The NAIT Ooks wrapped up the 2022-23 season on a high note, and that wave of success is poised to carry them into the upcoming 2023-24 season. A noteworthy aspect of last year's NAIT Ooks Women's Hockey Team was the significant presence of first- and second-year athletes on the roster. Only seven of the 25 players who wore the Ooks' jersey were in their third year or beyond. Among these, forward Cass Lyttle stood as the sole player in her fifth and final year of eligibility.
The anticipation for the 2023-24 Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference season is heightened as a fresh influx of talent is set to join the group. The six new commits that have been confirmed will undoubtedly look to make their impact felt on this year's Ooks team.
Grace Flanagan, a hometown recruit at the forward position, put up an impressive playmaking season with the Edmonton Wolves in 2022-23, with 13 assists and three goals for 16 points in 22 games.
Beyond setting her teammates up for goals, Flanagan is looking to settle into the NAIT atmosphere on and off the ice.
"I'm looking forward to continuing my athletic and academic journeys and having the opportunity to be a part of a new community," Flanagan told us when reached for comment.
The Ooks community certainly holds a lot of appeal for many student-athletes, and another such skater is Abby Robar, on defense. Robar, who also put up 16 points last season (12 goals, four assists) playing 30 games for the St. Albert Slash, also loves what she sees going on in north-central Edmonton.
"The Ooks had great success last year," Robar said. "I'm looking forward to being a contributor on and off the ice."
Another local product getting her chance to play for the Ooks is forward Kamryn Aebly. Fresh off a season with the Edmonton Jr. Oilers, where she scored eight goals and four assists during the 30-game campaign, she too knows what's happening at NAIT.
"I'm looking forward to playing for NAIT this year because I got to see the success this past season by the team," Aebly said, "and am looking forward to contributing to the success of the Ooks this year."
The admiration for the Ooks program extends even beyond provincial borders. Two of the recruits, forward Kienna Higgs and defense Sawyer Norman, are coming in from Saskatchewan to contribute to this talented Ooks roster.
Higgs played with the Saskatoon Stars last season, appearing in 28 games and posting solid results. Playing for the Ooks will be a new experience for Higgs, one she's welcoming with open arms.
"The Ooks are a strong and competitive team," Higgs noted. "I am looking forward to improving my game while making new friends in a positive and inviting atmosphere."
The atmosphere is also noteworthy for Norman, as she comes to north-central Edmonton. The Ooks culture holds a lot of appeal both on and off the ice.
"I am looking forward to developing my game to the next level, playing with very skilled players, and making lifelong friendships along the way," Norman said about what she looks forward to about this upcoming season. "Playing for the Ooks is exciting as they are always top contenders in their league."
The other recruit for the Ooks is traveling a long way up to join the team. Goaltender Aurora Van Wormer spent last season with Anna Maria College in the US state of Massachusetts, posting a solid 2.50 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage.
"I'm looking forward to competing at a higher level and getting to be part of a great community," Van Wormer said.
The Ooks women return to the ice on September 8th against Flanagan's former team, the Edmonton Wolves, in pre-season action. They hit the ice for their season opener on October 6th at SAIT before making their home-ice debut on Friday, October 13th at 7:00 PM.