Wood commits to play hockey for Guelph
The University of Guelph holds many special meanings for the Wood family.
For 16-year-old Madelaine (Maddie) Wood it’s the university she has committed to play U Sports women’s hockey for starting with the 2019-20 season. The Keene native and Grade 11 Adam Scott Collegiate student recently committed to Guelph while playing for the Whitby Jr. Wolves of the Provincial women’s Hockey League, the female equivalent of the Ontario Hockey League.
While her father Gord grew up in Keene and her mother Melanie in Peterborough they met and began dating while attending the University of Guelph.
“I love the idea of experiencing what they experienced,” Wood said.
Wood talked to many NCAA and U Sports schools paying visits to Guelph, Ottawa, RMC, Union College, Connecticut, Merrimack, Syracuse and RPI.
There were many reasons for choosing Guelph.
“It’s not a huge city but it’s a real university town. There is a lot of community involvement. They have two female coaches and I really like the idea of having females on the bench because they really understand the ladies. They have great facilities and are in the middle of an upgrade to bring all their medical stuff closer to the rink.
“I want to go to school for mechanical engineering and Guelph has a really strong program. The female hockey program has a liaison with the mechanical engineering program so there is a lot of support for the girls on our team.”
She was intrigued by the U.S. schools but liked the idea of being able to spread her education over five years in Canada versus four in the NCAA.
“I just liked the idea of staying in Canada. I didn’t have to worry about the scholarship paying for all the medical stuff and the SAT testing. The level is higher and they do a lot of training and really push their girls but I feel Canada is not that far behind at all. They focus so much too on the education. The girls come out with a strong education and as great hockey players.”
She also really liked the coaches Rachel Flanagan and Katie Mora.
“They were so friendly and they gave me all the time in the world to make my decision and were so supportive,” she said. “They are both alumni of the school and are really invested in the program.”
Wood started her minor hockey with the Otonabee Wolves until she moved to the Peterborough Ice Kats program in peewee. Her defensive partner in Peterborough was Meghan Fisher who plays for the PWHL’s Kingston Ice Wolves and recently committed to Concordia University for 208-19. Wood played a handful of games as a call-up for Kingston last season but opted this year to join Whitby as it was a little less travel.
“I never really thought about the PWHL as an option until Meghan went to play there and then I started looking for spots,” Wood said.
“I knew there was junior but I knew Peterborough didn’t have a team so I had never really thought about going anywhere else. It wasn’t really talked about in Peterborough.”
There are three Peterborough girls playing in the PWHL. TerriLynn Burke plays for the Durham West Lightning. Wood said it’s been a good experience and exposure for her.
“It’s a lot faster pace and you have a lot less time to make decisions and being a defenceman time is your friend. It’s really awesome,” Wood said.
The 20-team league has franchises from Ottawa to Windsor. Whitby is currently in sixth place with a 9-49-1 record. The five-foot-10, 160pound Wood has two assists in 23 games and six assists when tournament games are added.
“It’s a lot of travel but you play against so many girls who are trying to get university spots. It’s the highest level of hockey you can play,” she said. “At first it was a big jump but my coach Kevin Schram and assistant coaches Lindsey West and Michelle Binning have really helped. I’m definitely competing with the girls now.
“I love it. They try to make it seem as much like the OHL as they can. There is a national anthem and they announce the starting lineup. You can’t change on an icing. It’s really cool.”