Bears forward Paris Oleksyn keeps the puck away from Battleford Sharks forward Kiana McNish. (Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Northern Bears

Oleksyn agrees to join U of S Huskies

Dec 20, 2019 | 5:07 PM

A member of the Prince Albert Northern Bears has signed on the dotted line with the University of Saskatchewan women’s hockey team.

Bears forwards Paris Oleksyn committed to the Huskies for the 2021-22 season this week. For Oleksyn the U of S was her first choice when it came to where she wanted to play, as she went to the team’s games when she was growing up.

“I was like, that’s where I want to play when I am older,” she said.

The Northern Bears forward did get interest from other schools, but she was primarily interested in playing with the Huskies.

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Oleksyn explained she committed to the team after taking a tour of the facilities last weekend with Head Coach Steve Kook. After wrapping up the tour, the head coach offered her a spot on the team. For Oleksyn, it was a relief to sign and the process moved much quicker than she thought it would.

“I never expected to sign so soon with them,” she said.

When she makes her way down to Saskatoon, Oleksyn will join current teammates Jessie Herner and Jasper Desmarais, who are set to join the Huskies for the 2020-21 season. Also, currently on the roster are former teammates in Kate Ball and Miranda Heidt. Having some familiar faces in the dressing room is something which Oleksyn feels will be positive.

“I feel like it will make it a lot more comforting,” she said.

Oleksyn said the level of competition overall is much higher and the players are much bigger and faster. She said it will take quite a bit of work for her to keep up with the competition.

“I think going there, I need to step it up and give it my all,” she said.

So far this season with the Northern Bears, Oleksyn has 13 points in 14 games.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca