Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – As captain of the North Shore Warriors in the CSSHL this past season, the latest addition to Griffins women's hockey head coach Chris Leeming's 2024-25 recruiting class will fit right in with a team culture that values character and leadership.
Jaida Powell models that on the ice, too, bringing the type of tenacious, high IQ game that works in all situations.
"I think she's going to be a good 200-foot player for us – responsible, good hockey awareness," said Leeming. "Having a chance to watch her play, she reads the ice well and makes good decisions. She's a centreman.
"She adds a little bit of height (at 5-foot-7) and that 200-foot game that can be effective in both the offensive and defensive zones for us."
Powell finished the 2023-24 season as the second leading scorer for North Shore Hockey Academy with six goals and 19 points in 30 games.
"With possession, she has the ability to make plays as she has strong awareness and vision," said Leeming. "Without possession, her IQ is highlighted in her defensive positioning and puck support, and she is willing to engage physically."
Powell, who hails from Penticton, B.C., previously played with fellow MacEwan recruit Karington Mollin on the Thompson-Okanagan Lakers U18AAA in 2021-22 and was also at Okanagan Hockey Academy in her hometown in 2022-23.
Leeming noted she Powell took a leap of faith and joined a new CSSHL program at North Shore in 2023-24 and earned the 'C'.
"She obviously has great interpersonal skills and is committed to doing everything that's going to contribute to the success of the team," said Leeming. "That was a lot of the things her coach said about her – how much extra she does and how great of a support she is for her teammates, so we're excited to add her leadership to the team dynamic here, as well."
Powell comes from a multi-sport background in her youth, is an honours student in the classroom, and will be pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at MacEwan with a goal of attaining a Masters of Education upon completion.
