Defender Thurston Joining REDS

(FREDERICTON, NB) The defending Atlantic University Sport champion UNB REDS are naming defender Avery Thurston, from Stratford, Ontario, as the first member of their recruiting class of 2024.

Thurston, a member of the Waterloo Ravens U22 Elite of the Ontario Women’s Hockey League, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2024-25 AUS season.

“Avery is a mobile defender who we know will be able to step in and elevate her game,” said REDS’ head coach Sarah Hilworth. “She plays in a way that will compliment our defensive corps and her hockey IQ will make her effective from the start.”

The 18-year-old Thurston recently graduated from Stratford District Secondary School where she was a multi-sport athlete. Thurston was captain of her school’s varsity women’s hockey team and varsity women’s rugby team. She was named MVP of both teams.

She’s currently serving as an assistant captain with the Ravens.

“You’re not just another number at UNB, you’re a real person and the coaches and players care about you,” she said. “They care about my education just as much as they care about my athletic success.”

“Not only is Avery an impressive defender, she’s an amazing young woman and teammate who we know will fit in perfectly here,” said Coach Hilworth. “She’s a leader on her current team and in the community. We’re excited to see her in a REDS jersey next fall.”

Thurston will study in the Kinesiology faculty at UNB, pursuing a degree in Recreation and Sport Studies.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS: FSFotos