Reds Add Scorers To 2020 Class

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB Reds are adding a couple of proven goal-scorers to their recruiting class of 2020.

The Reds have received commitments from forwards Payton Hargreaves, of Whitby, Ontario, and Melanie Drost, of Nepean, Ontario. Both have signed U SPORTS Letters of Intent, and will join the Reds ahead of the 2020-21 Atlantic University Sport season.

Hargreaves is a member of the Durham West Junior Lightning, of Ontario’s Provincial Women’s Hockey League. Currently, she’s second in team scoring, with nine goals and six assists in 22 games.

“I chose UNB because it felt like a home away from home for me,” said Hargreaves. “I wanted to find a university where I felt safe and the community felt like a family. UNB was able to offer every aspect that is important to me, from academics to athletics, and making me feel like I belong.”

Hargreaves was the MVP of the gold medal game at the 2014 Detroit Bauer Invitational, she served as assistant captain on the 2016-2017 Whitby Wolves team that won the Etobicoke Dolphins tournament. In 2018 she was named Grade 10 Athlete of the Year at Whitby’s Henry Street High School, and was the school’s volleyball and soccer MVP in her Grade 11 year.

“We’re thrilled that Payton has chosen UNB as her destination after her graduation,” said Reds head coach Sarah Hilworth. “Payton can play in every situation and will be a difference-maker on our team. She plays big minutes in a very competitive league and I believe her transition to U SPORTS will be smooth, and we’ll see Payton’s impact early in her career.”

Hargreaves will study Psychology will attending UNB.

Drost currently leads the Ottawa Lady 67s, of the Junior Women’s Hockey League, in scoring.

Through 13 regular season games, Drost has scored 14 goals and seven assists. In 25 tournament and exhibition games, she’s added another 14 goals and nine assists.

“After seeing Melanie play, we know we’re getting a player that will help our offensive production next year and beyond,” said Hilworth. “Melanie currently leads the JWHL in scoring. She has great offensive instincts and is a player who knows how to play inside the dots.”

“Melanie also comes from a family of UNB graduates, so it’s exciting to see her carry on her family legacy here in Fredericton.”

Drost’s father graduated from UNB with a Computer Science degree, and her grandfather taught in the Faculty of Education.

Like Hargreaves, Drost is a multi-sport talent.

She’s represented Nepean’s Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary School at the Ontario high school track and field championships in three straight years and has been an MVP on numerous other LDHSS teams.

“UNB felt like the perfect fit for me,” said Drost. “The coaching staff and players made me feel welcome during my visit and I could see myself here. I’m excited to start this next chapter of my life, and become a Red.”

Drost will study Sociology while attending UNB, and would like to pursue an Education degree.