REDS Add Transfers
(FREDERICTON, NB) The three-time defending Atlantic University Sport champion UNB REDS are adding an AUS all-star and a former standout NCAA student-athlete in transfers ahead of the 2024-2025 season.
Riverview, NB, native Olivia Eustace will join the REDS after three competitive seasons with the Dalhousie Tigers, and Kensington, PEI’s Hannah LeClair comes to UNB after three seasons at Trinity College, a NCAA Division 3 school, in Hartford, Connecticut.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Hannah and Olivia to the REDS,” said head coach Sarah Hilworth. “Hannah's proven track record as a dependable and composed goalie will undoubtedly strengthen our team, and Olivia brings an exceptional blend of skill, leadership, and experience.”
Eustace, now 21, is coming off her best season as a Tiger.
In 2023-24, she led Dal in scoring with 15 goals and 10 assists, earning 2nd Team AUS All-Star status.
Over four years and three seasons, the gifted forward played in a total of 77 games, scoring 35 goals and assisting on 26 others.
“Her significant point contributions demonstrate her ability to make an immediate impact,” said Hilworth. “Olivia's deep understanding of the AUS, combined with her strategic on-ice insights and leadership qualities, will undoubtedly enhance our team's performance.”
Eustace recently graduated from Dalhousie with a degree in Neuroscience and will be studying Education at UNB.
“UNB has established themselves as a tough competitor in this league and that is something I want to help continue to grow, both the program and the legacy,” said Eustace. “I’ve played in this league for the past three seasons, therefore I have a good understanding and some different perspectives I can bring to the team.”
Prior to attending Dal, Eustace attended and played at Rothesay Netherwood School where she served as the team’s co-captain in her final season.
In 2019, she was an assistant captain on New Brunswick’s team at the Canada Winter Games.
LeClair, also 21, tended the Bantams’ net in 62 games over three seasons, fashioning a 30-27-4 (W-L-T) record.
2023-24 was her best season. She posted a 14-7-2 record and a respectable 1.21 goals against average.
"The idea of coming back to Canada was always in the back of my mind,” said LeClair. “When the opportunity to play at UNB came about, it was a no-brainer. UNB’s combination of athletics and graduate academics made it the right choice for me.”
In 2018, LeClair was named the top goaltender at the Atlantic midget AAA female hockey championship.
And, like Eustace, she represented her province at the 2019 Canada Winter Games.
A multi-sport athlete, LeClair was named Baseball PEI’s junior female athlete of the year in 2017.
“Hannah's commitment to both her athletic and academic goals align perfectly with the values of our program,” said Coach Hilworth. “Hannah leaves Trinity College with an impressive resume and we look forward to seeing the positive impact she’ll have as we strive for further success.”
“I feel I bring a combination of leadership skills, experience and composure to the team,” said LeClair. “Their success and commitment to excellence is very attractive, and I hope to contribute to their continued success this season.”
LeClair will pursue a Master’s degree in Environmental Management while attending UNB.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTOS: LeClair – Trinity College Athletics / Eustace – Dal Athletics