Small town Alberta talent joins Broncos women’s hockey for 2020-21

By Jadon Frank

Olds College Broncos women's hockey head coach Chris Leeming has been busy over the winter months with recruitment as the program has seen key players graduate from Olds College, including team captain Kali Cummings and goaltending tandem Tori Eilers and Lexi Bruce. Leeming has been working hard to sign key players for this upcoming season to join the strong core of returning student-athletes and more releases on addition signings will be distributed in upcoming months.

In this release, we will introduce you to three small town Alberta who will be joining the women's hockey team this fall, highlighted by Sydney Jack joining older sister Jesse on the roster.

Here's what you need to know about these recruits:

Sydney Jack: Centre/Right wing, 5' 5"

Hometown: Stettler, AB

2019/20 club: Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs

Academic Program: Sports Management (Business)

Personal Accolades:
Finishing first for points overall on the team for the regular season

2019-20 stats:
26 games played, eight goals, eight assists, 16 points, 16 penalty minutes

Why did you choose Olds College: "I'm excited to be a Bronco more than ever because of the current situation in our world right now, I am very grateful knowing I will be able to keep playing hockey in the fall at a college level which is a huge opportunity. Another plus to being a Bronco is that I get to play alongside my older sister!" (Older sister, Jesse, will be in her third season on the Broncos team. Jesse served as an assistant captain in 2019-20.)

Head Coach Chris Leeming's analysis: "Adding Sydney to our roster gives us more depth up front in a number of ways. Not only does she bring a consistent work ethic, but she adds some creativity and an offensive punch to our lineup that is needed."

Jorja Werenka: Defense, 5' 3"

Hometown: Sangudo, AB

2019/20 club: St. Albert Elite Sharks

Academic Program: Sports Management

Personal Accolades:
Team captain

2019-20 stats:
26 games played, four goals, six assists, 10 points

Why did you choose Olds College: "I am excited to be a Bronco because I have always wanted to play at the college level since I was little. I believe Olds will be a great fit for me coming from a small agricultural community. I can't wait for the season to start!"

Head Coach Chris Leeming's analysis: "The addition of Jorja helps to solidify our back end as she is a competitive and physical defenseman, who makes smart, simple plays. Jorja also adds her leadership capacity to our program, as she served as captain for her team this past season. We are excited to add another exceptional individual to our roster who will continue to help develop the culture of our program."

Ali Macaulay: Defense, 5' 5"

Hometown: Bonnyville, AB

2019/20 club: Lloydminster Elite Steelers

Academic Program: Business

Personal Accolades:
Rookie of the Year and Top Defense in 2018

2019-20 stats:
20 games played, four goals, three assists, seven points, six penalty minutes

Why did you choose Olds College: "I am excited to develop my skill in a new surrounding, and continue playing the game I love with new players and coaches.

Head Coach Chris Leeming's analysis: "Ali is an exciting addition to our lineup as she is a mobile, puck moving defenceman who sees the ice exceptionally well paired with excellent hockey IQ. As captain of her team this past season, she brings maturity, poise and leadership to our program, which is something that we look for when recruiting players to our program."

To learn more about Olds College, the Olds College Broncos and the hockey team go to gobroncos.ca; like the Facebook page and follow @OldsBroncos on Twitter and Instagram.