Alyssa MacMillan always followed in her older brothers footsteps.
Now she is competing the hat-trick for the siblings, committing to play for the University of North Dakota’s hockey program where brothers Mark and Mitch also attended. Continuing the tradition of MacMillan’s donning the UND jersey wasn’t the key reason for her committing to the school for 2016.
“I like the coaches. When I got there I feel that’s where I want to be,” said MacMillan. “I’m excited for a new start at university. Just to go there and play on a new team in a new league against new girls.”
Following discussions with UND coach Brian Idalski and his staff, MacMillan felt the program best suited her offensive style. In 44 games with Okanagan Hockey Academy, MacMillan netted 15 goals and finished with 32 points.
OHA head coach Jim Fetter said the Western Collegiate Hockey Association is one of the premier leagues in the NCAA and the right one for MacMillan.
“She’s a big, strong player. That’s going to play into her hands,” he said, “I think she will do well in that league.”
MacMillan, who played for Team B.C. at the Canada Winter Games this year, has credited Fetter in helping her focus on her quickness, hands and shooting. Entering Grade 12 next fall, she is excited to be a leader.
MacMillan isn’t the only OHA female prep product heading to university in the fall of 2016.
Alexandra and Stephanie Rempe have committed to Brown University and goalie Morgan Skinner will play for Linden Wood in St. Louis. Skinner isn’t returning to the OHA next fall as she has decided to play at home in Victoria to finish school with her friends.
The Rempe sisters also represented B.C. in the Canada Winter Games and Stephanie won the OHA’s academic award.
After considering offers from different schools, the Rempe’s fell in love with Brown’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island.
“Education has always been a big part of our family,” said Stephanie. “We also had the dream of going to an Ivy League. When we got to Brown we loved it. We get an opportunity to play together.”