MacEachern Graduates From Big Red To REDS

(FREDERICTON, NB) The defending Atlantic University Sport women’s hockey champions, the UNB REDS, are adding veteran defender Sarah MacEachern to their recruiting class of 2026.

MacEachern, a native of Canoe Cove, Prince Edward Island, is joining the REDS as a graduate transfer from the Cornell University Big Red of the NCAA.

“We believe Sarah will make an immediate impact on our program,” said REDS head coach Sarah Hilworth. “She’s competed at an elite level, but she also brings humility, professionalism, and a team-first mentality.”

MacEachern played in 71 games for the Big Red over four seasons and is coming off her most productive season where she scored three goals and two assists, helping Cornell to an 18-8-1 (W-L-T) record, a third consecutive Ivy League championship, and second place in the ECAC Hockey standings (Eastern College Athletics Conference).

“UNB, obviously, is known for first class hockey programs,” said MacEachern. “Also, a big draw was that there are professors at UNB interested in furthering research into women in sport, both at the entry and professional levels. That is an area of work I have committed to studying both in school and in the larger community. Furthering the development of girls and women in sport is a passion project for me.”

Prior to attending Cornell, MacEachern was part of Canada’s gold medal winning team at the 2022 U18 world championship. Also in 2022, she helped the Etobicoke Junior Dolphins to an Ontario Women’s Hockey Association title along with current REDS’ forward Mya Headrick.

MacEachern is a former Hockey PEI Player of the Year and, off the ice, captained or co-captained Team PEI soccer teams in four seasons.

“I’m a positive person and will work hard in the classroom, in the gym and on the ice,” she said. “Cornell was challenging, progressive and supportive both academically and athletically. UNB also appears to be all those things.”

“From our first conversations, it was clear that Sarah's values aligned with ours,” said Coach Hilworth. “She’s passionate about hockey, academics, and creating opportunities for girls and women in sport. Those are qualities that make people better teammates, better leaders, and better members of a university community. Those are the types of people who help elevate everyone around them. I can’t wait until we hit the ice with her.”

MacEachern will pursue a master’s degree in Sport and Recreation Studies while attending UNB.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS

PHOTO: Cornell University Athletics