OSHAWA, Ont. – The Ontario Tech women's hockey team is excited to announce the recruiting class of 2019-20.

There are five players set to join the Ridgebacks this September; Brooklyn Duff (Smithville, Ont.), Emily Davis-Tope (Bendigo, Australia), Natalie Wozney (Whitby, Ont.), Nicole Escano (Kingston, Ont.) and Madeline Schroder (Kitchener, Ont.).

"We're thrilled to announce our 19-20 recruiting class," head coach Justin Caruana said of the incoming players. "Our coaching staff feels we added a lot of character players who want to get better each and every day, not only on the ice but in the classroom. We can't wait to start working with each one of them." 
 
Brooklyn Duff

Duff has spent the past two seasons playing for Stoney Creek Jr. Sabres of the Provincial Women's Hockey League (PWHL).

"Brooklyn is a hard-nosed forward with an offensive upside. She has a great compete level at all ends of the rink. She should help provide some grit and scoring," Caruana said.

The 5'7 forward has seen her offence increase each year, and is coming off a season where she notched 20 points (7 G, 13 A) over 36 games. It is that offensive production, along with her tenacious play that has head coach Justin Caruana excited.

Duff will also bring some provincial hardware with her after helping the Jr. Sabres capture an Ontario Women's Hockey Association (OWHA) provincial bronze medal and concluded the season with a silver medal at the PWHL Alumni Cup Playoffs. Duff has also enjoyed success at the Ontario Games, as she helped her team capture a gold medal at the 2016 Ontario Summer Games.

Although travelling away from home, Duff is excited to be attending Ontario Tech and joining the Ridgebacks.

"Once I stepped on campus, I felt at home at Ontario Tech," said Duff about attending Ontario Tech and joining the Ridgebacks. "The culture of the university along with the social science programs they offer and the opportunity to continue playing competitive women's hockey made it an easy decision for me. Looking forward to spending the next four years as a Ridgeback."

Emily Davis-Tope

The first international recruit to join the women's hockey program, Davis-Tope is a left shooting versatile 5'6 forward/defencemen from Australia.

"Emily is strong two-way player who can play both forward and defence. She shows a very strong compete level every time she steps on the ice," explains Caruana.

Regardless of the position she plays, Davis-Tope is always looking to make an impact and improve.

"I chose Ontario Tech because the team culture was inviting and I know that I will thrive athletically and academically on such a great campus," said Davis-Tope on committing to Ontario Tech.

Having grown up in Australia, she moved to Canada to enroll in the Pursuit of Excellence program, playing in the Canadian Sports School Hockey League (CSSHL). During her two-year tender at the Pursuit of Excellence, Davis-Tope has proven a strong player, notching 14 points (6 G, 8 A) across 44 games played. Her versatility and contribution have helped the Pursuit of Excellence program capture back-to-back CSSHL League championships.

Davis-Tope is also experienced in the international game, having suited-up for 21 games with the Australian national teams. Much of her international play has been with the U18 program, where she has played 16 games, and contributed 10 points (4 G, 6 A). Davis-Tope has captained her country in the previous two U18 World Championships, where she led by example, scoring six points (3 G, 3 A) across nine games. She also brings experience from the upper level of international play having played with the Australian national team during the 2016-17 "Division 2" World Championship.

With her international experience, along with spending the last two years in the Pursuit of Excellence program, Davis-Tope is well equipped to transition into the U SPORTS game.

Natalie Wozney

A local player, Wozney is joining the Ridgebacks after two seasons with St. Lawrence University of the NCAA.

"When I decided to return to Canada for my schooling and hockey, Ontario Tech jumped right out at me for it's amazing recommendations for the academics," Wozney says of coming to Ontario Tech. "The women's hockey team and coaching staff were also very welcoming."

Her tenure at St. Lawrence University saw her contribute six points (5 G, 1 A) in 38 games. In her last nine games played in the NCAA, Wozney really showed her skill, scoring five points (4 G, 1 A) across that span.

Prior to joining St. Lawrence University, Wozney was a member of the Durham West Jr. Lightning where she posted outstanding offensive numbers. Across three years spent with the Lightning, Wozney played in 111 games and posted 74 points (32 G, 42 A). She has also shown the ability to remain an offensive threat in the playoffs, apparent by her 15 points (8 G, 7 A) throughout 24 playoff games with the Lightning.

"Natalie is very offensively gifted played who will add some key scoring elements to our team," said Caruana. "She wants to get better each time she steps on the ice and that will go a long way in her further development."

Nicole Escano

Joining the Ridgebacks from the Kingston Jr. Ice Wolves of the PWHL, Escano is a 5'7 left shot defender with great offensive instincts.

"Nicole is a smooth skating offensive minded defender," says Caruana. "She reads the game very well at both ends of the rink. She should help provide some offence from the back end."

Across 80 games played with the Jr. Ice Wolves, Escano has compiled 31 points (14 G, 17 A) from the blueline. Thanks to her smooth skating and offensive instincts, Escano finished the 2017-18 season leading her teams defence in scoring and finishing third on the team overall.

Escano also brings some provincial hardware with her. She helped her team capture a silver medal at the OWHA provincials and rounded out the year by winning a bronze medal in the PWHL Alumni Cup Playoffs.

Having spent the past season with the Jr. Ice Wolves as an assistant captain, Escano brings leadership experience and knowledge of how a strong culture within the dressing room is important.

 "I chose Ontario Tech because my first visit to the campus I knew I could grow as a person and a student, with the great academic opportunities that are available," Escano explained. "It was easy to see that the team and coaches had an amazing cohesiveness and the culture at Ontario Tech matches who I am. They are amazing coaches who will push me to be the best person, student and athlete I can be. From the first time I walked on campus I knew I could see myself as a Ridgeback."

Madeline Schroder

In Schroder, the Ridgebacks add another smart defender who plays a reliable game and has shown an increased ability to provide offence.

Having spent the past two seasons playing in the PWHL with the Cambridge Rivulettes, Schroder has been a steady force on the back end. Through a total of 76 games played, she has provided 12 points (3 G, 9 A). With a strong defensive game and evolving offensive skills, Schroder has shown her desire to learn and improve, which was displayed this past season when she accumulated 10 points (3 G, 7 A) through 37 games.

"Madeline is very reliable in her own end. Everything she does on the ice is done hard and with purpose. She is a very passionate player always wanting to learn," Caruana provided.

"Ontario Tech provides a hockey program and a kinesiology program for me to excel as an athlete, individual and to further my studies," Schroder says of choosing Ontario Tech. "The support staff, small campus and coach Caruana were so welcoming to me and helped with the next steps of my future."

For all your Ridgebacks updates make sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram