Backstop Befekadu Joins REDS

(FREDERICTON, NB) The three-time defending Atlantic University Sport women’s hockey champion UNB REDS are adding goaltender Gabrielle Befekadu to their recruiting class of 2024.

The 17-year-old, from Quispamsis, NB, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2024-2025 AUS season.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Gabrielle to the REDS,” said head coach Sarah Hilworth. “Her exceptional talent and dedication have already garnered her recognition, including a nomination for JWHL(Junior Women’s Hockey League) Goalie of the Year, and her participation in the 2023 Canada Winter Games.”

Befekadu spent the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons with the Fundy Nationals U18 AAA team before joining the girls prep team at Rothesay Netherwood School for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

She’s a previous JWHL All-Star and nominee for the league’s Goalie of the Year award.

“I decided on UNB as a result of the conversations I had with Coach Hilworth,” she said. “She took the time to share with me the expectations and values she considers important for someone joining the UNB women’s hockey program. She was honest and direct in her responses to questions I had.”

“I know I’ll be able to grow both as a person and an athlete and that’s the type of environment that appeals to me,” added Befekadu.

Hilworth says Befekadu is a perfect fit for the REDS, given her commitment to athletics and academics, and believes the young goalie will become an invaluable asset to the team.

Befekadu will study Kinesiology while attending UNB.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTO BY: Rothesay Netherwood School