OSHAWA, Ont. – Sunday was a big day for a pair of UOIT women's hockey alumnae as the Toronto Furies of the Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) selected Victoria MacKenzie and Jaclyn Gibson in the league's entry draft.
 
MacKenzie (Toronto), who graduated from UOIT this spring with a degree in kinesiology, was an assistant captain with the Ridgebacks last season and ended her CIS career with 98 conference games under her belt.
 
"I am very excited to be drafted to such an amazing organization," said MacKenzie. "I am really looking forward to play for a team in my hometown. I thought my final hockey game as a Ridgeback was going to be my last game at a high level of hockey, but I got a lot of encouragement from friends and family to enter the CWHL." 
 
Gibson (Cobourg, Ont.) spent five seasons with UOIT and played in 125 conference games. The former assistant captain ranks third in all-time program scoring with 63 points.
 
Spending the last two years focusing on her career, in which has led her to working with the County of Northumberland in human resources, she has managed to continue to focus on her hockey career through coaching and playing during her time off.
 
"The CWHL was definitely on my radar after my UOIT playing career, but I wanted to get a full-time job before jumping right back into hockey since I know it is a huge commitment," said Gibson. "Since working full time, I have been thinking a lot about getting back into the game on a higher competitive level which is why I think the CWHL will be a good fit for me."
 
With training camp around the corner, both players know that they will have to continue working hard to solidify a spot in the lineup.
 
"I am going to keep working out and performing on-ice training to be in peak physical condition for training camp," said Gibson. "I know what it takes to be an elite player and I am excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the CWHL legacy."
 
MacKenzie looks back at her time as a Ridgeback to help her prepare.
 
"Being a part of the Ridgebacks was an amazing experience as it has helped me grow and develop as a player," said MacKenzie. "The coaching and support staff always pushed me to be better all four years as a Ridgeback. To prepare me for training camp, I am keeping up my fitness routine as well as working on my stick skills and shooting."
 
UOIT head coach Justin Caruana was excited to learn that two members of the Ridgebacks had been drafted in the league and will have the chance to play alongside UOIT player mentor and national team member Natalie Spooner.
 
"What a great opportunity for Jaclyn and Victoria," said Caruana. "Both players should be extremely proud of being drafted by one of the top organizations in the CWHL."
 
The Ridgebacks open up training camp on Sept. 7 and after a trip to the east coast will host the Furies on Oct. 2 at the Campus Ice Centre.