2009-10 NEWS RELEASES

UOIT Ridgebacks Media Release
Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Ridgeback rookie earns provincial recognition

HAMILTON, Ont. - Ontario University Athletics (OUA) released the 2009/10 edition of the major award winners for women’s hockey and Ridgebacks forward Jill Morillo (Whitby, Ont.) was selected as a member of the OUA all-rookie team.

The all-rookie team selection marks the first individual provincial all-star recognition for the UOIT Ridgebacks women’s hockey program, which just finished up their third year of competing in the OUA. She was also a finalist for the OUA Rookie of the Year award, which was won by Candice Styles, a member of the top-ranked Laurier Golden Hawks.

“What a great accomplishment for Jill to earn all-rookie team status,” said UOIT athletic director Ken Babcock. “The achievements of our student-athletes show the tremendous strides that our women’s hockey program is making in just three years in the OUA.”

Morillo scored 24 points in 27 games to lead all OUA freshmen in scoring. The nuclear engineering major led the Ridgebacks in goals (14) and assists (10), highlighted by a three game point scoring streak in January where she picked up four goals and an assist. Her totals were also Ridgeback single season highs, establishing new all-time records.

“Jill had an immediate impact in her first season in the OUA,” said Karen Nystrom, UOIT head coach. “She was able to fill a number of roles for our hockey team and was a key contributor to the lineup. She improved throughout the season and we look forward to watching her continue to grow in the future.”

Prior to joining UOIT, Morillo spent three seasons playing for the Whitby Junior Wolves in the Provincial Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). In 2008/09, she scored eight goals and 10 assists as the team’s assistant captain. During her career with the Wolves (three seasons), Morillo racked up 15 goals and 23 assists for 38 points.

The Ridgebacks will celebrate all of the athletic achievements of the 2009/10 season on Friday, April 8 at the 4th annual UOIT athletic banquet.

The formal night will celebrate the many accomplishments of the UOIT Ridgebacks fourth season participating in the OUA. The annual athletic banquet will include a wonderful dinner, VIP speakers, and of course the presentations of the year end team-by-team awards. The highlight of the night is the presentation and announcement of the UOIT Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

2010 OUA WOMEN’S HOCKEY MAJOR AWARD WINNERS

Player of the Year: Liz Knox (Laurier)
Rookie of the Year: Candice Styles (Laurier)
Marion Hillard Award: Veronica Johnston (Western)
Coach of the Year: Matt Holmberg (Queen’s)

FIRST TEAM ALL-STARS

Forwards
Becky Conroy (Pembroke, Ont.) - Queen's
Andrea Ironside (Collingwood, Ont.) – Laurier
Ellie Seedhouse (Whitby, Ont.) – Western

Defencemen
Alison Bagg (Kingston, Ont.) - Queen's
Kelsey Webster (Duncan, B.C.) – York

Goaltender
Liz Knox (Stouffville, Ont.) – Laurier

SECOND TEAM ALL-STARS

Forwards
Manon Davis (Sudbury, Ont.) – Windsor
Dayna Kanis (Georgetown, Ont.) – Guelph
Liz Kench (Gananoque, Ont.) - Queen's

Defencemen
Kelly Setter (Keswick, Ont.) – Toronto
Jackie Sollis (West Vancouver, B.C.) – Guelph

Goaltender
Beth Clause (Hamilton, Ont.) – Brock

OUA ALL-ROOKIE TEAM

Forwards
Morgan McHaffie (Guelph, Ont.) - Queen's
Jill Morillo (Whitby, Ont.) – UOIT
Candice Styles (Orangeville, Ont.) – Laurier

Defencemen
Rebecca Bond (Sudbury, Ont.) – York
Maureen Mommersteeg (St. Thomas, Ont.) – Laurier

Goaltender
Mel Dodd-Moher (Stittsville, Ont.) - Queen's

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Scott Dennis
Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator
Durham College and UOIT Athletics
905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)
905.721.3117 (F)
scott.dennis@dc-uoit.ca

With files from OUA.ca