Thomas And Rioux Commit To REDS

(FREDERICTON, NB) As the start of their 2025-2026 Atlantic University Sport season nears, the UNB REDS women’s hockey team is naming the first members of their recruiting class of 2026.

Forward Emily Thomas, of Fredericton, and goaltender Dominique Rioux, of Ottawa, have signed U SPORTS Letters of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2026-2027 AUS season.

“We’ve had the privilege of working with Emily since she was 12 and from the very beginning, we knew she was destined to wear the UNB jersey,” said REDS’ head coach Sarah Hilworth. “And Dom is the type of goaltender who makes everyone around her better, and we’re excited for the impact she’ll have on our program.”

The 17-year-old Thomas is a member of the girls prep team at Rothesay Netherwood School and is a four-year veteran member of Team New Brunswick.

“I chose UNB because the program has proven itself to be competitive, they can win big games,” said Thomas. “I’ve grown up in Fredericton watching the REDS and I want to contribute to the team’s growth and legacy.”

“Emily is not just an outstanding hockey player, she’s an exceptional person,” said Coach Hilworth. “Her on-ice skill and compete level make her a difference-maker, and as a hometown student-athlete, she embodies the pride and tradition of our program.”

The 18-year-old Rioux is a member of the Ontario Women’s Hockey League’s Nepean Junior Wildcats and has backstopped teams to two Ontario Women’s Hockey Association gold medals, a provincial championship silver medal, and two provincial championship bronze medals. She was a member of Team Ontario’s U16 team.

“Since the beginning, it’s felt like a great team dynamic and culture,” said Rioux. “It seems like such a great environment on and off the ice. UNB is also an amazing school that, thankfully, offers the program I want to study in.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome Dom,” said Coach Hilworth. “She’s a proven winner who has competed at the highest level and is someone who will bring character, competitiveness, and commitment to excellence both on and the ice and in the classroom.”

Thomas will study Kinesiology while attending UNB while Rioux will pursue a degree in Civil Engineering.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS

PHOTOS: Submitted