Season Preview: Chaulk Leads Tommies into 2025-26 Season
Fredericton, NB - The St. Thomas University Tommies women’s hockey team is set to open another exciting season, with their eyes firmly set on the AUS playoffs and finals appearance after a strong 2024 campaign. Last year, the Tommies put together an impressive season but fell just short in the semifinals against the StFX X-Women. This year, the group is determined to build on that momentum and push even further.
The team will have a new look in leadership with veteran forward Jordan Chaulk stepping into the role of captain. Chaulk, who was the assistant captain last season, brings both experience and grit to the role. She will be joined by new assistant captain Nadia Lavoie, who has developed into a key offensive contributor and leader on and off the ice.
This season the Tommies will be without longtime standout and former captain Ekaterina Pelowich, who transferred to Concordia University after a decorated career that included representing Canada at the FISU World Games. Her presence will be missed, but the coaching staff is confident that the next generation of leaders is ready to step up. Along with Ekaterina, Olivia Stock, Aimee Oneill, and Natalie Mackay have ended their time with the Tommies.
Head coach Peter Murphy has bolstered the roster with four promising new recruits:
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Grace McGunigal
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Kailey Wrigglesworth
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Carys Cross
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Ava Beaton
These additions bring a mix of skill, speed, and depth to the team.
The Tommies have already shown flashes of what they can become in preseason play. They impressed with good performances against Alberta(OT Win), Queens(OT Loss), UNB(OT Loss), and showcased their offensive power in a dominant win over Mount Allison. These early performances point to a team that has the talent and determination to compete with anyone in the conference.
As the puck drops on the new season, STU are calling on their fans to bring the energy to the Grant-Harvey Centre and help make it one of the toughest rinks for visiting teams.
The journey begins with a home opener against UPEI, where STU will look to set the tone for what they hope will be a memorable season.
