Ontario Tech Ridgebacks women's ice hockey
| Ontario Tech Ridgebacks women's ice hockey | |
|---|---|
 | |
| University | Ontario Tech University |
| Conference | OUA OUA East Division |
| First season | 2007-08 |
| Head coach | Kassidy Nauboris 2nd season, 9–17–0 |
| Assistant coaches |
|
| Arena | Campus Ice Centre Oshawa, Ontario |
| Colors | Blue, Light Blue, and Orange[1] |
The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks women's ice hockey team is an active ice hockey program representing the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks athletic department of the Ontario Tech University. The program is a member of Ontario University Athletics, participanting in the East division. Currently serving as head coach, Kassidy Nauboris is the first Ontario Tech graduate to serve in this role with a Ridgebacks team. [2]
History
The Ridgebacks debuted in U Sports ice hockey during the 2007–08 season. Recording only one regulation win, compared to 24 regulation losses, their mark in overtime involved two wins and two losses.
Former Winter Games medalist Karen Nystrom joined the Ridgebacks as head coach in 2009, replacing Gary Pitcher. Amassing 52 regulation wins during her six seasons there, Nystrom led the program to their first double digit win season during 2011-12.
Under Nystrom's tutelage, the Ridgebacks enjoyed consecutive appearances in the OUA playoffs, a program first. Both postseason berths (2013 and 2014) ended in first round exits.
Inheriting the head coaching duties from Nystrom, Justin Caruana served in the role until 2024. Leading the Ridgebacks to the 2022 OUA Playoffs, the result was another first round exit, eliminated on home ice versus the Queen's Golden Gaels.
Players
All-time stat leaders
| Player Name | Pos. | Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jill Morillo | F | 130 | 64 | 47 | 111 |
| Kassidy Nauboris | F | 46 | 46 | 92 | |
| Sarah Worthington | F | 38 | 45 | 83 | |
| Chelsea Ball | F | 37 | 37 | 74 | |
| Jaclyn Gibson | F | 125 | 63 | ||
| Mikaeli Cavell | F | 120 | 18 | 42 | 60 |
Awards and honours
- 2018-19 OUA assists leader - Kassidy Nauboris (17 assists)
- 2021-22 OUA Most Sportsmanlike Award - Megan Johnson [3]
- 2021-22 OUA All-Rookie Team - Zoe McGee, Goaltender
- 2024-25 OUA leading goal scorer - Julia Jackson (14 goals)
OUA All-Rookie
- 2018-19 All-Rookie Team selection: Erin Ross[4]
OUA All-stars
- 2016-17 Second Team All-Star: Kassidy Nauboris
- 2018-19 First Team All-Star: Kassidy Nauboris
- 2021-22 Second Team All-Star: Brooke Vial
- 2021-22 Second Team All-Star: Natalie Wozney
- 2024-25 First Team All-Star: Julia Jackson[5]
USports honors
- 2022-23 USports Academic All-Canadian: Kayla Welk
University honors
- 2024-25 Ontario Tech Female Athlete of the Year: Julia Jackson[6]
- 2024-25 James Baun Cup: Kayla Welk
International
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Ridgebacks in Pro Hockey
| Player Name | Team | League | Season(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria MacKenzie | Toronto Furies | CWHL | 2016-17 | Appeared in 2 regular season games |
| Chelsea Ball | MAC Budapest | EWHL | 2019-20 | Amassed 20 regular season points |
| Kassidy Nauboris | MAC Budapest | EWHL | 2019-20 | Amassed 23 regular season points |
| Natasha Tymcio | MAC Budapest | EWHL | 2019-20 | Appeared in 18 regular season games |
NOTE: In the 2016 CWHL Draft, Victoria MacKenzie and Jaclyn Gibson were both selected by the Toronto Furies.[9] MacKenzie was a 10th round selection while Gibson was selected in the 12th round.
See also
References
- ^ "Colours". Ontario Tech Ridgebacks. Retrieved September 11, 2024.
- ^ Sports Information, Ontario Tech (2025-08-15). "Nauboris becomes first alumna head coach". Ontario Tech Ridgebacks Athletics. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
- ^ Sports Information, Ontario Tech (2025-08-15). "Record Five OUA Awards won by Ridgebacks women's hockey". Ontario Tech Ridgebacks Athletics. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
- ^ UOIT Sports Information (2019-03-06). "Nauboris and Ross recognized with OUA women's hockey awards". UOIT ridgebacks.com/. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
- ^ UOIT Sports Information (2025-03-12). "Jackson earns OUA All-star Nod". UOIT ridgebacks.com/. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
- ^ UOIT Sports Information (2025-03-27). "Jackson and Core named Ontario Tech Athletes of the Year". UOIT ridgebacks.com/. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
- ^ UOIT Sports Information (2019-03-11). "Nauboris becomes first Ridgeback to win Universiade Medal". UOIT ridgebacks.com/. Retrieved 2025-08-14.
- ^ UOIT Sports Information (2019-09-17). "Ontario Tech women's hockey graduates go pro". UOIT ridgebacks.com/. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
- ^ UOIT Sports Information (2016-08-22). "Two former Ridgebacks drafted by the Toronto Furies". UOIT ridgebacks.com/. Retrieved 2025-08-15.
