Stratton Staying

(FREDERICTON, NB) Ashley Stratton, the all-time leading points scorer in UNB REDS women’s hockey history, will add to her total.

Stratton, a two-time Atlantic University Sport All-Star and former All-Canadian, will return to the REDS for the 2022-2023 season.

“I’m simply not ready to give it up yet,” said the native of Mount Pearl, NL. “I love this team and this university, and to be able to play another season is something that I couldn’t turn down. This is a very special group and I want to be able to have another year of success and memories with them. I’ve built connections throughout my years here at UNB and I’m excited to have another year building on those connections and making more.”

Over four years and three seasons of competition, Stratton has been one of the most productive and consistent players in the Atlantic conference.

In just 77 regular season games during that time, Stratton has scored 29 goals and 36 assists.

Her 36 assists and 65 points are program records. REDS’ career marks for games played and goals scored are within her reach.

“Ashley brings so much to our group in terms of energy and leadership,” said REDS head coach Sarah Hilworth. “She’s a person who leads on and off the ice, and is someone that can light up a room. Ashley has been a driver for us offensively since day one, so that’s exciting to bring back, but honestly, I’m most excited for the person that she is, as that’s the biggest value to our team.”

After four years of school, Stratton is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology degree.

Stratton, like every other student-athlete, lost the 2020-2021 season to the pandemic, and has U SPORTS eligibility remaining. So, in 2022-2023, she’ll add Education to her Kinesiology degree.

“I spoke with a lot of people before making my decision,” she said. “I had some long conversations with my parents, and it was great knowing that they were supportive and trusted that I would make the decision that was best for me. It was nice knowing that my coaches and teammates had my back too. At the end of the day, I had to go with the decision that best fit me and what my heart wanted, which was to return.”

“I wanted her to explore her options, but she always knew she had a home here,” said Hilworth. “I’m honoured to coach her. She’s a special person in my life, and I’m excited to continue to build a bond with someone I truly care about.”

Not lost in Stratton’s considerations was UNB’s defence of their 2021-2022 AUS championship and the program’s first appearance in the national championship tournament.

“I truly believe that this team has another shot at the AUS title and at making a return to nationals,” she said. “Winning the AUS was such a special and exciting feeling, and I’d love to be part of that again. The national championship experience was unbelievable, and ended with a little bit of a sour taste, so I’d love to get another shot. That will definitely be a huge goal for this season.”

“I always have a goal to be the best that I can be every season, and to try and help my team as much as I can,” said Stratton. “Of course, team goals will be special and we’ll want to reach that title mark again and try to improve on where we left off last season.”

Stratton will use her fourth of five seasons of eligibility in 2022-2023, meaning she could return in 2023-2024.

“As of right now, next season will be my last,” she said. “But who knows what the future will hold.”

FILE PHOTO: James West/for UNB Athletics