Okanagan Hockey Academy female prep players Brielle Bellerive, Alyssa Erickson, Emily Clark and Celine Tardiff are going to college.
The four have secured their futures with National Collegiate Athletic Association and Canadian Interuniversity Sport schools, the OHA announced Thursday.
Bellerive, 17, committed to the Clarkson Golden Knights, a prestigious NCAA program based in Potsdam, N.Y. The second year forward has 18 points in 26 games.
"When I came to OHA my goal was to get a Division 1 scholarship,” said Bellerive. "I couldn't be more excited to become a Golden Knight next year. The OHA way will stay with me forever."
Erickson, 17, committed to St. Cloud Huskies in Minnesota of the NCAA Division 1. Erickson has 18 points in 26 games.
“I could not be more excited to officially be a Huskie and start a new chapter in Minnesota,” said Erickson.
Clark, 17, was heavily recruited and after several trips to NCAA schools chose to secure her future with the Wisconsin Badgers. The Badgers are based in Madison, Wisconsin. Clark has been a key contributor offensively collecting 26 points in 25 games.
“I am beyond excited and honored to become a Badger and begin my new journey,” said Clark. “My memories at OHA will last a lifetime.”
Tardiff, 17, has been a steady presence on the blueline and will join the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds in the CIS. Tardiff is a defensive defenseman who has four points in 26 games.
“I am honored to become a Thunderbird and attend this great university,” said said. “The memories made at OHA will stick with me throughout my life and I am so grateful for having been part of a growing tradition.”
Each player thanked their coaches Rebecca Russell and Gina Kingsbury for their support.
“We couldn’t be more proud of the girls. Their work and dedication put into achieving this goal has been remarkable and a pleasure to be a part of,” said Russell. “They have had a tremendous impact on the growth of our program through their dedication, loyalty and commitment. The four schools are very lucky to have these girls join them for the next four to five years. We are going to miss them greatly around here.”