Grenier Named REDS Captain
(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS women’s hockey team has named third-year forward Paige Grenier, of Olds, Alberta, as their captain for the 2021-2022 Atlantic University Sport season.
Grenier succeeds Sydney DesRochers, of Woodstock, New Brunswick, who captained the REDS during the first two seasons of the new era of women’s hockey at UNB.
“It’s an honour to be chosen as the next captain for this team,” said Grenier. “We have a number of leaders who are equally as capable of taking on this role, and knowing that I have their support means the world to me. I know I have big shoes to fill. Sydney led with an unparalleled work ethic and a commitment to leave her team in a better place. I hope to be able to follow her example.”
The decision to put the ‘C’ on Grenier was one the entire team had a say in.
“Paige is the full package when it comes to what a captain should be and is the best captain for our group going forward,” said REDS head coach Sarah Hilworth. “She’s grown into a confident woman that her teammates can look up to, and she’s able to step up when they need her the most. We know she’ll lead with respect, dignity, and accountability.”
Joining Grenier in the REDS leadership group for the coming season will be three permanent assistant captains and two rotating assistants.
Fredericke Cyr, Jenna MacLean and Ashley Stratton will wear an ‘A’ all season, while Amanda Desrochers and Katherine Chadwick will wear an ‘A’ on a rotating basis.
“Over the past year, we have had this group of six leaders who’ve worked tirelessly to make sure their teammates had a productive year, considering the circumstances,” said Hilworth. “As a coach, I’m lucky to have a group of leaders who help make my job easier and who want to see everyone in our organization be successful. The collective strengths of this group allow each leader to lead with their strengths and pick up where another might have some shortfall. They are the definition of a group that works together to serve what they believe to be best for their team and teammates.”
“To be recognized as a leader of this group, I’m honoured and excited,” said MacLean, a two-time AUS 2ndTeam All-Star defender. “Being selected as part of the team’s leadership group demonstrates how much UNB and our program have allowed me to grow and develop.”
“Knowing that my teammates have trust and faith in me is an incredible feeling,” said Stratton, a 2nd Team All-Canadian in 2019-20. “I’m grateful for each and every one of my teammates, and I hope to do them proud.”
“Ashley and Jenna have been staples on offense and defense for this program since it was re-introduced,” said Coach Hilworth. “We’re fortunate not only to have some of the best players in the country lend us their talent on the ice, but also be exceptional people off the ice.”
All six players joined the REDS ahead of the 2018-19 season and the return of women’s hockey to UNB. Each has shown significant development in all three seasons to date, including the pandemic-impacted 2020-21 season, which saw the REDS limited to just five exhibition games.
“Gaining the trust of my teammates, coaches, and staff is something I take very seriously, and will continue to work on every day,” said Cyr. “Having this role means putting the team first, leading by example, and inspiring those around me. I want to make a positive change for the women that will follow us and give them an example of what it takes to be a strong leader in sport.”
While Hilworth hasn’t decided on how their rotation will work, she was adamant that Desrochers and Chadwick be included in the leadership group.
“Katherine’s ability to connect with her teammates is something to be admired,” said Hilworth. “She loves being a RED. She leads with compassion and understanding, and is always someone her teammates can trust. We’re excited to see how Katherine continues to promote positive change within our culture.”
“Amanda has been a key contributor to our team establishing a culture of accountability and positivity,” said Hilworth. “There isn’t a day when Amanda isn’t working to become the best version of herself. She sets the bar high, and has the complete respect of her peers and this coaching staff.”
“To be selected from the great group of girls that we have, and to be able continue to add to our team, means a lot,” said Chadwick. “I hope that I continue to learn from each one of them to become the best leader I can be.”
“To be a leader on my team means I need to keep setting the standard, on and off the ice,” said Desrochers, no relation to the team’s former captain. “It means making my team’s goals my goals and always putting my full heart into our effort.”
In the wake of the cancellation of the 2020-21 season, the REDS are eager to return to competition in 2021-22. It’s expected the AUS will announce its return to play plans soon.
“My most important job as captain will be to exemplify and uphold our team standards and culture,” said Grenier. “Our team believes we’re on the verge of something great, and poised to make a run for a championship. To make that happen, I know I’ll have to challenge myself to find new ways to serve the team, hold myself and others accountable, and help push this group to new heights.”
“I’m going to have to listen to my teammates and represent them,” said MacLean. “I’ll have to continue to push them to be the best versions of themselves and demonstrate what it means to be a RED on and off the ice.”
“It’ll be important for me to continue my work ethic and lead by example,” said Stratton. “I’ll bring energy to every session and do what I can to help this team succeed in any way possible.”
“Everyone, including me, goes through peaks and valleys,” said Cyr. “I want my teammates to know that I’ll always have their back, and help them grow as teammates and individuals.”
Knowing she had a large number of candidates to choose from, Hilworth is confident the six-member leadership group she’s endorsed will serve the team well.
“I’m fortunate to have such a dedicated and hard-working group of leaders,” she said. “They’ve devoted themselves to their teammates and the university.”
Like everyone else, Hilworth is now hoping she gets to see that leadership group, and her team, in action this coming season.
PHOTOS: James West/for UNB Athletics