(FREDERICTON, NB) The defending Atlantic University Sport women’s hockey champions, the UNB REDS, are adding heralded forward Hailey Jackson to their 2023 recruiting class.
The 16-year-old, from Delburne, Alberta, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2023-2024 AUS season.
“UNB is an incredible school with a beautiful campus,” said Jackson. “The atmosphere that the coaching staff has created is something I want to be part of, and I knew it immediately. They have a hard-working team that continues to develop with a common goal. I know it’ll be the perfect fit for me.”
“We’re thrilled to add Hailey to our incoming class in 2023,” said REDS head coach Sarah Hilworth. “She’s a committed student-athlete that we feel has the qualities that will enhance our forward core. Hailey plays with an edge and is not afraid to take pucks to the blue paint.”
Jackson is completing her Grade 12 year the Okanagan Hockey Academy, in Penticton, BC.
Previously, at Calgary’s prestigious Edge School, she was a key member of the Edge women’s prep team.
In four games with Edge’s prep team in 2020-2021, Jackson scored five goals.
In 2020, she was a member of the Zone 4 team that captured the gold medal in women’s hockey at the Alberta Winter Games.
During the 2019-2020 season, with the Bantam Elite Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs, Jackson scored 22 goals and 10 assists in 30 games.
“I genuinely love working hard and I take a lot of pride in what I do on the ice and in the classroom,” she said. “On and off the ice, I prioritize the importance of creating a positive and constructive environment for me and those around me. I strive to be the best version of me every day.”
“Hailey is determined, and we’re excited to bring her skill set and enthusiasm to our team,” said Coach Hilworth.
Jackson says her short-term goal will be to build connections with those around her and use all the resources UNB provides to help her further develop as a player. Long-term, she wants to bring a national championship to Fredericton.
Jackson plans to study Science while attending UNB.
PHOTOS: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics