Stratton Ties REDS Scoring Mark
(MONCTON, NB) With a goal in the first period of Tuesday’s 4-0 win over les Aigles Bleues, in Moncton, UNB REDS’ forward Ashley Stratton (Mount Pearl, NL) tied the UNB women’s hockey all-time scoring mark with 59 career points.
“It’s pretty special,” said Stratton. “There’s so many talented, good people in this program and just to be among some of the best, it means a lot. Just to be able to go out there and put that REDS jersey on, it’s pretty special and there’s so many good people that have come before me and that are here now, so it’s big.”
“For her to reach this mark is outstanding, as she’s someone who’s put in the work needed to reach that benchmark,” said REDS head coach Sarah Hilworth. “Ashley has been a work horse for this program since the first time she pulled on a REDS jersey. She’s come to the rink every day with her determination to make those around her better and to continue to help build a championship-winning mindset here.”
Stratton’s record-tying goal came at the 7:58 mark, when she broke in alone on Moncton goaltender Audrey Berthiaume (St-Bruno, QC) and scored on a second chance effort.
The goal, the 26th of her career, and 33 career assists, give Stratton 59 points, tying the mark established by Amanda Wuerth, who played at UNB from 2003-04 through 2006-07. During her career, Wuerth scored 36 goals and added 23 assists.
“I am so proud of and happy for Ashley,” said Wuerth. “I didn’t realize I still held the record. However, I’m so pleased and humbled just to still be mentioned along with the organization. I was so proud to be a part of it. Records are meant to be broken. In this case, it shows success and progress, not just for Ashley, but her teammates and the coaching staff.”
Wuerth’s 36 career goals still stand as UNB’s all-time women’s hockey mark.
“Ashley’s work ethic and competitiveness have allowed her to be effective as an offensive player in Atlantic University Sport,” said Hilworth. “She can make those around her better, and it’s hard to find someone who doesn’t enjoy the game as much as she does. She comes to the rink every day with a smile on her face and ready to work. She is a phenomenal hockey player, but an even better teammate.”
“It’s kind of mind-blowing when you think about it, because every day, I just try to go out there and do my best and whatever happens happens,” said Stratton.
With 12 games remaining on the REDS 28 game 2021-22 schedule, Hilworth is sure Stratton will add to the new mark.
“She sets the standards high for herself, and her teammates respect her and everything that she has accomplished along the way,” said the coach. “I know they’ll be very proud of Ashley and all that she continues to do here at UNB.”
STORY/PHOTO: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics