(FREDERICTON, NB) The rebuilding of the UNB Reds women’s hockey program continues, with the introduction of the recruiting class of 2019.
Head coach Sarah Hilworth is bringing in defender Marley Van Den Oetelaar, of the Toronto Leaside Junior Wildcats, and forward Sydney Oitomen, of the Etobicoke Junior Dolphins. Both teams compete in Ontario’s Provincial Women’s Hockey League.
Van Den Oetelaar is the co-captain of the Wildcats, has earned the team’s fitness award, and joined their honour roll.
She’s a multi-sport athlete, playing basketball and soccer along with hockey, at Toronto’s Donald A. Wilson Secondary School.
“We’re thrilled to add Marley to our team next year,” said Hilworth. “Marley comes from a strong hockey program and is wearing the ‘C’ for her team this year. She’s a smooth skating, puck moving defender that we know will be a solid addition.”
“UNB has everything and more in a university that I could ask for,” said Van Den Oetelaar. “The community feel, hockey facilities, and brand new Kinesiology building were better than I imagined. From the moment I first spoke with Coach Hilworth, I knew I wanted to play for her because of her commitment and passion for the team.”
Oitomen is seen as a strong centre, a player Hilworth hopes will control the middle of the ice.
She has a goal and three assists so far this season for the Dolphins, who currently sit 2nd in the 20 team PWHL.
“Sydney is a player that we expect to step into our lineup and have a big impact,” said Hilworth. “She has incredible speed and a tremendous work ethic which we believe will fit nicely into our mix.”
Oitomen is currently studying at Lorne Park Secondary School, in Mississauga, Ontario.
“I chose to study at UNB because I feel the quality of the education for my chosen program is one of the best in the country,” said Oitomen. “I’m excited to play for Sarah because I know I’m going to learn a lot from her. I can’t wait for next season.”
Both Van Den Oetelaar and Oitomen will study Kinesiology at UNB.