The Ontario Tech Ridgebacks women's ice hockey team is an active ice hockey program representing the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks athletic department of the Ontario Tech University. The program is a member of Ontario University Athletics, participanting in the East division. Currently serving as head coach, Kassidy Nauboris is the first Ontario Tech graduate to serve in this role with a Ridgebacks team.
History The Ridgebacks debuted in U Sports ice hockey during the 2007–08 season. Recording only one regulation win, compared to 24 regulation losses, their mark in overtime involved two wins and two losses.
Former Winter Games medalist Karen Nystrom joined the Ridgebacks as head coach in 2009, replacing Gary Pitcher. Amassing 52 regulation wins during her six seasons there, Nystrom led the program to their first double digit win season during 2011–12.
Under Nystrom's tutelage, the Ridgebacks enjoyed consecutive appearances in the OUA playoffs, a program first. Both postseason berths (2013 and 2014) ended in first round exits.
Inheriting the head coaching duties from Nystrom, Justin Caruana served in the role until 2024. Leading the Ridgebacks to the 2022 OUA Playoffs, the result was another first round exit, eliminated on home ice versus the Queen's Golden Gaels.
Players All-time stat leaders Player Name Goals Assists Points Jill Morillo F 130 64 47 111 Kassidy Nauboris F 46 46 92 Sarah Worthington F 38 45 83 Chelsea Ball F 37 37 74 Jaclyn Gibson F 125 63 Mikaeli Cavell F 120 1842 60 Samantha Forchielli 28 29 57
Awards and honours 2018-19 OUA assists leader - Kassidy Nauboris (17 assists) 2021-22 OUA Most Sportsmanlike Award - Megan Johnson 2024-25 OUA leading goal scorer - Julia Jackson (14 goals)
OUA All-Rookie 2009-10 All-Rookie Team selection: Jill Morillo 2018-19 All-Rookie Team selection: Erin Ross 2021-22 OUA All-Rookie Team - Zoe McGee, Goaltender
OUA All-stars 2016-17 Second Team All-Star: Kassidy Nauboris 2018-19 First Team All-Star: Kassidy Nauboris 2021-22 Second Team All-Star: Brooke Vial 2021-22 Second Team All-Star: Natalie Wozney 2024-25 First Team All-Star: Julia Jackson
USports honors 2011 Academic All-Canadian: Jill Morillo 2012 CIS Marion Hilliard Award: Jill Morillo 2012 Second Team All-Canadian: Jill Morillo 2022-23 USports Academic All-Canadian: Kayla Welk
University honors 2024-25 Ontario Tech Female Athlete of the Year: Julia Jackson
2010-11 James Baun Cup: Jill Morillo 2024-25 James Baun Cup: Kayla Welk
International Kassidy Nauboris : 2019 Winter Universiade
Ridgebacks in Pro Hockey Player Name Team League Season(s) Notes Victoria MacKenzie Toronto Furies CWHL 2016–17 Appeared in 2 regular season games Chelsea Ball MAC Budapest EWHL 2019–20 Amassed 20 regular season points Kassidy Nauboris MAC Budapest EWHL 2019–20 Amassed 23 regular season points Natasha Tymcio MAC Budapest EWHL 2019–20 Appeared in 18 regular season games
NOTE: In the 2016 CWHL Draft, Victoria MacKenzie and Jaclyn Gibson were both selected by the Toronto Furies. MacKenzie was a 10th round selection while Gibson was selected in the 12th round.
See also Ontario Tech Ridgebacks men's ice hockey U Sports women's ice hockey
References