UOIT WOMEN'S HOCKEY

UOIT Ridgebacks Media Release
Thursday, April 10, 2008

Ridgebacks Women’s Hockey Excited About the Addition of a Trio of New Players

Oshawa, ON - University of Ontario Institute and Technology (UOIT) women's hockey head coach Gary Pitcher is delighted to announce the addition of a trio of players to the lineup for the 2008-09 season in Jordan Whately (Cobourg, ON), Jessica Cockburn (Markham, ON) and Amy Johnson (Ajax, ON).

“With the new additions to our lineup for next season, the women’s hockey program is defiantly heading in the right direction,” commented Ridgebacks head coach Gary Pitcher. “I anticipate that our new group of freshmen will blend nicely with the core group of players that were with us for our inaugural OUA season.”

Jordan Whately, a left shooting defenseman, played for the Durham West Midget AA Team last season. She was just recently named Defenseman of the Year and had the opportunity to attend OFSAA Championship four consecutive seasons with the St. Mary’s Varsity Girls hockey program. Expect Whately to see a lot of ice time for the Ridgebacks as she has played on both the power play and penalty kill units with the Lightning.
 
“I know Jordan is going to bring a lot to our blue line and I am looking forward to working with her over her University career,” said Scott Barker, assistant coach of the Ridgebacks. “She definitely fits the criteria of an OUA hockey player and she will be a fine addition to the Ridgebacks women’s hockey team.”

Jessica Cockburn, another highly touted recruit will most likely play at the centre position for the Ridgebacks next season. Prior to playing for the Aurora Junior Panthers AA team last year, she has also been a member of the Durham West Lightning Bantam AA, Scarborough Sharks Midget AA and Willowdale Redwings Midget AA. She began playing hockey for the Markham Stouffville Stars and was looked upon for leadership as she was an assistant captain for all four years with the team. Cockburn is also heavily involved with athletics in high school as she played on the varsity soccer team, as well as varsity field hockey and ice hockey teams. In 2004, Cockburn received top honours as she was named the Athlete of the Year. The speedy forward hopes to be a positive addition to the team and looks forward to contributing to a successful season.

“I am very excited to recruit a player with the experience and skill set that Jessica has,” noted Pitcher. “We think that she will fit perfectly into our mix of talented young women for next season”

Also joining the Ridgebacks next season will be Ajax native Amy Johnson. The right shooting defenseman grew up playing in the Ajax Minor Hockey Association system before joining the Durham West Lighting. With the Lightning, Johnson was no stranger to success as she appeared in the PWHL provincial finals as well winning on the tournament stage. Johnson has also found success at the high school level as she captained her team to a LOSSA Championship in 2007. Along with winning the team MVP awards in lacrosse (2006 & 2007) and hockey (2007), Johnson was named the Top Senior Female Athlete of the Year (2007).

“Johnson has all the credentials to become an elite hockey player with the Ridgebacks in the OUA,” stated Barker. “Her leadership abilities attributes combined with her strong skill set will defiantly be an asset to the team this year.”

The new group of players will join Maggie McNabb (Parry Sound, ON) as student athletes who have all committed to the Ridgebacks for next season.

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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

Written by Karlene Risebrough Barnes – DC/UOIT Sport Development Assistant