OSHAWA, Ont. – The first time Zoe McGee stepped onto the ice as a Ridgeback, she began a university career that would span five seasons and help shape the foundation of the Ontario Tech women's hockey program. Now in her final year, the Ridgebacks goaltender has become the program's all-time saves leader while establishing herself as a consistent presence both on and off the ice.

"Becoming the all-time saves leader in school history is an incredibly exciting milestone for me as an athlete," McGee said. "It's a true reflection of the hard work, dedication, and consistency I've put in over the past five years, both on and off the ice."

While the milestone is significant, McGee says her experience has been defined by more than statistics.

McGee grew up around hockey through her brother's involvement in the sport, but her decision to attend Ontario Tech was rooted in community rather than tradition.

"I have always loved the idea of a small school with a strong, tight-knit community," she said. "Throughout my recruiting process, I felt a genuine positive energy from everyone I spoke with and found myself increasingly excited about the possibility of joining the Ridgebacks."

The opportunity to help build a growing program was a major draw.

"While other schools may be rich in history, with decades of athletes pushing limits year after year, I knew Ontario Tech would offer me the unique opportunity to help build that history and be part of creating new milestones," she said.

That sense of shared purpose became a defining part of her five-year career. McGee made an immediate impact in her first season, earning her first career wins, making her playoff debut, and being named to the OUA All-Rookie Team. As her career progressed, individual achievements followed, but her favourite moments were rooted in team experiences.

"With five years under my belt, it is so challenging to choose one favourite moment," McGee said. "My favourite memories will always be the ones shared with my teammates. Supporting other Ridgebacks teams. Showing up to basketball games in full equipment, and getting through early mornings before practice together are the moments I will cherish most."

Her final season included several milestones, including becoming the program's all-time leader in saves and wins, earning a captaincy, and playing in front of her family on the East Coast for the first time.

While McGee shined on the ice, she also forged strong relationships within Ontario Tech's strength and conditioning program.

"Aside from my own team, the strength and conditioning staff truly became my second family," she said. "I was immediately drawn to the environment and culture within the program."

Working closely with strength and conditioning coordinator Manny De Jesus, McGee became more involved with the program and connected with athletes across the university.

"I've formed lifelong friendships and learned an incredible amount working under Manny, who consistently challenged me while creating a welcoming and supportive environment," she said. "It allowed me to build relationships with athletes I likely would have never crossed paths with."

Off the ice, McGee's impact extended across campus. She excelled as a Ridgeback Student-Athlete Mentor, earned the Bob and Sallie Baun Award, was named a four-time U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian, and served as the 2024–25 RLC Vice-President of Athlete Engagement.

Ridgebacks head coach Kassidy Nauboris said McGee's influence has been felt across every area of the program.

"Zoe's demonstrated what it truly means to be a student-athlete striving for excellence on and off the ice," Nauboris said. "Her ability to balance high performance, leadership, academics, and involvement within our athletics and community has been remarkable, and she's made a lasting impact on our program."

McGee said the program taught her invaluable lessons about leadership, accountability, communication, and showing up for others. Her development has continued academically, where she now balances varsity athletics with graduate studies as she pursues a Master of Health Sciences degree.

"Becoming a master's student was not on my radar when I began my undergraduate degree," she said. "As a student-athlete, I have felt supported in continuing my development both academically and athletically."

"I credit my experience at Ontario Tech with shaping who I am today, both on the ice and as a person," she said.

As her university career comes to a close, McGee hopes her experience can provide guidance to future Ridgebacks.

"My advice to future student-athletes would be to embrace every opportunity fully and try to see the positives, even during challenging times," she said. "Advocate for yourself, trust your abilities, and surround yourself with people who support and challenge you."