Dalhousie University women’s hockey head coach Sean Fraser is pleased to announce the commitment of Morgen Kidney and Jesse Rietveld to the Tigers 2014-15 roster.

Moncton, NB native Morgen Kidney comes to the Tigers after two years in Ontario’s Provincial Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Kidney helped her Brampton Junior Canadettes to their first final eight appearance in more than four years and finished the season with a +/- of +14. She played the previous season with the Oakville Hornets.

A member of the Appleby College varsity girls’ hockey team, Kidney led her teams to a Canadia Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association (CISA) and an Ontario Federation of Schools Athletic Association (OFSAA) championship in 2011. The following year, they earned silver medals at the OFSAA championship.

“I’m looking forward to attaining the success that I’ve always hoped for at a top Canadian university, in both hockey and academics,” says Kidney. “It will also be great to be back home in the Maritimes playing with the Tigers.”

“We are excited to have Morgen join the Tigers this season,” says head coach Sean Fraser. “Morgen is a strong and responsible defensewoman. “She makes great on-ice decisions and her ability to make the first pass is a key aspect to her game. Morgen has a heavy shot from the point which should add some offensive punch to the back end.”

Kidney received the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award in 2010. She is enrolled in Dalhousie’s recreation management program.

Jesse Rietveld is a 5’7 forward from Pelham, ON. She played with the PWHL Burlington Barracudas PWHL scoring 11 goals (five of them game-winners and added 11 assists.

She played for the St. Catharine’s Chaos Midget AA (now known as the Junior Badgers) team for three years after playing one season with the Pelham Panthers prior to her time with the Burlington program.

“I couldn’t be more excited to hit the ice as a Tiger this season,” says Rietveld. “Halifax is a beautiful city and the atmosphere at Dal is very welcoming, which makes it easier to make such a big move. I’m hoping to make a big impact in the AUS this season and in seasons to come!”

“Jesse is a shoot-first forward with a knack for finding the back of the net,” says Fraser. “She works hard to find openings and ways to exploit the opposing team’s defense. Jesse will add some offense and a good scoring touch to our line up this season.”

As graduate of E.L. Crossley Secondary School, Rietveld is enrolled in Dalhousie’s Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology program.