Coaches' Profiles

KAREN HUGHES, Head Coach

An accomplished athlete in both soccer and hockey, and an exceptional coach, Karen returns for her sixth season behind the bench as Varsity Blues head coach. She previously assisted former Blues head coach, Dave McMaster, in three successive OUA championship teams from 1991 to 1993.

As a Varsity athlete, Karen played on the OUA championship teams of 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988 and 1990. She was also selected as team captain in 1986-87 and 1987-88. She was an OUA all-star from 1985 to 1987 and became the first Varsity player to receive CIAU All-Canadian honours in 1987. In her graduating year she received the coveted U of T Silver "T" for outstanding athletic performance.

Karen was an assistant coach with the Canadian women's national team at the 1996 Pacific Rim championship, as well as the Canadian women's under-19 squad which competed at Lake Placid in July, 1996. In 1996-97 Karen was head coach of the Ontario under-18 team. In addition to her coaching success at the provincial and national levels, Karen has coached women's elite hockey in Ontario. She was recently added as an assistant coach to Canada's national team that will compete in world tournaments including Espoo, Finland in March, 1999.

Karen holds two degrees from the University of Toronto, a bachelor of commerce and a master's degree in science (planning). She is a senior analyst with the Ontario Management Board and Secretariat.

DAN CHURCH, Assistant Coach

Dan graduated from U of T with a bachelor's degree in history and political science. A longtime competitive hockey player, Dan began coaching after an injury in training camp in his first year of university ended his playing career. Two years ago Dan was an assistant coach with the Elite women's team, the Newtonbrook Panthers, who were silver medallists at the Central Ontario Women's Hockey League. This year Dan returns for a second season behind the bench with the Varsity Blues. Dan is also a golf professional in the off-season. Last spring Dan finished his second degree in professional golf management at Humber College.

PHIL DELAIRE, Assistant Coach

Phil, an accomplished coach in women's elite ice hockey and ball hockey, joins the Varsity Blues for his first season on the coaching staff. He previously played for Mary Ward and the MTHL Villagers.

Phil has been coaching women's elite hockey for the better part of a decade and won a provincial silver medal as head coach of the Newtonbrook AAA team in 1996-97. Phil was also the assistant coach with the Aeros, who won a national championship. Last summer Phil coached in the OBWHA, and his ball hockey team won a national championship with Phil as head bench boss. Phil was also coach of the year in the OBWHA. His team included members of Canada's national ice hockey team.

Phil works at the Granite Club as the golf membership coordinator and the athletic programs coordinator. Phil is currently working on a film degree at York University.

BARB JEFFREY, Manager/Scout

Barb is a graduate of the University of Toronto in physical education. As a Varsity player, Barb played for the championship squads of 1981-82, 1984-85, and 1985-86. Barb was an impressive tough stay-at-home defender and was named an OUA all-star in 1985-86.

A long-time Blues player, Barb has been with the coaching staff for the better part of twelve years and has been involved in recruiting players and scouting throughout the province.

Player Profiles

#16 WAHNESE ANTONIONI, Forward
Age: 24 Hometown: Sudbury, ON
Year: 4 Program: Physical Education and Health

A goalie on last year's CIAU Silver Medalists, Wahnese returns this year as a forward. A graduate of Marymount College (Sudbury) in 1994, Wahnese was named team MVP, helping her team win both the City Championship and the Ontario Championship.

#44 BRIDGET BATES, Forward
TSN AWARD NOMINEE
Age: 28 Hometown: Brampton, ON
Year: 4 Program: Master of Divinity

Bridget joined the Blues five years ago as a graduate of the University of Waterloo, where she completed a BA in English Literature and Religious Studies. She was named the Blues' "Most Improved Player" in 1994-95 and was the OUA's sixth-leading scorer in her second season. This year, Bridget was 13th in scoring (16 points) and recorded back-to-back hat trick games.

Off the ice, Bridget was awarded the Taylor Statton Memorial Fellowship for the 1995-96 academic year for her aspirations to work with youth. She has been a camp counsellor at Christian Teen Ranch and Camp U of T. Bridget is one of the nominees for this year's TSN Award, which recognizes outstanding athletics, academics and community leadership.

#1 KEELY BROWN, Goalie
OUA WINS LEADER, OUA SHUTOUT LEADER
Age: 23 Hometown: Kitchener, ON
Year: 4 Program: Arts
In her fourth year with the Blues, Keely reaffirmed her status as one of the most dominant goaltenders in the CIAU, posting a sparkling 1.18 goals-against-average in 11 contests, second in the OUA to teammate Alison Houston (1.11). She also led the OUA in wins (9) and shutouts (4). A graduate of Grand River Collegiate in Kitchener, Keely was named athlete of the year, and received several academic and athletic awards. She has also had success in ringette, leading her team to a Gold Medal in the 1992 Nationals and a Silver Medal in 1993. Keely has been a Blues Athlete of the Week, Blues Rookie of the Year and Intramural Referee of the Year. She was also awarded the Harold Innis Scholarship for outstanding contribution to university and community life.

#3 JACQUELINE CHERAVATY, Forward (Assistant Captain)
OUA POINTS LEADER
Age: 21 Hometown: Toronto, ON
Year: 3 Program: Engineering
Jacqueline is one of the most difficult players in the league to check and uses her skating skills to drive wide and create scoring opportunities. This season, she had 13 goals and 23 assists for a total of 36 points, which was tops in the OUA. A force on special teams, Jacqueline recorded four power play and two short-handed goals.

Jacqueline came to U of T from Cawthra Park Secondary School in Mississauga, where she was an Ontario Scholar and was voted Female Athlete of the Year. She competed in OFSAA swimming, Cross Country and Track and Field. Jacqueline had a successful hockey season in 1996 with the Mississauga Jr. Chiefs. She also plays badminton and soccer.

#20 STEPHANIE DRAKE, Goalie
Age: 19 Hometown: Toronto, ON
Year: 1 Program: Arts and Science
Stephanie has a tremendous work ethic and competitive intensity. While she has not seen much playing time in the OUA she continues to push herself to improve and in doing so pushes the other goaltenders on the team to continue to improve. Stephanie is sure to have an impact on the OUA in years to come.

#6 ERIN FRASER, Forward
Age: 19 Hometown: Ottawa, ON
Year: 1 Program: Arts and Science

Erin is one of the many young guns on the Varsity Blues this season. The OUA's Field Hockey Rookie of the Year brings her exceptional talents to the ice in her second varsity sport. While only playing in 16 regular season games Erin managed to stay among the OUA's top fifteen scorers throughout the year. Her 16 points (eight goals, eight assists) placed her 14th overall.

#8 MEGAN GRIER, Forward
Age: 19 Hometown: Beaconsfield, PQ
Year: 1 Program: Commerce

Megan has demonstrated a great hockey sense in her rookie campaign in the OUA. She continually works hard in practices and games to become a complete two-way player. Her dedication to the team will serve her well in the coming years in the OUA.

#30 ALI HOUSTON, Goalie
OUA GAA LEADER
Age: 19 Hometown: Owen Sound, ON
Year: 1 Program: Criminology

Ali's rookie campaign between the pipes for the Blues was an outstanding success. Her goals-against-average of 1.11 was tops in the OUA. In nine starts for the Blues, she had a save percentage of .919, earned two shutouts, and posted a record of seven wins and two losses. Ali has solidified herself as one of the top goaltenders in the OUA as well as the CIAU.

#4 SUSIE LASKA, Defence
Age: 19 Hometown: Pembrooke, ON
Year: 1 Program: Arts and Science

Susie is one of the many gifted rookies on the Blues this season. Blessed with great speed and mobility, she had 10 points in her inaugural season in the OUA. While being an offensive threat she also has tremendous defensive skills. With a plus-22 rating, Susie helped the Blues lead the league with the fewest goals against.

#18 JANICE MACDONALD, Forward
Age: 39 Hometown: Toronto, ON
Year: 2 Program: Physical Education and Health

Janice joined the Blues for the second half of the 1998-99 season. In 10 games she scored once and added three helpers for a total of four points. Gifted with great hands and a good touch around the net she has been a welcome addition to the Blues.

#5 KIM MALCHER, Defence
Age: 19 Hometown: Bolton, ON
Year: 1 Program: Physical Education and Health

Kim came to the Blues from Intermediate AA as a gifted young forward. After joining the team she was converted to defence, a position in which she has flourished. Kim's outstanding offensive skills combined with her great strength and powerful skating make her a formidable two-way player. In her rookie season Kim amassed 13 points and had a plus-23 rating.

#12 URSZULA MAY, Forward
OUA PLAYER OF THE YEAR, OUA FIRST TEAM ALL-STAR
Age: 20 Hometown: Toronto, ON
Year: 2 Program: Symbiotics

One of the quickest players in the OUA, Urszula plays with hustle, desire and determination. After an outstanding rookie campaign that saw her earn Tournament All-Star honours at last year's CIAU championship, Urszula finished third in this year's OUA scoring race (32 points in 20 regular season games) and was named the conference's Player of the Year.

Urszula is a graduate of Earl Haig Secondary School in North York. For three consecutive years she has been captain of the Jr. Aeros, leading them to three Provincial AA Championships. Urszula also competes in soccer and rugby.

#7 RHONDA MITCHELL, Defence
Age: 23 Hometown: Cornwall, ON
Year: 3 Program: Sociology/Criminology

In her third season with the Blues, Rhonda moves from the forward ranks back onto defence. Her skating ability, strength, and powerful shot suit her well in her new position. This season, Rhonda scored twice, assisted on eight others and carried an impressive plus-21 rating.

Rhonda's previous hockey achievements include winning the Boston Globe's All-Scholastic Hockey MVP in 1994. She also attended the U.S. Under-18 Development Camp for four years and played for the New England Selects at the White Knights Tournament in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1993.

#9 JEN RAWSON, Forward (Captain)
Age: 23 Hometown: Kingston, ON
Year: 4 Program: Physical Education and Health

Jen is in her fourth year with the Blues and is the team's captain this season. In her first year she was named Blues "Rookie of the Year" and in 1996-97 she earned a Blues team Athletics and Academics award. She was selected an OUA Second Team All-Star in 1997-98.

At the Provincial level, Jen has won four Gold medals as a strong forward with the Kingston Kodiaks Intermediate "A" team, as well as a national Bronze Medal with the Ontario Under-18 team. Jen is also an avid fastball player who has won a provincial Bronze medal and was named "Most Sportsmanlike Player" for her team. Other interests include ball hockey, field hockey, swimming, soccer and rollerblading.

#14 LORISSA STROUD, Forward
Age: 18 Hometown: Toronto, ON
Year: 1 Program: Physical Education and Health

Lorissa joins the Varsity Blues for her rookie year with only one year of hockey experience under her belt. She has worked hard to earn herself a regular shift and is blossoming into a fine two-way player with great touch around the net. Lorissa is a gifted athlete who will be a player to watch in the coming years.

#17 STEPHENIE SUMMERHILL, Forward
Age: 21 Hometown: Toronto, ON
Year: 2 Program: Physical Education and Health

Blessed with great speed, a great shot, and outstanding work ethic, Stephenie has potential to be a future OUA all-star. In only her second season as a Blue, she had 22 points in 20 games to place fourth in the OUA scoring race.

A graduate of Stouffville Secondary School, Stephenie competed for the Intermediate Stouffville Stars, helping the team claim the 1990-91 Provincial Championship. She was named Most Dedicated Player and was the leading scorer for two consecutive years. In high school, Stephenie also played volleyball and basketball. Within the community she is involved in coaching and plays representative fastball.

#15 BARB TYERS, Forward/Defence
Age: 22 Hometown: Mississauga, ON
Year: 3 Program: Physical Education and Health

Barb is another double varsity athlete in Field Hockey and Ice Hockey. In 1998-99, her rookie season with the Ice Hockey Blues, she earned three goals and six assists in only 14 games. Barb's great positional play and her ability to play forward and defence with equal intensity make her a valuable player for the Blues.

#11 HEATHER VANCE, Defence (Assistant Captain)
OUA SECOND TEAM ALL-STAR
Age: 23 Hometown: London, ON
Year: 5 Program: Master of Applied Science (Industrial Engineering)

Heather is in her fifth year with the Blues and has been an Assistant Captain for three years. She won a well-deserved "Most Dedicated Player" award three seasons ago and was named as an OUA Second Team All-Star this season. Heather continues to be an asset on the blueline as her positive attitude and work ethic are solid foundations for her success.

Heather attended Lockerby Composite School in Sudbury where she founded and captained the first Lockerby girls hockey team. She was named Female Athlete of the Year when she graduated in 1994 after excelling in hockey, basketball and track. Her other activities in sports include "AA" ringette and mountain biking, and she is an accomplished Alpine Ski Instructor.

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