REDS Duo Make Program History, Go Pro
(FREDERICTON, NB) The formidable UNB REDS women’s hockey duo of Ashley Stratton (Mount Pearl, NL) and Tamina Kehler (Chilliwack, BC) wrote themselves into the record books during their careers, and now they’re writing another chapter in the history of women’s hockey at UNB, playing professionally.
The pair have signed with Eisbären Juniors Berlin of the highly competitive Deutsche Frauen Eishockey Liga (DFEL).
For Kehler and Stratton, the first graduates from REDS women’s hockey to play professionally, this opportunity is a wish that has become a reality.
“As a female hockey player and REDS alum, getting the chance to play professionally overseas is truly a dream come true for me,” said Kehler. “It’s also an important milestone for the growing female hockey community in Fredericton - hockey doesn’t have to stop after university!”
Stratton emphasizes that they took every step as a pair when asked how the process came about.
“Tamina and I did this whole process together, we wanted to stay together, to keep our hockey journey going as it is. We contacted teams as a ‘duo’ and discussed the both of us going together. It made the process a lot easier having Tamina by my side.”
The pair had guidance from 93 Hockey Services, a pro hockey placement agency.
“There were many conversations, discussions and decisions that were made during this process,” said Stratton. “Many of these with coaches of different teams and an agency that helped with the process. Towards the end of the season is when Tamina and I really focused on wanting to continue our hockey career at another level.”
Stratton and Kehler are among the REDS’ eight graduating players from the 2022-2023 season and both were a part of the first class of recruits in the new era of women’s hockey at UNB, which began in 2018.
REDS’ head coach Sarah Hilworth is excited to see what’s next for her former players.
“Watching them grow as athletes and people has been special,” she said. “They came to UNB and are leaving as graduates and now professional athletes. Their experience in sport has opened so many doors for them, and it is outstanding that they have this opportunity.”
Throughout their Atlantic University Sport and U SPORTS careers, both Stratton and Kehler demonstrated their relentlessness, playing in all 105 regular season games during their five years at UNB. Stratton leaves as the program’s all-time scoring leader with an impressive 80 points, while Kehler is a close second with 66.
The two weren’t ready to hang up the skates though.
“I really wanted to take some time off after I graduated to create some meaningful memories and experiences, and I didn’t feel quite ready to stop playing the sport I love,” said Kehler. “So playing in Germany and traveling with my best friend seemed like the perfect option.”
Having been roommates and best friends for five years, it was only natural for Stratton and Kehler to contemplate their pro-hockey endeavours together.
“We talked about it for a good part of this season,” Kehler explained. “At first, it seemed like a hopeful idea, but the more we talked about it, the more we realized we really wanted to do it together. We planned it as a package deal the whole way through!”
Anticipating the upcoming season in the German league, Stratton overflows with excitement.
“I believe the hockey is going to be highly competitive,” she said. “It will be a similar structure that we’re used to, workouts, practice, games on the weekends. It’s going to be good hockey and lots of fun. Living in Germany is going to be an unreal experience, I can’t wait to explore and try new things. As well as playing hockey, I’m super excited to travel around Europe and experience new places. It’s going to be an adventure that I’ll never forget.”
Coach Hilworth is certain Stratton and Kehler will make an impact with their new club.
“I hope the lessons they have learned as a student-athlete are what they take to their new club and make a special impression on the people they come into contact with. They are determined to make a difference and I’m excited to be a fan of theirs next year!”
As Stratton and Kehler embark on this new chapter in their hockey careers, they carry with them the pride and support of the UNB community, having left their mark on the legacy of the REDS women’s hockey program.
STORY: Madison Tucker/for UNB Athletics
PHOTOS: James West/for UNB Athletics