Bronwyn Hawkins is trading in her Stratford Aces red and blue for blue and yellow as she heads south to skate for the women’s hockey team at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
The Perth County teenager said playing the game at a higher level wasn’t on the radar until recently.
“University hockey really didn’t cross my mind until two or three years ago when I decided I wanted to like start pursuing the next level. I didn’t want to leave the sport and pushed myself to that next level.”
A few other schools showed interest in the 18-year-old, but she ultimately chose the Wolverines because of their proximity to Ontario and their reputation for academic excellence. Hawkins, who will be studying bioengineering, also said playing under legendary coach Carrie Sirola was a factor in her decision.
“She was part of it. She had reached out to me, and she was really nice about everything. She had explained to me that the school cares about their student athletes, and they have resources available for student athletes to be focused on academics and athletics.”
Sirola said Hawkins has all the tools to be an impact player in her first season.
“She’s really strong, a bit taller, makes great passes, has a really good snapshot, and I like the fact she isn’t afraid to rush the puck. On top of that, she’s a 4.0 (GPA) student. Obviously, those are the kids we strive to find.”
The blueliner is in the midst of a summer training program sent to her by the team, something she said will help her get stronger and faster for the elevated competition at the university level.
“It’ll definitely help with that. Just getting my body ready and my muscles and everything to make the jump to the next level. I know it will be different from playing minor hockey, and the program is tailored to help athletes make that jump and be successful at it.”
Hawkins said she would never have gotten to this point in her hockey journey without the support of her parents, Terry and Liz.
“They’ve taken me to all my games, practices, tournaments, everything. And they’re definitely my biggest supporters. They’re very excited and proud that I’m going to Michigan because my dad and I went down for orientation the other day and had to make sure he got a hat and t-shirt from the store.”
Stratford’s Nicole Hahn is going into her senior year at Michigan-Dearborn and was one of 15 Ontario players on the roster last season.
