Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – In the search for more offence, MacEwan Griffins women's hockey head coach Chris Leeming landed one province over, snaring one of the top scorers in the Saskatchewan U18AAA league.
Sasha Malenfant was nearly a point per game player for Notre Dame this past season, producing 11 goals and 26 points in 30 games, tops on her team and 16th in the league.
The 5-foot-6 forward will add to a promising pool of offensive talent on the Griffins, starting in 2024-25.
"I got a chance to really watch her play some good games at the Mandi Schwartz tournament in December," said Leeming of the Notre Dame-hosted event that's billed as the largest U18AAA female tournament in Western Canada. "She just has a knack for getting pucks on net and offence generation. She's got a great shot. When she gets some time and space on the powerplay, she's definitely a threat.
"For a team that needs to add goals to the roster, that's what we're looking for with some of these players in our recruiting class, especially with Sasha. That's something she brings."
Malenfant spent her previous two seasons of U18AAA with her hometown Prince Albert Bears, recording 22 points in 30 games in 2022-23 before heading to Notre Dame.
She's also represented Team Saskatchewan U18 at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships for three years in a row, including this year's event in Grande Prairie in May.
Malenfant will be pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at MacEwan and brings the character that will fit seamlessly into the Griffins' team culture.
"She was awarded the Mandi Schwartz bursary this past year as a player who is an exemplary student, leader and humble friend with the characteristics of Mandi seen within them," said Leeming. "We're looking forward to her joining us next season."
