Women's hockey team plays historic first games

OSHAWA, Ont. - The Durham College and University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) extramural women's hockey team made history when they took to the ice on November 19, marking the first time that a women's hockey team had represented the campus. As a memento of their historical first games, Durham College and UOIT president Gary Polonsky was presented with a jersey that had been signed by the team.

"I plan to come out to the games and be a fan," said Gary Polonsky, president of both Durham College and UOIT. "This is one of the greatest gifts I have ever received because it is so historical."

The uniforms include both Durham College and UOIT logos.

The team played for the first time at the Humber College Extramural Invitational, where they faired extremely well. Extramural hockey at the post-secondary level is not varsity, but is instead a hybrid of intramurals that provide an opportunity for students to compete against other schools.

"It's a great gang," says Gary Pitcher, head coach of the team. "We had 20 women show up, which meant four lines." He also added that each player is equally as strong.

In their first game, the women beat Mohawk College with a score of 3-0.

"We have two of the strongest goalies at this level that I have seen or coached," said assistant coach Scott Barker, who works primarily with the goaltenders and defence lines. "They give the team a chance to win at each game."

"I think this team is the real deal already. We have a strong foundation of players," said assistant coach Dave Perry. "They came together very quickly as a team."  

A photograph of the presentation is available upon request. 

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About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology

As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. The university offers career-focused undergraduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, social science, and education. It is also developing leading-edge research and graduate programs, and is Ontario's first laptop-based university. Sharing facilities and selected services with Durham College, UOIT has over 1,800 students following 12 months of operation. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 1.866.844.8648.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Tania Henvey
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
tania.henvey@dc-uoit.ca