Nine fresh faces are set to join the Brock Badgers women's hockey team for the upcoming 2025-26 season. 

Grace Campbell, Chelsea Clark, Irelynn Duffy, Ava Fisher, Riley Gillies, Moi Moi Luu, Kylee Strano, Lauren Toner and Neve Wamboldt were all announced as incoming Badgers on Wednesday, June 4. 

"We're excited to welcome a dynamic women's hockey recruiting class that includes three incoming forwards, four defenders and two experienced forward transfers," said assistant coach and director of recruiting Brooke Nicholson. "This unique group brings a blend of youthful energy and seasoned perspective that will inject fresh momentum into our lineup. Their versatility and competitiveness are sure to make an immediate impact both on and off the ice." 

Campbell, a five-foot-four forward from Kingston, Ont., is coming to the Badgers as a transfer from the Western Mustangs. 

"Grace brings a high level of skill and tenacity to our lineup," Nicholson said. "She combines great speed with a sharp eye for the net, making her a constant offensive threat. Grace's competitive edge and ability to create scoring chances will add an exciting dimension to our attack." 

The incoming Business Communications major scored eight goals and added 27 assists for the Kingston Junior Ice Wolves in more than 100 games in the Ontario Women's Hockey Association (OWHA) under-22 AA division. Her time with the Wolves was highlighted by a fourth-place finish during the 2021-22 season. 

"The hockey rink and facilities we have as varsity athletes are incredible," Campbell said.  "We're treated exceptionally well, with so many knowledgeable people supporting us along the way. The team members are also fantastic, super friendly and welcoming."

Clark is the first of four defenders to join the Badgers this season.  

"Chelsea enters our program with a powerful shot from the point and a strong hockey IQ," Nicholson said. "She brings a smart, poised style of play and is a steady presence in the defensive zone. Chelsea's ability to read the game and make confident decisions under pressure will be a valuable asset to our blue line." 

The 5-8 North Vancouver, B.C. product spent the last two seasons with the Greater Vancouver Comets where she notched eight goals and 16 assists in 70 career games in the BC Elite Hockey League (BCEHL) U18 AAA division.  

In her final campaign with the Comets, Clark won a league title. She also captured a silver medal in the U19 division at the North American Roller Hockey Championships (NARCh) with North Shore Zulu. 

"The team culture at Brock was definitely something that drew me into playing," Clark said. "Everyone seems so supportive while pushing each other to work hard and be successful. The sense of connection that this team has while also having a high drive to do well is something that I am super excited to witness firsthand and to be part of next season." 

Clark plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Brock University.

Duffy is a 5-4 defender from Burlington, Ont,. who played club hockey with the Mississauga Hurricanes and the Brampton Jr. Canadettes. 

"Irelynn brings fun and infectious energy to the rink that will instantly lift those around her," Nicholson said. "She combines great speed with strong offensive instincts, making her a dynamic presence on the back end. Her ability to jump into the play and create opportunities will bring an exciting spark to our blue line." 

With the Hurricanes, Duffy won gold at the Canadian Cup tournament, while with the Canadettes, she scored five goals and added eight helpers in 41 career games. 

"Brock University has outstanding athletic facilities and presents the opportunity to play with a competitive group of girls while earning a degree in Sports Management," Duffy said. "I'm excited to contribute to a team that values hard work, discipline and strength." 

Fisher, a 5-4 forward from Newmarket, Ont., will help bolster the face-off circle for the Badgers and plans to major in Recreation and Leisure Studies. 

"Ava brings relentless drive and a high level of compete every time she steps on the ice," Nicholson said. "Ava already shows a strong sense of leadership and maturity that sets her apart. Her work ethic and presence will elevate the standard for our team from day one." 

In two years with the Toronto Leaside Jr. Wildcats, Fisher delivered 48 total points off 16 goals and 22 assists. After being named assistant captain in her first campaign, she demonstrated strong leadership skills and was chosen as captain of the team in her second year. 

"I look forward being able to create new friendships and learn more about the game from a coach like Margot (Page), who has a lot of experience," Fisher said. "It's an amazing opportunity to play at a competitive level while pursuing my academic goals."

Another forward joining the women's hockey team will be Gillies, an incoming Psychology major from the nation's capital.  

"Riley brings boundless energy and a fierce competitive spirit to the ice," Nicholson said. "Despite her smaller size, she makes up for it with relentless aggressiveness and drive, and she always plays with heart and determination. Skilled around the net, Riley will use her quickness and tenacity to create scoring chances and put everything she has into helping the team succeed." 

The 5-2 assistant captain of the East Ottawa Stars competed at OWHA provincials and recorded 22 total points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 55 career games. Gillies also played for the Gilmour Academy Lancers, competing at the USA Hockey National Championships during the 2021-22 season. 

"Brock University is a nurturing and welcoming environment which I felt as soon as I first got to visit to campus," Gillies said. "I saw myself fitting into Brock's tight-knit community right away and being able to thrive and succeed as a student, person and athlete."

Luu is another defender joining the Badgers' incoming recruiting class. 

"Moi Moi brings strength and confidence with the puck," Nicholson said. "Her ability to control the game and make composed decisions under pressure sets her apart. With a steady, strong compete level and solid skill set, Moi Moi will be a key player on both sides of the puck for our team." 

The 5-5 defender comes to St. Catharines by way of Markham, Ont., where she played for both the Brampton Jr. Canadettes and the Barrie Jr. Sharks in the OWHL U22 AA division. 

Across 81 career games, the incoming Medical Sciences student scored eight goals and added 13 assists. Most recently with the Sharks, Luu earned a bronze medal at the 2024 OWHA Provincial Championships. 

"I was interested in playing with the Badgers because of the strong support system; both athletically and academically," Luu said. "The team was really welcoming, and the facilities were great. It just felt like the perfect place to grow and succeed."

The final defender brought in by the Badgers is Strano, a 5-7 Lakefield, Ont., product, who has captured three conference titles and an Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) AAA title with St. Peters Catholic Secondary School. 

"Kylee joins our team, bringing a strong and physical presence to the ice," Nicholson said. "With her steady and composed style of play, she excels at reading the game and making key decisions in critical moments. Kylee's hockey IQ, combined with her ability to contribute offensively with a heavy shot from the point, makes her a valuable asset at both ends of the ice." 

Strano has experience playing with the London Jr. Devilettes of the OWHA U22 AA division during the 2023-24 season. This past year, she was voted captain for the Peterborough Ice Kats, where they would go on to finish second at the Stoney Creek Showcase and fourth out of a field of 50 plus teams at the U18 AA provincial championships.

With the U15 AA Ice Kats, Strano placed first in six tournaments and won a provincial gold medal, becoming the best team in Ontario during the 2021-22 season. 

"Brock is the best fit for me because it offers the perfect balance of competitive hockey, a supportive community and strong academics," Strano said. "The team culture built on hard work, accountability and teamwork will help me gain opportunities for personal development, leadership and character building off the ice." 

Coming back to St. Catharines, Toner, a 5-9 forward, spent the 2023-24 season with the University of New Brunswick (UNB) Reds, tallying two goals in 14 regular season games. 

"Lauren is a transfer who brings a powerful presence to our lineup," Toner said. "With her size, strength and high compete level, she will consistently make an impact in all areas. Lauren pairs her skill with strong leadership and a mature approach to the game, making her a valuable addition both on and off the ice." 

Prior to her time with UNB, Toner attended Ridley College from 2019-2023 where she played in 64 games, earning nine goals and six assists. 

"I chose to attend Brock because it allowed me to be close to family and friends while pursuing my academics and athletics," Toner said. "Brock also offers a great Business program that will prep me for my goals after university."

The last recruit joining the Badgers is Wamboldt, a native of Brooklin, Ont., and a 5-7 forward who last played for the Kingston Jr. Ice Wolves. 

"Neve is known for her high energy and relentless work ethic," Nicholson said. "As a true grinder, she brings a physical, hardworking presence to every shift, constantly battling for pucks and creating opportunities. Neve's determination and tenacity will bring a tough and gritty edge to our forward lineup." 

Wamboldt notched eight goals and six assists in 81 career games for the Wolves in the OWHA U22 AA division. 

"I'm excited for the opportunity to compete at a high level while being part of a passionate and dedicated team culture," Wamboldt said. "The strong sense of community, support from the coaching staff, and commitment to excellence on and off the ice made it a program I wanted to be part of." 

Wamboldt is set to study Sport Management at the University this fall.

With the addition of nine exciting recruits, the Badgers look to make their way back to the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) picture after narrowly missing out over the last two seasons.