REDS Name First 2023 Recruit

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS women’s hockey team is beginning 2022 by naming the first member of their recruiting class of 2023.

Forward Bailey McMaster, currently a member of the girls’ prep team at Rothesay Netherwood School, has signed a Letter of Offer in making her commitment to the REDS.

“I decided to commit to UNB early after watching a lot of REDS games,” said the 16-year-old, from Regina. “I found a program that I liked and saw no reason to look any further.”

“I have been watching the REDS over the last couple of years and have noticed that each year the team improves,” she said. “UNB is a great school on an amazing campus where I get to play hockey in a family-like atmosphere. I really like the inclusive environment that Coach Hilworth has created, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

In 2020-21, McMaster was a member of the Regina Rebels team that captured top spot in the Saskatchewan Female Hockey League’s U18 AAA division.

In 2019-20, she helped the Rebels’ U15 team to first place in the SFHL’s AA division.

She was also a member of Saskatchewan’s U16 provincial team.

“We’re excited to add Bailey to our 2023 class,” said REDS head coach Sarah Hilworth. “We’ve followed Bailey for a few years now, and have been impressed with her work ethic and her growth mindset. Bailey is a cerebral player who looks to make plays. We’re looking forward to having her play-making ability in our lineup.”

As impressive as her resume is, McMaster’s pedigree may be unmatched.

Her mother, Brandy West-McMaster was a three-time Canada West Player of the Year and first team All-Canadian at the University of Regina, and the 2001 CIAU (now U SPORTS) women’s hockey Player of the Year. She remains the Cougars’ all-time career goal (80) and points (133) leader and has served on women’s hockey team coaching staffs with the Cougars and at Wilfrid Laurier University.

“It’s exciting to have a player with such an impressive background both as a player and family history,” said Hilworth. “We’re really excited to see how Bailey can continue her family’s legacy in U SPORTS competition.”

“I’m a two-way player who works hard on and off the ice,” said McMaster. “I pride myself in being a good teammate and making team-first decisions.”

McMaster says she hopes to make an impact in her rookie season with the REDS, and says, longer term, she wants to help the REDS win a national championship.

She will study Kinesiology while attending UNB.

PHOTOS: Submitted