Prep Hockey Programme Brochure 2025/26

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hockey PREP BOYS

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contents Our History....................................................... 4 School Profile................................................... 6 Facilities............................................................ 8 Admissions........................................................ 10 Prep Boys Hockey........................................... 13 League Info & Results................................. 14 Coach Profiles............................................. 16 Prep Girls Hockey............................................ 19 League Info & Results................................. 20 Coach Profiles............................................. 22 Alumni............................................................... 24

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OUR history From the frozen canal to our new state-of-the-art home, hockey and Ridley have been indivisible for more than 135 years. For more than a century, the Tigers have played Canada’s game like it was their own. Founded in 1889, the game of hockey has been a part of this school just as long as any of its other traditions. Ridley’s first official team (1893) honed their skills on the frozen Twelve Mile Creek running along the east side of campus. With few indoor hockey arenas in this era, the school became a hockey leader when it built the campus’ first indoor ice surface, Nichols Hall, in 1903, giving birth to the modern game.

Most of Ridley’s early hockey experiences took place in the Niagara Region before becoming part of “The Little Big Four.” This precursor to the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) that we know today was a breeding ground for top athletes and hockey prodigies.

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The school’s commitment to the game has endured having built four rinks with the latest addition, Tiger Arena, opened in January of 2009. Continuing its tradition of leadership in athletics, Ridley was at the forefront of the explosion of women’s hockey in Canada. Playing an organized schedule for the first time in 1993, Ridley girls had been skating since they first joined Ridley in 1973. Now over 50 years into their own history, the girls programme has developed into one of the top prep hockey programmes in North America.

Playing hockey at Ridley is much more than a team or an individual pursuit. It is the continuation of one of the longest and most storied sport histories in Canada.

Wearing the orange and black connects our athletes to a unique hockey family unparalleled in Canadian school sport.

RIDLEY HOCKEY today The hockey programme at Ridley has produced provincial, national and international champions, as well as hundreds of postsecondary hockey careers. As such, we attract promising young student-athletes from across Canada and around the globe who are more than confident that they can continue to develop not only on the ice, but also in the classroom. In recent years, our Prep Boys and Girls Hockey Programmes have enjoyed tremendous success including five MPHL Championships (in the past six years) and back-to-back CISAA Championships. Both programmes, however, are most proud of the number of student-athletes consistently moving on to postsecondary opportunities including the NCAA, OHL, CIS, and Tier 2.

Ridley College Hockey continues to flourish due largely in part to our first-class facilities and resources.

Preparation for this level of play includes four on-ice practices per week, as well as multiple off-ice sessions, which include strength training and active recovery.

Training and competition are supported by a dedicated coaching staff with national and international experience, Ridley’s athletic therapy and school medical team, a strength and conditioning coach, and other professional instructors.

Away from the ice, players are educated by Ridley’s dedicated professional faculty and supported by academic advisors, tutors and residential life staff.

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When you're living with teammates, going to class with them, having lunch together, hanging out in the dorms, it really changes how you gel as a team. You grow incredibly close to one another and it translates onto the ice.

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– Evan DeBrouwer '15 Bentley University (NCAA)

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SCHOOL profile Since 1889, Ridley has provided students with enriching learning and life-shaping experiences and has prepared them for success at some of the top universities and colleges around the world. With over 870 students from 65 countries, the largest boarding programme in Ontario and the third largest in Canada, Ridley College is a truly international, co-educational day and boarding school. Students in Junior Kindergarten through Post Graduate year are engaged in vibrant, challenging and forward-thinking academic, co-curricular and boarding life programmes.

Ridley offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum programme, in addition to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

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SCHOOL SNAPSHOT

8:1

STUDENT: FACULTY

874 STUDENTS

42% BOARDING

OUR MISSION: We prepare meaningful and flourishing lives by teaching the habits of mind, body and spirit, and the values needed to lead in a global society.

369 BOARDING STUDENTS

$3.5 million in Tuition Assistance 18

AVG. CLASS SIZE

65

22% of students receive some type of funding

COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

ACCREDITATION •

Ontario Ministry of Education

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International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO): IBO World School since March 2011

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Founding member Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS)

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National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) member

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The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS) member

75+ co-curricular activities in the arts, athletics, leadership and community service

ACADEMICS •

Student-centred, inquiry-based learning

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Learning Centre and individualized academic support

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Guidance and University Counseling (SAT test centre)

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Ridley is a Cambridge Testing Centre

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150+ academic course offerings

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25 IB course options

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Additional languages offered: French, Spanish, German and Mandarin

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Large number of offerings in Group 3 (Business and Management, Economics, Environmental Systems, History, Psychology) and Group 6 (Film, Theatre, Visual Arts)

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PREP BOYS HOCKEY LOCKER ROOM

facilities

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NHL-sized ice surface

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High-performance fitness centre

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Spin room

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Yoga studio

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Athletic therapy clinic •

Ultrasound machine

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Two Normatec compression sleeves

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State-of-the-art cold tub

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24-hour health centre

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Squash centre

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Tennis courts and playing fields

FITNESS AND STRENGTH CENTRE

PREP GIRLS HOCKEY LOCKER ROOM

TIGER ARENA

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admissions HOW TO APPLY

Explore the Opportunities a Ridley Experience Offers Our admissions process is structured to allow us to get to know you and your family — your experiences, interests, needs and expectations. Through this process, we strive to explore the possibilities for you at the school and determine whether Ridley is the best choice for your education.

To complete our application process, prospective students are asked to please submit the following: • Online application: ridleycollege.com/admissions/apply •

Year-end academic reports for three years, including the current school year

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Academic Recommendation Form

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Character Recommendation Form

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English as an Additional Language (EAL) Assessment Form, if English is not your first language

Students are encouraged to complete the Character Skills Snapshot to supplement their Ridley application.

While not required, the Snapshot will provide the Admissions Office with a more holistic view of the applicant.

Once your application has been submitted, you will be contacted by the Admissions Office to schedule an interview and/or a campus visit.

If you have any questions about Ridley or the entrance requirements, please contact our Admissions team at admissions@ridleycollege.com.

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MORE THAN JUST AN APPLICATION The admissions journey begins with your application and evolves through ongoing communication as we build a relationship and work together to discover if Ridley is the right fit for you. Along the way, we review your profile, provide information, answer questions and arrange customized visits to the Ridley campus.

Although our admissions process begins with an application, it involves more than just facts and figures on a form. We have designed our process to help us understand each candidate as a student and, more importantly, as an individual. While we value and respect past achievements, we strive to understand future potential, seriousness of purpose and possible contributions to the Ridley community, as well as the greater social good.

YOUR GUIDES THROUGH THE PROCESS Our Admissions Officers are your personal guides through the process. They’ll be with you every step of the way as you discover what the Ridley experience can mean for you. We understand that there may be unique circumstances that require our consideration and flexibility, and we are always available to work with you as needed.

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Playing at Ridley has allowed me to not only excel at the next level for hockey, but also academically.

Without attending Ridley I would not be where I am today. From the coaches I had to my teachers and friends I now call family, my three years at Ridley were unforgettable and I cannot thank the hockey programme and the school enough.

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– Summer Rae-Dobson, 17 University of Connecticut Buffalo Beauts (PHF)

TUITION ASSISTANCE An independent school education is a significant investment in a child’s future. Although some families are able to make the investment as part of their financial planning, we understand that others may need help.

Ridley College offers scholarships to eligible students.

DEDICATED AWARDS Each year, alumni, parents, faculty and staff donate to a number of dedicated scholarships. As a result of this generosity, Ridley directs more than $3.5 million to scholarships every school year.

REGIONAL AWARDS Our tradition of promoting and honouring academic achievement has led to the creation of international and region-specific merit-based scholarships. We are proud of the fact that over 22% of the Ridley student body receives a merit-based scholarship each year.

CONTACT INFORMATION We look forward to hearing from you!

phone-alt

(905) 684-1889 ext. 2207 (866) 603-1889 Toll free in North America

ENVELOPE

admissions@ridleycollege.com

MAP-PIN

Ridley College P.O. Box 3013, 2 Ridley Road St. Catharines, ON, Canada, L2R 7C3

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hockey PREP BOYS

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LEAGUE INFO & results 14

LEAGUE INFORMATION

The Midwest Prep Hockey League (MPHL), is made up of prep school teams from Quebec, Ontario, New York, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois.

The Canadian Prep School Hockey Alliance (CPSHA) is a coalition of top academic Prep School Hockey institutions in Canada.

The Two Nations Prep Hockey League (TNPHL) is a union of top academic institutions across Canada and the United States.

Showcase events across North America as well as the annual National Independent School Championship.

RESULTS MPHL Champions

2016

MPHL Champions CISAA Silver Medalists NISIC Silver Medalists

2018

MPHL Champions

2019

MPHL Champions CISAA Silver Medalists

2020

MPHL Champions

2022

CPSHA Champions

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COACH profiles MIKE MCCOURT Hockey Director and Head Coach prep@ridleycollege.com Born and raised in Brockville, Ontario, Coach McCourt has enjoyed an extremely successful playing career followed by a long and distinguished coaching career.

McCourt played three seasons with the Brockville Braves of the CCHL before pursing postsecondary hockey at St. Lawrence University where he was a four-year letter winner and captain of the 1991/92 ECAC Champions and NCAA Quarter Finalist Saints. Following graduation, Coach McCourt embarked on an eight-year professional career, which included stops with the Canadian National Team, the American Hockey League and the International Hockey League as well as three seasons in Europe.

After a career-ending shoulder injury, Coach McCourt began his coaching career with the Fresno Falcons where he captured a WCHL Championship. He then proceeded to Clarkson University (ECAC) as an Associate Coach before being named Head Coach and General Manager of his hometown Brockville Braves. His ability to develop players then led him to Robert Morris University as an Associate Coach before joining the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League.

Over the course of his coaching career, Mike has graduated numerous players on to the NCAA, CIS and OHL as well as producing a number of National Hockey League draft picks including first round picks Alex Pietrangelo, Dougie Hamilton, Ryan Strome and Mark Visentin.

Mike is currently in his fourteenth season as Ridley’s Director of Hockey and Head Coach of the Prep Boys Hockey Programme. During his tenure, Coach McCourt has led the Tigers to five MPHL Champions (in six years) and multiple CISAA Finals.

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ZACK JONES Assistant Coach Born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario, Coach Jones grew up playing varsity hockey in Niagara including four years of Junior B as part of the St. Catharines Falcons and Thorold Blackhawks organizations. Following his playing career, Zack worked as a power skating instructor alongside Kathi Plug and Chris Risi and has helped numerous athletes pursue major junior, collegiate and professional opportunities. Zack completed his undergraduate degree in Community Recreation and Leisure studies at Brock University before earning his teaching degree at Medaille College in Buffalo, NY. Zack joined the Prep Boys Hockey programme in 2015 and wears many hats as not only a coach, but also a member of both the Boarding Life team and Upper School faculty.

CARSON EDWARDSON Assistant Coach Born and raised in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Coach Edwardson grew up playing AAA hockey in Niagara. He was drafted by the Erie Otters of the OHL and was a member of Ridley’s Prep Boys Hockey team in 2015 and 2016, winning back-to-back MPHL Championships.

After joining the Erie Otters, Carson won the 2017 OHL Championship and was a Memorial Cup Finalist. He finished his junior hockey career back home as an Assistant Captain for the St. Catharines Falcons and Niagara Falls Canucks. Following his playing career, he studied Police Foundations and is continuing to pursue a career as a Police Officer. He is an Assistant Head of House on campus and leads various on-ice skill sessions.

CHRISTIAN GIRHINY Assistant Coach and Hockey Operations Born and raised in Thorold, Ontario. Coach Girhiny grew up playing AAA hockey in Niagara. He was drafted by the Erie Otters of the OHL and was a member of Ridley’s Prep Boys Hockey team for the 2014/15 season. After joining the Erie Otters, he won the 2017 OHL Championship and was a Memorial Cup Finalist alongside Coach Edwardson.

Christian finished his junior hockey career back home with the St. Catharines Falcons tallying 114 points in just 49 games played with the club. He then went on to play hockey at Brock University where he earned is Bachelor of Sport Management.

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hockey PREP GIRLS

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LEAGUE INFO & results 20

LEAGUE INFORMATION

The OWHA’s U22 Division is comprised of the top junior programs across Ontario, with Ridley College being the league’s only academic institution.

The Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISAA) is made up of prep school programs from Ontario and Western New York.

USA Hockey and Ontario Women’s Hockey Association (OWHA) showcase events.

RESULTS CISAA Silver Medalists

2017

CISAA Silver Medalists

2018

CISAA Silver Medalists

2019

CISAA Champions

2020

CISAA Champions

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COACH profiles AMANDA BENOIT-WARK Head Coach prep@ridleycollege.com Hailing from Welland, Ontario, Coach Benoit-Wark joined Ridley as the Director of Hockey and Head Coach of the Prep Girls Hockey Programme in the Fall of 2008. Prior to taking the helm, Coach Benoit-Wark had an impressive playing career culminating with a long stint as a member of Canada’s dominant Women’s National Team. Amanda won eight National and 12 Provincial Championships as a member of the Toronto Aeros and Team Ontario during the Canada Winter Games. From there, she was selected as a member of Team Canada winning two World Championships in 1999 and 2000. In 2002, Amanda was an alternate player on Team Canada’s Gold medal winning squad at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.

After completing her playing career, Coach Benoit-Wark jumped into coaching as she looked to share her experience with the next generation of female hockey players. In 2012, she was invited back to coach several national programs including the Women’s National Team and both the U18 and U22 National Programs adding to her already notable lineage with Hockey Canada. In 2015, Amanda helped guide the U22 National Program to Gold. She also led the U18 National Program to Bronze at the 2017 U18 World Championships in Russia. In 2018, Amanda was invited to Japan as the Head Coach of Team Ontario’s U16 squad. In 2025, Amanda was named an assistant coach for Canada's National Women's U18 team for the 2025/26 season.

During her time at Ridley, she has led the Tigers to multiple CISAA Championships and has graduated numerous players on to postsecondary sport.

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CELESTE DOUCET Assistant Coach Born in Memramcook, New Brunswick, Coach Doucet began her Ridley career as an athlete leading the girls’ programme to their first-ever CISAA Championships in 2006.

She captained the team in her senior year and was also awarded Ridley’s Female Athlete of the Year. After Ridley, she skated for New Brunswick at the 2007 Canada Winter Games at Whitehorse, Yukon and played for several other New Brunswick provincial teams including the U18 Atlantic Challenge Cup and the Senior Women's Esso National Senior Championships squads. In July 2007, she attended Hockey Canada National Women's Under-19 Program Evaluation Camp in Calgary, Alberta. Following her career at Ridley, Doucet played four years at University of Vermont, earning the Captaincy in 2010/11.

Celeste finished her teaching degree at UVM before returning to Ridley in the Fall of 2012.

ANNIE SHERIDAN Assistant Coach Born in Mississauga, Ontario, Coach Sheridan began her Ridley career in 2012, attending the Upper School for all four years. She took full advantage of the Ridley experience but her primary focus was on academics, athletics and the cadet programme. She earned Captaincy of the Prep Girls Hockey team in her last two seasons and in her senior year, was awarded the programme’s Most Valuable Player and Ridley’s Female Athlete of the Year. After her career at Ridley, Annie played five years at Laurentian University, earning the Captaincy in 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2020/21. Once completing her degree in Physical and Health Education, she returned to Ridley in the Fall of 2022. She wears multiple hats at Ridley, teaching Phys Ed in the Lower School and acting as the K–3 Athletic Coordinator.

JULIA HUTTON Assistant Coach Julia Hutton’s Ridley College hockey career began in 2013 with the Prep Girls team as a Grade 10 student. After graduating from Brock University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Communications, she returned to Ridley as Assistant Head of House – Gooderham East. Eager to return to her stomping grounds, she re-joined the hockey team as an Assistant Coach in the fall of 2021. Having developed a love for yoga during her ‘life after hockey,’ Julia completed her 200 hours of teachers training through Power Yoga Canada and now uses these skills to lead the team through restorative classes regularly.

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alumni A COMMUNITY AND A LEGACY Your relationship with Ridley College does not end when you graduate. As alumni of Ridley, you are part of a multi-generational community of over 8,000 proud men and women in nearly 100 different countries. Wherever your life takes you, there’s a strong probability that you will come across another ‘Old Ridleian’ (OR).

Shailynn Snow '19 St. Lawrence University U18 Women's World Championship, Gold Medalist Ryan Mahshie '17 Rensselaer Polytech Institute

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PREP BOYS HOCKEY CLASS OF 2016

CLASS OF 2019

Cameron Beaudry – Aurora University (NCAA DIII) Cole Cameron – Kitchener Rangers OHL - University of Guelph (U SPORTS) Carson Edwardson – Erie Otters (OHL) Christian Girhiny – Erie Otters (OHL) - Brock University (U SPORTS) Connor Hill – Niagara University (NCAA DI) Charlie Levesque – Umass Lowell (NCAA DI) Will Lochead – London Knights (OHL) - Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL) Chris McGonigle – Kitchener Rangers (OHL) Andrew McIntyre – St. Lawrence University (NCAA DI) Lucas Pfeil – Kitchener Rangers (OHL) - St. Francis Xavier University (U SPORTS) Brandon Skubel – Drummondville Voyageurs (QMJHL) Noah Tooke – Wilfrid Laurier University (U SPORTS)

Maxime Blanchard – Ottawa Jr Senators (CCHL) - Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL) McGill University (U Sports) AJ Cook – Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL) - Brock University (U SPORTS) Matt Keeley – Wellington Dukes (OJHL) Jacob Lutwyche – Manchester Storm (EIHL) Cole Spencer – Ottawa Jr Senators (CCHL)

CLASS OF 2017 Carson Edwardson – Erie Otters (OHL) Ryan Mahshie – Rensselaer Polytech Institute (NCAA DI) Andrew McIntyre – St. Lawrence University (NCAA DI) Brandon Skubel – Drummondville Voltigeurs (QMJHL) Brett Thorne – Michigan Tech (NCAA DI)

CLASS OF 2017 Owen Cole – UMass Lowell (NCAA DI) Jona Hildreth – SUNY-Cortland (NCAA DIII) Evan Johnston – Hawkesbury Hawks (CCHL) Jacob Lutwyche – Manchester Storm (EIHL) Colin Marshall – Ottawa Jr Sentators (CCHL) Garrett McArthur – Brockville Braves (CCHL) Riley McCourt – Flint Firebirds (OHL) - Toronto Marlies (AHL) Riley McCutcheon – University of Vermont (NCAA DI) Lucas Pfeil – Kitchener Rangers (OHL) Nicholas Prestia – Manhattanville College (NCAA DIII) Cameron Warren – Fort McMurray Oil Barons (AJHL)

CLASS OF 2020 Coleman Bennett – Napean Raiders (CCHL) - Brock University (U SPORTS) Alexandre Blanchard – Rockland Nationals (CCHL) - Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL) Carter Giles – Whitecourt Wolverines (AJHL) Rylee Hlusiak – Hawkesbury Hawks (CCHL) - Sacred Heart University (NCAA DI) Noah Sedore – Erie Otters (OHL) - University of PEI (U SPORTS)

CLASS OF 2021 Luke Haymes – Cohwichan Capitals (BCHL) - Dartmouth College (NCAA DI) Nicholas Athanasakos – Spruce Kings (BCHL) Shaymus Stevenson – Smith Falls Bears (CCHL) Colton Chipman – Navan Grads (CCHL)

CLASS OF 2022 Sawyer Prokopetz – Pembroke Lumber Kings (CCHL) - University of Nebraska Omaha (NCAA DI) Joseph Ianiello – Navan Grads (CCHL) Jace Letourneau – Pembroke Lumber Kings (CCHL) Jake Sederoff – Toronto Junior Canadiens (OJHL) Landen Hookey – Owen Sound Attack (OHL)

CLASS OF 2023 Dylan Lariviere – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NCAA DI) Riley Bloom – Hawkesbury Hawks (CCHL) Sam Lockyer – Collingwood Blues (OJHL)

PREP GIRLS HOCKEY CLASS OF 2017

CLASS OF 2022

Megan Forrest – Brown University (NCAA DI) Gracen Mahoney – Kings College (NCAA DIII) Heather Newman – Memorial University (U SPORTS) Summer Rae-Dobson – Mercyhurst University (NCAA DI)

Brooke Loranger – Holy Cross University (NCAA DI) Anna Barrington – Mercyhurst University (NCAA DI)

CLASS OF 2018

Lauren Toner – University of New Brunswick (U SPORTS) Sammie Balfour – Hilbert College (NCAA DIII) Alizee Leblanc – Saint Michael's College (NCAA DI) Mia Giles – McGill University (U SPORTS)

Audra Vanroboys – University of Miami, Ohio (ACHA)

CLASS OF 2019 Shailynn Snow – St. Lawrence University (NCAA DI) Janneke Watt – University of Western Ontario (U SPORTS)

CLASS OF 2020 Katherine Culligan – St. FX University (U SPORTS) Catherine Foulem – Boston University (NCAA DI) Abygail Grexton – Dartmouth College (NCAA DI) Hallie McClelland – Arizona State University (ACHA) Avery Penner – University of Prince Edward Island (U SPORTS)

CLASS OF 2021 Carmen Elliott – Holly Cross University (NCAA DI) Lilli Welcke – Maine University (NCAA I) Luisa Welcke – Maine University (NCAA I) Mary Sweetapple – Mercyhurst University (NCAA DI)

CLASS OF 2023

CLASS OF 2024 Cassidy Blanchard – McGill University (U SPORTS) Presley Daschuk – University of Western Ontario (U SPORTS) Avery Falardeau – Maryville University (NCAA DII) Julianne Lefaive – Liberty University (NCAA DI) Jessica Mackinnon – Clarkson University (NCAA DI) Easton McComber – Niagara University (NCAA DI) Charlotte Pieckehagen – University of Wisconsin (NCAA DI) Maria Shea – University of Western Ontario (U SPORTS)

CLASS OF 2025 Jade LebLanc – Hillbert College (NCAA DIII) Taylor Insley – Gustavus Adolphus College (NCAA DIII)

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P.O. Box 3013, 2 Ridley Road, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada L2R 7C3 905-684-1889

Interested in applying to Ridley?

Learn more about the application process at ridleycollege.com/apply.

@RidleyCollege

@RidleyAthletics

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