REDS Name Oilers Trio To Class Of '25
(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS women’s hockey team is naming three members of the Alberta Female Hockey League’s Edmonton Jr. Oilers U18 AAA to their recruiting class of 2025.
Goaltender Taya Christie, of Medicine Hat, forward Keira Grant, from Dunmore, and defender Jayde Sansregret, of Red Deer, have all signed U SPORTS Letters of Intent and all three will join the REDS ahead of the 2025-2026 Atlantic University Sport season.
“We are beyond excited to welcome this group to our REDS family,” said REDS’ head coach Sarah Hilworth. “This is a talented trio. They all bring a certain skill set to the program and the fact they’re all familiar with each other and have played together will make their transition that much easier.”
“Having teammates going to the same university will make the transition smoother,” said Grant. “The fact that we already have strong chemistry is a huge advantage. It wasn’t planned for us to end up at the same university, but I’m glad that it worked out that way.”
The 17-year-old Christie, a Grade 12 student at Edmonton’s St. Francis Xavier High School, was named the AFHL’s Goaltender of the Year in 2024, was a member of Team Alberta in 2023, and was a 2024 U18 Team Canada summer camp invitee and Team Alberta summer and fall camp invitee.
“I chose UNB for its exceptional hockey program,” said Christie. “There is a strong culture, a skilled coaching staff, a beautiful campus, and it offers a high-quality education in my area of interest.”
“Taya has proven herself at the highest levels of competition, and her poise in net is exceptional for her age,” said Coach Hilworth. “She brings a winning mentality and leadership that will elevate our team. We’re confident that she’ll thrive in our culture and contribute to our continued pursuit of excellence.”
Christie will study Kinesiology while attending UNB.
Grant, also 17, and also in her Grade 12 year at Edmonton’s St. Francis Xavier High School, plays both centre and wing.
“I chose UNB because of its strong team culture, the sense of belonging it offers, and the opportunity to contribute to its winning tradition,” said Grant. “The coaches are incredible, and the university provides a fantastic atmosphere for both my personal and academic success.”
“Keira’s competitive spirit and natural ability to create opportunities on the ice make her a tremendous asset to our team,” said Coach Hilworth. “Keira’s drive and passion align perfectly with our team values, and we’re excited to help her grow both as an athlete and a student.”
Grant and Christie have been named to Team Alberta’s U18 team that will contest the national under-18 championship in November. That tournament will take place in Quispamsis.
Grant will study Science while attending UNB.
Like Christie and Grant, Sansregret is in her Grade 12 year at St. Francis Xavier High.
She was a member of the Team Alberta South team that won the Challenge Cup in 2022 and served as captain of an Ontario Hockey Academy team last season.
Sansregret represented Alberta at the 2023 national U18 championship.
“Her leadership, both on and off the ice, is evident through her impressive experiences,” said Coach Hilworth. “Jayde’s passion and relentless work ethic are a perfect match for the culture we’ve built here. We can't wait to see her continue to grow as a player and a person.”
"I chose UNB for its exceptional culture, nurturing atmosphere, strong academics and athletics, along with the amazing people who make it an inspiring community,” said Sansregret.
“It wasn’t originally our plan but seeing both Taya and Keira commit to UNB made the whole process even more exciting,” she added. “It means a lot to me to know that they share the same values and goals as me, and that we will be able to reach and explore those together.
Sansregret will study Kinesiology while attending UNB.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTOS: Submitted