OSHAWA, Ont. – The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks are excited to announce that three former players from the women's hockey program have committed to the Elite Women's Hockey League (EWHL).
Kassidy Nauboris (Brampton, Ont.),
Chelsea Ball (Maple, Ont.) and
Natasha Tymcio (Caledon, Ont.), will continue their hockey journey together, as all three have signed with Mac Budapest (Hungary) of the EWHL.
The league was established back in 2004 with aim to create a competitive and entertaining women's league among central European countries. Teams are generally comprised of the top players from around central Europe and aims to provide the countries in central Europe to have a stronger international game.
"Kassidy was the one who got me interested in playing in Europe," said Ball. "We talked about going to a team together and after she got contacted about playing in Budapest, we thought this could be our opportunity. The coach liked our on-ice chemistry and was happy to sign both of us together for the season."
It was Nauboris whom got the process of the three former Ridgebacks playing pro hockey together started. Originally, Tymcio was content moving on from competitive hockey after leaving Ontario Tech. However, when her teammates came calling, she knew that there was still a road for her to continue to play the game she loves.
"Originally, I accepted my previous season with Ontario Tech as my last season of hockey. I knew Kass and Chels had hopes of playing professionally abroad and that they had Mac Budapest in mind," Tymcio said. "It wasn't until the coach contacted them about needing a defenceman for their lineup that I really considered this as an opportunity."
The three credit their years playing at Ontario Tech as great preparation for pro hockey.
"Without Ontario Tech I would not have had this opportunity," Nauboris said. "Not only did the Ridgebacks develop my hockey skills to a level where I was able to compete at a pro level, but it offered me the chance to be viewed as a top player in the OUA, which gave rise to this opportunity. Ontario Tech helped make me into the player and person I am today and I'm proud to be a Ridgeback."
Both Nauboris and Ball leave Ontario Tech after cementing themselves as key contributors. They each sit within the top-five for goals and points all-time in Ridgebacks history. Nauboris sits second, trailing only All-Canadian
Jill Morillo, with 92 points throughout her 118 game OUA career. Ball moved on after amassing 74 points in her 119 OUA games. Tymcio may not support the flashy numbers her teammates possess but was a solid presence on the blueline for the Ridgebacks the past five seasons and contributed 14 points over her 102 games.
To this point all three are enjoying their time over in Hungry.
"So far it's been an amazing experience. Our coach and teammates were very welcoming and are committed to being the best, making for a great environment," says Nauboris.
Nauboris' words are echoed by Tymcio.
"The level of commitment, the overall work ethic, and the positive atmosphere has made for an amazing experience so far."
It has not just been the atmosphere but also the travel that the three are enjoying.
"We've already been to Russia and Slovakia to play games and will be playing in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Italy," said Ball.
The regular season started over the weekend for Mac Budapest, who played their first game Saturday Sept. 14, finishing with a convincing 8-2 win. All three former Ridgebacks had a positive showing, Nauboris led the way with a four-point effort (2G, 2A). Ball added her first professional goal and Tymcio provided a solid defence, ending the game with a plus three rating.
