Norwegian Forward Joining REDS

(FREDERICTON, NB) The defending Atlantic University Sport women’s hockey champions, the UNB REDS, are adding more international flavour to their 2026 recruiting class with the addition of Norwegian forward Aurora Winther-Johannessen.

The 19-year-old has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent after playing three seasons with Stavanger, of Norway’s top women’s league.

“Aurora is someone who caught our attention because of her size, competitiveness, and ability to score,” said REDS’ head coach Sarah Hilworth. “She has valuable experience representing Norway internationally, and those experiences have helped shape her into a player who competes hard and understands what it takes to perform at a high level.”

Winther-Johannessen, from Jessheim, in southeastern Norway, recently completed her third season with the top-tier Stavanger Oilers. Each season saw her build on her production.

She saw action in a total of 83 games, scoring 60 goals and 52 assists, including 30 goals and 23 assists in 2025-26, her most productive season.

“My biggest strength is my size,” she said. “I’m one of the bigger players and use that a lot in my game. I also have good scoring ability. In front of the net, I’m really good.”

As a member of Norway’s U18 team in 2024-2025, she played in 15 games, including five at the U18 world championship tournament. She also skated in five games with Norway’s senior women’s team at the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship.

“Beyond her hockey ability, Aurora places a strong emphasis on academics and personal growth, which aligns really well with the culture we’re continuing to build,” said Coach Hilworth. “We believe she has tremendous potential and are excited to see her continue her development.”

“I’ve heard UNB has really good academics,” said Winther-Johannessen. “That’s something I put high on my list when I had to choose. I want a career after hockey and want a good education, something UNB makes possible.”

Winther-Johannessen will study Geomatics while attending UNB.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS

PHOTO: Norwegian Ice Hockey Federation