Ridgebacks add three new recruits to women’s hockey squad

The Ontario Tech women’s hockey team has welcomed three new recruits to its roster for the upcoming season.

Kayla Welk comes from the Barrie Jr. Sharks and will be joining the university’s hockey program for the 2020 season. She will be enrolling in the kinesiology program.

“While visiting Ontario Tech’s campus and arena, I immediately felt comfortable and could envision myself as a Ridgeback,” says Welk. “Not only does a smaller school appeal to me, but I was very impressed with quality education and advanced technology the university had to offer.”

She says she has already experienced support and encouragement from the coaching staff and other members of the team.

“I am extremely proud and excited to be a part of this team,” she says.

Last season with Barrie, Welk was named captain, scoring five goals and 10 points in 35 Provincial Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) games. The previous season, she finished with seven goals and 16 points in 38 games.

“Kayla is a great addition to our hockey program. She’s a very skilled and smart hockey player with tremendous work ethic,” says Head Coach Justin Caruana. “She has been a leader and demonstrates a lot of the traits we look for in all of our players. I am thrilled she is a Ridgeback and I look forward to working with her and watching her grow.”

Outside of her time with the Sharks, Welk attended both U16 and U18 Team Ontario camps, with her also representing Ontario at Hockey Canada’s U18 national championship in 2019.

Paige Wagner has also been added to the team’s roster. From Cambridge, Wagner comes from the London Devilettes of the PWHL.

“I chose Ontario Tech because of the atmosphere I felt the minute I stepped on campus,” says Wagner. “I toured a few schools, but did not get the same feeling I got here. I knew I could myself grow as a person and a player at this school.”

From a hockey perspective, she says the team dynamic fits her personality.

“I know I will thrive and the Ridgeback family will make my university life even more successful,” she adds.

Last season with London, the defenceman had three goals and 10 points in 37 games played, and had an assist over four games in the playoffs.

“Paige will be a real nice addition to our blue line.” says Caruana, adding she is a solid skater with a great work ethic.

“She brings a nice physical element with her game. She can play in all situations and will add depth to our backend,” Caruana continues. “I can’t wait to get things started with Paige as a Ridgeback.”

Ontario Tech also recently welcomed Baie Marcantonio to the team, who comes from New Westminster, B.C, rounding out the 2020 recruitment class for the Ridgebacks women’s hockey program.

The B.C. native comes to Oshawa after four seasons with Delta Hockey Academy of the Canadian School Sport Hockey League (CSSHL).

Marcantonio finished with six goals and 14 points in 24 games last season.

“I chose Ontario Tech because when I visited the campus, it was evident to me that I would be able to grow as a person, student and hockey player with the opportunities that the school offers,” she says.

“The staff and team showed me a family like culture that matched who I am. I know the team and coaches will push me to be the young adult I strive to be,” she adds, noting she knew she wanted to be part of the Ridgeback family right away.

During her time with Delta Hockey Academy, Marcantonio finished with 10 goals and 21 points over 73 games played.

“We are excited to have Baie join our program,” says Caruana. “She is a solid two-way player who does all the little things right.”

Caruana notes Marcantonio is not shy of the physical element of the game and took on more of an offensive role in her final season with Delta.