Hargreaves Recognized By Hockey Gives Blood
(FREDERICTON, NB) Forward Payton Hargreaves, who recently completed her fifth and final season of U SPORTS eligibility with the UNB REDS women’s hockey team, has been named a co-recipient of Hockey Gives Blood’s James Bulger Memorial Award.
Hargreaves is sharing the honour with Dalhousie Tigers forward Natasha Falk.
The pair is being recognized for their work on behalf of Hockey Gives Blood and Canadian Blood Services.
“It means an incredible amount to me to be the co-recipient of the Bulger Award,” said Hargreaves. “It's an honour to be recognized, especially with so many other player-ambassadors across U SPORTS who also contributed greatly to Hockey Gives Blood this past season.”
A long-time Hockey Gives Blood player-ambassador, Hargreaves has been a leader in raising awareness about the need for blood donation and driving participation in donation events on and off the University of New Brunswick campus.
During the 2025-2026 season, Hargreaves went a step further, engaging in a fund-raising initiative for Hockey Gives Blood, seeking donations for every shot she put on opposing teams nets. That effort raised more than $1,000.
“Payton has done all the work for HGB because she genuinely cares about people and wants to make a difference,” said REDS’ head coach Sarah Hilworth. “To see her impact through Hockey Gives Blood recognized says everything about who she is. She’s been a leader in our program in every sense, and this just adds another layer to the legacy she’s built here.”
Along with her work on behalf of Hockey Gives Blood, Hargreaves has helped elevate UNB women’s hockey, a program that returned to U SPORTS play in 2018, to unprecedented levels.
She was part of four Atlantic University Sport championship teams and played in five consecutive U SPORTS championship tournaments, including UNB’s run to a bronze medal in 2026, the program’s first national championship medal.
“On the ice, she’s driven, competitive, and has pushed our program forward in a big way. Off the ice, she’s just as committed, whether that’s in the classroom or giving back to the community,” said Coach Hilworth. “What stands out most is how genuine she is in all of it. She doesn’t separate hockey, school, and community work, it’s all just who she is. This award speaks to her character, her consistency, and the way she makes people around her better.”
Captain of the REDS during her final two seasons, Hargreaves is already a four-time U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian and on track to earn that status again in 2025-2026.
She leaves as the program’s all-time leading regular season goal scorer and point-getter, and second all-time in assists and games played.
“I couldn’t have achieved what I did without the help of teammates, coaches, and the social media crew at UNB,” said Hargreaves. “I am incredibly grateful to those who donated, physically and financially to support HGB. Because of that support, an immediate impact was made.”
“As my university hockey career ends, I know I’ve left a mark within REDS athletics and the Fredericton community,” said Hargreaves. “I hope my legacy as a Hockey Gives Blood representative lives on, knowing that I’ve set an expectation for following player-ambassadors, marked with passion and commitment.”
“I learned this role through Kendra Woodland, and I know I’m leaving it in good hands to teammates Keira Grant and Avery Thurston,” said Hargreaves. “I hope the player-ambassador role continues to grow and more players across U SPORTS join Hockey Gives Blood and their initiatives.”
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS
PHOTO: Hockey Gives Blood