OSHAWA, Ont. – In two weeks' time the UOIT Ridgebacks will have three hockey players representing Team Canada at the FISU (International University Sports Federation) Winter Universiade.
Jack Patterson (Bedford, N.S.) and
Alex Yuill (Wellington, Ont.) will join the Canadian men's hockey team, while
Kassidy Nauboris (Brampton, Ont.) will lace up for the women's hockey squad.
"Any time you have an athlete represent your school internationally it's a major accomplishment, so to have three players representing not only their teams and UOIT, but their country on the world stage – it's an incredible achievement," said UOIT athletic director
Scott Barker. "We're extremely proud of all three student-athletes and wish them the best of luck in Russia."
The
29th Winter Universiade will be hosted March 2-12 in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.
Nauboris joins Team Canada after her best season with the Ridgebacks. This season
Nauboris broke UOIT's single season assist record, previously set at 15, by notching 17. She added 15 goals to end conference play with 33 points in 24 games.
"I'm extremely excited for this opportunity," said Nauboris. "It was always a goal of mine to wear the flag on my chest in some aspect in my life. I'm honoured to have the opportunity to be able to represent my country, school and the program on the world stage."
Nauboris joins Katherine Koehler-Grassau and
Kylie Bordeleau as female Ridgebacks who have competed at the FISU Games, but has become the first to attend the Winter Universiade.
"I am thrilled for Kass being selected to play for Canada at the FISU games," said head coach
Justin Caruana. "She is a truly amazing person both on and off the ice. We talked about this being a goal two years ago and she has put in a lot of work over the past couple of years to get where she is. Kass put together a very impressive season this year and is being recognized for it.
"For the program it's huge to have someone represent us on the national and international level. It helps with the recognition and growth of not only our program but school."
The opening ceremony for the games is scheduled for March 2, but the women's hockey team gets underway the previous day against China. They will play five games between March 1-8, with the top four teams moving onto the semifinal. On March 11, teams will play for bronze and gold.
"I'm looking forward to all aspects of the games," said Nauboris. "I really don't know much about the Winter Universide, so I'm excited to meet all the athletes and the members of my team. I've played against some of the girls and know of others just from following U SPORTS hockey. It will be a great environment and I can't wait to meet all the athletes and see the different sports competing during the games."
On the men's side Yuill and Patterson are the first Ridgebacks to represent UOIT at a Winter Universiade. Canada opens play on Saturday, March 2 against Great Britain, playing five games before the medal round begins on March 11. Bronze and gold medal games will take place March 12.
"Our entire Ridgeback men's hockey program is thrilled for the opportunity that Jack and Alex will be getting to play for our country at the FISU Games," said head coach
Curtis Hodgins. "Both guys are so valuable to our team on and off the ice, they play big minutes on a nightly basis for us and always with a team-first mentality. Coach (Kevin) Hamlin will love what these guys will bring to his squad and we all look forward to watching Team Canada as they chase the gold in Krasnoyarsk."
In his fourth season at UOIT, Yuill has been somewhat of an ironman for the Ridgebacks, playing in every conference game since his rookie year. The defenceman had two goals and 11 points this season, posting nine goals and 52 points over 112 OUA games.
"Playing for Team Canada is something that I always thought about growing up, so getting an opportunity to do so means a lot to me," said Yuill. "I am just extremely grateful to be able to represent Canada and will cherish this opportunity for the rest of my life."
Patterson, a 6'1 forward, was named assistant captain alongside Yuill this season – only his third year at UOIT. Over 28 games this season he had four goals and nine points.
"Coming to UOIT has opened up many doors for me and I've met a lot of great people along the way," said Patterson. "I wouldn't be the person I am today without my teammates and coaches over these past three years. Playing at UOIT has given me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so I will forever be thankful for my time here."
Canada won three medals at the 2017 FISU Winter Universiade, including a silver medal in women's hockey and a bronze in men's hockey. Canada has reached the podium in 20 of 21 appearances in ice hockey overall, including seven gold medals, since a men's team debuted in 1968 and the inaugural women's tournament in 2009.
For more information on the 2019 Winter Universiade visit
www.krsk2019.com.
To follow Team Canada during the games follow @USPORTSIntl on
Instagram,
Twitter and
Facebook.
March 1 vs. China – 4 p.m.
March 3 vs. Japan – 12:30 p.m.
March 4 vs. USA – 12:30 p.m.
March 6 vs. Switzerland – 4 p.m.
March 8 vs. Russia – 7:30 p.m.
March 10 – Semifinals
March 11 – Bronze & Gold Medal Games
March 2 vs. Great Britain – 11:45 a.m.
March 4 vs. Latvia – 4 p.m.
March 6 vs. Switzerland – 12:30 p.m.
March 8 vs. Sweden – 4 p.m.
March 9 vs. Kazakhstan – 4 p.m.
March 11 – Semifinals
March 12 – Bronze & Gold Medal Games
