Bell Chimes In With REDS

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS women’s hockey team is adding prized defender Lillian Bell to their recruiting class of 2024.

Currently in her Grade 12 year at St. David’s Catholic Secondary School, in her hometown of Waterloo, Ontario, Bell has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2024-2025 Atlantic University Sport season.

“We’re excited to add Lilly to our line-up next season,” said REDS’ head coach Sarah Hilworth. “She has a ton of qualities that will compliment our offensive output from the back end. Lilly has size and strength, and a laser of a shot from the point.”

Bell is a member of the U22 Waterloo Ravens of the Ontario Women’s Hockey League and has previously skated with the OWHL’s Kitchener-Waterloo Rangers.

Bell was a member of the St. David’s Catholic Secondary team that captured the Ontario high school championship in 2023.

At the club level, she’s participated in major international events, including the Beantown Classic, in Boston, and the Canada-USA Challenge, in Detroit.

“I chose UNB for the outstanding academic and athletic programs,” said Bell. “I look forward to developing with the UNB family and contributing to their success.”

A multi-sport athlete, Bell has been a member of her school’s field hockey and basketball teams, and in 2022 she was part of Ontario’s gold medal-winning box lacrosse team at the Canada Summer Games.

“Lilly sees the ice extremely well and we know she’ll be an asset on our powerplay,” said Coach Hilworth. “Lilly is going to be an exciting RED to follow.”

Bell will study Business while attending UNB.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS: Submitted