Benedict Signs With Reds
Ava Benedict first member of 2020 recruiting class
(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB Reds women’s hockey team has its first member of its recruiting class of 2020.
Ava Benedict, of Falmouth, Nova Scotia, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent, and will join the Reds beginning in the 2020-2021 Atlantic University Sport season.
“I’m really excited,” said Benedict. “The academics here are really strong and it’s a place I can really see myself being happy.”
Benedict is finishing her fourth year at King’s Edgehill School, in Windsor, Nova Scotia, where she’s been a member of the women’s hockey team all four years. KES has one of the top prep school women’s hockey programs in the country.
Benedict has been named to Team Nova Scotia, and will represent the province at the U18 national championship tournament, in Morden, Manitoba, in November.
“I just want to devote myself to the team every day I’m here and be the best student I can be, be the best athlete I can be, and be the best team player I can be,” she said.
“We‘re excited to see Ava choose to become a Red next year,” said Reds head coach Sarah Hilworth. “She sees the culture we’re trying to create and we can’t wait to see how she helps propel our team forward in the coming years.”
Hilworth believes Benedict’s experience at King’s Edgehill, and with Team Nova Scotia, have helped prepare her for the next step.
“Ava is a very smart player and compliments the players around her,” said Hilworth. “We see her making an impact right away in our line-up.”
“I think my hockey IQ is my best asset, and I’m a fairly good skater,” said Benedict.
Her name may sound familiar to AUS hockey fans.
Ava’s uncle, Brandon Benedict, played for Acadia’s men’s hockey team from 2003 through 2007, and is a former member of the Halifax Mooseheads, of the QMJHL.
A multi-sport athlete, Benedict also plays soccer and competes in track and field.
She will join the Reds ahead of the 2020-2021 season.