ANTIGONISH, NS – X-Women Hockey head coach Ben Berthiaume is pleased to report the signing of defence Ashley Monds from the Nepean Wildcats of the PWHL.
Known as a well-balanced defender, the 5'6" left-hand defender from Brockville, Ont. will come to the X-Women program in September with three years of PWHL experience. She currently serves as team captain.
When asked about Monds and her potential impact on the X-Women team, Coach Ben Berthiaume commented, "Ashley is a player that has played solidly every single time we've watched her. She is a leader on her team and her hockey intelligence will be a real asset to our program. She has a great head for the game, anticipates plays well and makes great decisions when she has the puck on her stick."
He continued, "Ashley plays a stingy game as a defender as well, and she takes the ice away from opposing puck carriers. We like when our defence recognize opportunities to step up and interrupt plays, but who also aren't afraid to hold an aggressive gap with fast attackers approaching them. Ashley moves the puck well and we really look forward to seeing her on our blue line."
Monds has made multiple appearances at OWHA summer high performance camps and unfortunately had her quest to make Team Ontario halted this year due to the pandemic. Last season, she recorded 14 points in 38 regular season games.
She will study Human Kinetics at StFX in the fall, and will be reunited with Nepean teammates Ellie Brown and Abby Lewis.
Monds joins previously announced 2021-22 X-Women recruits forwards Ellie Brown (Kemptville, ON), Landyn Pitts (Antigonish, NS) and Kamdyn Switzer (Stittsville, ON), defenders Vivian Hinch (Vancouver, BC) and Ella VandeSompel (London, ON), and goaltender Amaya Giraudier (Assiniboia, SK).
-30-