KRASNOYARSK, Russia – Kassidy Nauboris (Brampton, Ont.) will return home from the 29^th Winter Universiade with a silver medal.
 
The Ridgeback women's hockey captain became the first UOIT student-athlete to medal at a Summer or Winter Universiade after the host Russians defeated Canada 2-0 in Monday's gold medal game.
 
Despite the result in front of a capacity crowd, the team is proud of what they accomplished.
 
"Playing in a sold-out arena with majority of the fans in favour of the home team made for a crazy atmosphere, but we knew we had Canadian fans in the building and whole country behind us and there's no better feeling than that," said Nauboris. "Although it wasn't the outcome we wanted, being given the silver medal after such a hard-fought game made me proud of my entire team and all we've accomplished here. Being given my medal wearing the Canadian jersey was a huge honour I'll never forget."
 
Nauboris finished the tournament with a goal and two assists to cap off her successful year. Prior to leaving for Russia, her impressive season saw her set new program single-season records for assists (17), points per game (1.33) and tie the single-season points record (32). Nauboris finished her career second in all-time goals, assists and points behind former All-Canadian Jill Morillo. Taking over the lead in one all-time category, she passed Jaclyn Gibson for all-time game-winning goals with 10.
 
Looking back at the past two weeks in Krasnoyarsk, she said it was an honour to represent her country and school on the world stage.
 
"I'm so thankful I was able to represent UOIT at the Games and I'm extremely proud to have won the Ridgebacks first medal internationally, but I know it's only the beginning for the Ridgebacks success," she said.
 
She will get to represent her country once more at the closing ceremony on Tuesday night (9 a.m. eastern).
 
"This entire experience has been surreal," said Nauboris. "The emotions I've felt throughout this journey can't be put into words, but I know these are moments I'll cherish forever."