REDS Add Defender O'Neil

(FREDERICTON, NB) Consider it an early Christmas present for Sarah Hilworth.

Heralded defender Lauren O’Neil, of Ottawa, Ontario, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and is joining the UNB REDS women’s hockey team’s recruiting class of 2022.

“We’re excited to add a steady blue-liner like Lauren,” said Hilworth. “She’s a great fit for our program and we know Lauren will play a key role as we move forward.”

Carter is currently a member of the Nepean Junior Wildcats U22 program, of Ontario’s Provincial Women’s Hockey League.

Part of the Wildcats’ 2021-22 leadership group, O’Neil is completing her Grade 12 year at Nepean’s John McCrae Secondary School, where she’s also a member of the Bulldogs’ girls’ hockey team. O’Neil plays high school ringette, football and softball as well, and is a member of the school council and athletic council.

“When I went for my visit, when I walked into the dressing room and met the team and coaches, I knew it was the right fit for me,” said O’Neil. “The support and kindness from the faculty heads is another reason why I chose UNB as my home for the next five years.”

Playing the right side, O’Neil has been an honour roll student throughout her high school career and was named McCrae Secondary’s Scholarship, Sportsmanship and Leadership Award winner in 2018.

She’ll join the REDS ahead of the 2022-23 Atlantic University Sport season.

“Where we are as a program right now, we see Lauren as a player who brings us great depth,” said Hilworth. “Her experience as a team leader will help us too.”

“I can’t wait to be a RED,” said O’Neil.

O’Neil will study Psychology while attending UNB and plans on adding an Education degree.