Norwegian Standout Joining REDS
(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS, defending Atlantic University Sport women’s hockey champs, are adding heralded Norwegian forward Ella Morken to their recruiting class of 2026.
After playing four seasons with Lillehammer of Norway’s top women’s professional league, the native of Lillestrøm, a suburb of Oslo in southeastern Norway, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent. She’ll join the REDS ahead of the 2026-2027 AUS season.
“Ella is a dynamic player whose skating ability really separates her and allows her to be effective in all areas of the ice,” said REDS’ head coach Sarah Hilworth. “What impressed us most throughout the recruiting process was her willingness to step outside her comfort zone and pursue both academic and athletic excellence in Canada.”
“I was interested in UNB because I wanted to try something new and get international experience,” said Morken. “They offer a school program that interests me and it’s a great opportunity to develop my hockey skills.”
In four seasons in Norway’s top tier, Morken played in 111 regular season games, averaging more than a point and a half per game.
In 2023-2024, she was part of the Lillehammer team that won the Norwegian championship.
In 2025-2026, Morken registered her best season, scoring 23 goals and 33 assists.
On top of her extensive pro experience, Morken is also a veteran of Norway’s national team program.
In 2023 and 2024, she was a member of the country’s team at the U18 World Championships, skating in a total of 10 tournament games and registering one goal and two assists.
In 2025, she was a member of Norway’s team at the IIHF Women’s World Championship and appeared in all five of Norway’s games.
“Ella is a highly motivated person who is always looking to improve, and we're excited to see the impact she'll have within our program,” said Coach Hilworth.
“My goal at UNB is to become a better hockey player with more knowledge and experience,” said Morken, who feels her skating may be the strongest part of her game.
“My teammates in Lillehammer made it fun to go to practice every day, and they challenged me,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to getting new teammates and competing with them.”
Morken will pursue a degree in Recreation and Sport Studies while attending UNB.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS
PHOTO: Lillehammer IK