The Olds College Broncos hockey staff has recruited six players from across Canada to improve the school's women's hockey team in pursuit of an Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) championship.
The six players recruited so far are Shauna Johnson of Valleyview, Alta.; Jesse Jack of Byemoor, Alta.; Rayna Bonchuk of Birtle, Man.; Tori Eilers of Virden, Man.; Megan Quesnel of Dauphin, Man.; and Fiona Milligan of Nepean, Ont.
Rayna Bonchuk, right defence, 5-9, 140 pounds
2017-18 season: Yellowhead Chiefs
Head coach Chris Leeming describes Bonchuk as a "mobile, intelligent and confident defenceman who plays physical and makes great first passes that will benefit our breakout and transition game."
"Rayna also offers some offensive upside as well as leadership capabilities as she served as an assistant captain for the Chiefs because of her high quality character."
Tori Eilers, goaltender, 5-10, 160 pounds
2017-18 season: Yellowhead Chiefs
(She's) a big goalie with good agility, who competes every play and battles through traffic for pucks," Leeming says.
"Tori actively communicates with her defencemen, which will help with decision-making during puck retrievals in our defensive zone. Tori also brings a high-energy personality that will add to the dynamic of our team atmosphere."
Shauna Johnson, centre, 5-4, 140 pounds
2017-18 season: Peace Country Female Athletic Club (PCFAC) Storm
"(Shauna) combines creativity and strong skating with great puck skills, complemented by her decision-making and an offensive mentality that saw her finish as one of the top scorers in her league," Leeming says.
"As captain of the Storm, Shauna brings leadership qualities as well as a commitment and focus that makes the players around her better."
Jesse Jack, centre, 5-9, 135 pounds
2017-18 season: Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs
Leeming says Jack is a "smart defensive player who uses her strong skating ability to pressure pucks and engage in battles to create turnovers.
"Jesse communicates well with teammates and has strong awareness which allows her to execute smart, simple plays," he adds.
"Jesse's work ethic and commitment to improving herself both on and off the ice is a welcomed addition to our team's culture."
Fiona Milligan, right defence, 5-10, 165 pounds
2017-18 season: Ottawa Lady Sens
Milligan is "a strong addition to our blueline, due to her determination to win puck battles by outworking her opponents, as she is able to work both hard and smart simultaneously," Leeming says.
"Fiona plays the game with confidence and composure and has great situational awareness when it comes to making the right play. Fiona also brings mature leadership and a strong positive attitude into our team setting."
Megan Quesnel, right wing, 5-5, 130 pounds
2017-18 season: Yellowhead Chiefs
Leeming says Quesnel is a "straight up and down player who makes good decisions with the puck and focuses on the important details of the game.
"Megan also brings some offensive finish with her as she was second in team scoring for the Chiefs this season. As a player who lives and breathes hockey, Megan will no doubt be a dedicated member to the team."
Information for this story was provided by Olds College athletics game day events and promotions programmer Jadon Frank.
