks as head coach in 2009, replacing Gary Pitcher. Amassing 52 regulation wins during her six seasons there, Nystrom led the program to their first double digit win season during 2011–12.

Under Nystrom's tutelage, the Ridgebacks enjoyed consecutive appearances in the OUA playoffs, a program first. Both postseason berths (2013 and 2014) ended in first round exits.

Inheriting the head coaching duties from Nystrom, Justin Caruana served in the role until 2024. Leading the Ridgebacks to the 2022 OUA Playoffs, the result was another first round exit, eliminated on home ice versus the Queen's Golden Gaels.

Players

All-time stat leaders

Awards and honours

  • 2018-19 OUA assists leader - Kassidy Nauboris (17 assists)
  • 2021-22 OUA Most Sportsmanlike Award - Megan Johnson
  • 2024-25 OUA leading goal scorer - Julia Jackson (14 goals)

OUA All-Rookie

  • 2009-10 All-Rookie Team selection: Jill Morillo
  • 2018-19 All-Rookie Team selection: Erin Ross
  • 2021-22 OUA All-Rookie Team - Zoe McGee, Goaltender

OUA All-stars

  • 2016-17 Second Team All-Star: Kassidy Nauboris
  • 2018-19 First Team All-Star: Kassidy Nauboris
  • 2021-22 Second Team All-Star: Brooke Vial
  • 2021-22 Second Team All-Star: Natalie Wozney
  • 2024-25 First Team All-Star: Julia Jackson

USports honors

  • 2011 Academic All-Canadian: Jill Morillo
  • 2012 CIS Marion Hilliard Award: Jill Morillo
  • 2012 Second Team All-Canadian: Jill Morillo
  • 2022-23 USports Academic All-Canadian: Kayla Welk

University honors

  • 2024-25 Ontario Tech Female Athlete of the Year: Julia Jackson
  • 2010-11 James Baun Cup: Jill Morillo
  • 2024-25 James Baun Cup: Kayla Welk

International

  • Kassidy Nauboris : 2019 Winter Universiade

Ridgebacks in Pro Hockey

NOTE: In the 2016 CWHL Draft, Victoria MacKenzie and Jaclyn Gibson were both selected by the Toronto Furies. MacKenzie was a 10th round selection while Gibson was selected in the 12th round.

See also

References