Varsity Reds Name First Atlantic Canadian Recruit

(FREDERICTON, NB) The returning UNB Varsity Reds women’s hockey team has added its first Atlantic Canadian, receiving a signed U SPORTS Letter of Intent from Newfoundland-Labrador forward Ashley Stratton.

The 17-year-old, from Mount Pearl, Newfoundland-Labrador, is currently playing on the U-19 women’s team at the Ontario Hockey Academy, in Cornwall, Ontario.

Earlier this year, she took part in the national U-18 championship as a member of Team Atlantic. Stratton scored the first goal in Team Atlantic’s victory over the powerhouse Team Ontario Red at the tournament. It was the first time in tournament history that Team Atlantic had beaten Team Ontario Red.

“I’m looking forward to the reintroduction of female varsity hockey at UNB, and starting the culture for the Varsity Reds,” said Stratton. “UNB has a great reputation and is highly recommended by former students. UNB is the right fit for me because it is not too big, it offers the programs I’m interested in, and has excellent facilities.”

Stratton has spent five seasons with Team Newfoundland-Labrador’s U-16 and U-18 programs, winning the Atlantic Challenge Cup in 2015.

She was also top scorer for her Bantam AAA team that won the Newfoundland-Labrador title and the Atlantic championship.

“We see Ashley as a big game type player,” said Varsity Reds head coach Sarah Hilworth. “She was a key member of Team Atlantic this year. We’re excited that Ashley wants to stay in the Maritimes and believe she’ll become an ambassador for other Atlantic athletes in the community.”

Stratton plans on pursuing a Bachelor of Science, focusing on Biology and Chemistry, at UNB.

She’ll join the Varsity Reds beginning in the 2018-19 season.