Huskies add more local flare to the 2019 recruiting class

The Saint Mary's University Women's Hockey Huskies are proud to announce the addition of four recruits for the 2019-2020 season.

Joining the Huskies will be Toronto-Leaside Wildcats' defender Lauren Papp, Cape Breton Chevy Panthers' forward Aimee O'Neill, as well as Madison Gray and Ellen Laurence, both forwards for the Metro Station Six Fire.

Laurence, a Kentville, NS native, led the NSFMHL in scoring this year with 46 goals and 70 points, and was named league MVP. O'Neill, from Glace Bay, collected 30 goals and 50 points, was last year's NSFMHL MV.  She earned first line all-star recognition this year along with Gray, from Hammonds Plains, NS who put in a solid 15 goals and 31 points while cleaning things up at both ends of the ice.

Coach Chris Larade expects all three to be key players for the Huskies as soon as they set foot on campus. "All three Nova Scotia players will bring a wealth of success and experience to our program. All three were on the Canada Games team and proved to be very key players for Team Nova Scotia, playing in all situations, and showed they can skate and play with the country's best. Maddie is the likely the smartest two-way forward to ever come out of the local midget league, and Aimee and Ellen have the potential to provide some high-end offense for our program moving forward. The addition of these three, gives us a lot of options up front."

Rounding out the 2019 class is Papp, of Brampton, Ontario.  A smooth-skating and puck-moving defender, she piled up 3 goals and 8 points in only 20 games before having to shut down her season due to injury. "Lauren was on our radar early and we are extremely pleased to have her join our program. Her season was cut short this year but she has proven that she is a top-end player on both sides of the puck, and her attitude and leadership qualities will enable her to fit right in and play some solid minutes for us next year."

With the opening of the new Dauphinee Centre set for September, the Huskies will be back on campus next season and ready to reclaim the AUS title. Coach Larade feels that these additions will greatly enhance  the team chances.. "Our program continues to attract high-end character student-athletes. These four young ladies are not only dynamic players, but also excel in the classroom as well. I am truly excited at the opportunity of coaching them and seeing what they will contribute to our program both on and off the ice".