Cassidy Hilworth Adds Assistant Coach Title
(FREDERICTON, NB) Cassidy Hilworth is adapting to change, again. It’s something she’s become good at.
The 26-year-old Hilworth is taking on the role of assistant coach of the UNB Reds women’s hockey team after two seasons as the team’s skating and skills coach.
“I’m excited to step into a bigger role with the Reds,” said Hilworth. “This is a special group that is going to accomplish big things very soon and I can’t wait to be part of that.”
Hilworth fills the gap left by the departure of Brittany Esposito, who resigned in April.
The former pro player and NCAA standout has held a number of titles recently.
After winning a NCAA Division 3 championship at Elmira College, where she established a record for most power-play goals in a season, women or men, that still stands, Hilworth played professionally in the now-defunct Canadian Women’s Hockey League.
A Hockey Canada Master Women Coach Developer, Hilworth has served in various coaching capacities with Hockey New Brunswick and Hockey Alberta, was an assistant on the Team Atlantic staff in 2019, and served a season as head coach of the women’s team at Fredericton’s Leo Hayes High School.
She’s also operated her own hockey consulting and training business.
“I understand the vision and culture that this program has created, and am excited to take on a new role in helping this group be successful,” she said.
“We’re thrilled to have Cassidy join us in a larger capacity,” said Reds head coach Sarah Hilworth. “We were more than impressed with the work she’s done with our team already. She brings so much experience, from being an American college champion, a pro player, and an accomplished coach. I believe she’s more than qualified to fill this role.”
The Reds returned to Atlantic University Sport play in 2018 after a ten-year absence.
In their two seasons so far, UNB has fashioned a 31-20-5 record and advanced to the AUS semi-finals in both seasons.
“Cassidy is going to bring excellent hockey knowledge and a competitive edge to our bench,” said Reds forward Ashley Stratton, named a 1st Team AUS All-Star and 2nd Team All-Canadian in 2019-20. “I’m excited for her to join us on the bench this season. This is a great upgrade for our program.”
Teammates echoed Stratton’s excitement.
“She has so much knowledge about the game, and with an extended off-season she’ll be a huge asset to our skill development on the ice this fall,” said Reds defender Jenna MacLean. “It’s very exciting that Cass will be spending more time with us this year, on and off the ice.”
“Cass is a coach that pays attention to small details,” said Reds blueliner Amanda Desrochers. “She knows everything about individual players she’s coached, and I think coming into this season, with development, she’s going to have such a strong impact on each player as she’ll have different plans for each of us.”
“She makes you work for your success on the ice against her, which will be huge with not having games this first half,” said Desrochers.
Hilworth assumes her new role, and begins adapting to the change, immediately.