London, ON - The Western Mustangs Women's Hockey program will welcome eight new student-athletes for the 2026-27 season as Head Coach Brittany Howard announces the recruit class for this season.
This year's additions to the program include Sadie Allen, Mya Hepburn, Ava Hillier, Claire Stewart, Ava Strome, Ella Tarasovich, Ava Telfer & Maya Valeri.
"We're extremely excited about our 2026 freshman class. This is a talented group with a great mix of skill, hockey IQ, competitiveness, and character." said Howard. "We believe each player brings something different to our program, and we're excited to see them develop and contribute to the future of Western Women's Hockey."
2026-2027 Mustangs Recruit Class Profiles
Sadie Allen
Height: 5'5
Position: Forward
Hometown: Burlington, ON
High school: Burlington Central High School
Previous team: U22 Stoney Creek Sabres
Intended academic program at Western: BMOS
Why did you choose Western?:
"I chose Western because it felt like the place where I could grow both as an athlete and as a person. The strong sense of community and supportive environment stood out to me right away. I knew it would challenge me academically while giving me the opportunity to continue competing at a high level. Western felt like the perfect balance, and I'm excited to be part of the Mustang family!"
Describe your style/specialty:
I'm a dynamic playmaker who creates offensive opportunities with my hockey IQ and vision. I make plays that put my teammates in a position to succeed while being a reliable presence at both ends of the ice.
Career Highlights:
-U22AA OWHA Elite Division Champions 2025
-U18AA Esso Cup National Champions 2023
-U15AA OWHA Southern Division Champions and Provincial Champions 2023
-U15AA OWHA Southern Division Champions 2022
Notable Awards:
-High School Junior Athlete of the Year
-School hockey and field hockey MVP
Coach Howard's comments:
"Sadie is a smart, east to west player with great vision and decision making. She sees the ice extremely well and has a great ability to find players in areas where they can make plays. Her vision and hockey IQ make the players around her better, and we're really excited to have her at Western."
Mya Hepburn
Height: 5'8
Position: Goaltender
Hometown: St. Thomas, ON
High school: Victus Academy
Previous team: Victus Falcons
Intended academic program at Western: Psychology (King's University College)
Why did you choose Western?:
"To stay close to my family and friends at a high-level program."
Describe your style/specialty:
Calm, controlled, and reliable.
Career Highlights:
- Winning provincials
- Committing to Western
Notable Awards:
- Ontario Scholar
- Victus Falcons team MVP
- Awarded for Athletic Commitment on Ice.
Coach Howard's comments:
"Mya is a talented goaltender who works hard and brings a consistent approach every day. She's a great teammate and will be a strong addition to our group."
Ava Hillier
Height: 5'3
Position: Defence
Hometown: Ottawa, ON
High school: Nepean High School
Previous team: East Ottawa Stars U22
Intended academic program at Western: BMOS
Why did you choose Western?:
"I chose Western because of its beautiful campus, strong academic reputation, and competitive Women's hockey team."
Describe your style/specialty:
I am a fast, smart, and responsible player with good positioning and strong work ethic. I'm not afraid to make plays offensively while still being reliable defensively.
Coach Howard's comments:
"Ava is a high-level skating defender who can move pucks and close gaps with her feet. Her ability to skate under pressure and defend with pace will be a big asset for our team."
Claire Stewart
Height: 5'6
Position: Forward
Hometown: Bowmanville, On
High school: St Stephen's secondary school
Previous team(s): Philadelphia Jr Flyers & Toronto Jr Aeros
Intended academic program at Western: Health Sciences
Why did you choose Western?:
"I chose Western because I wanted a school with excellent academics while also giving me the opportunity to play at a high level of hockey. I'm especially excited to play for Coach Howard because of her excellent reputation and everything I've heard about her as a coach."
Describe your style/specialty:
I believe I am a fast, two-way forward. I take pride in being a reliable player in all 3 zones of the ice while using my speed and work ethic to create offensive opportunities. My specialties include power play, passing with vision, having a strong net front presence, puck protection, and communication.
Career Highlights:
- Winning AAHA districts to move on to national championships.
Notable Awards:
- Toronto Jr Aeros 24-25 MVP
- Toronto Jr Aeros assistant captain
- U15AA assistant captain
Coach Howard's comments:
"Claire is a shifty forward with high-end skill and an excellent ability to handle the puck. She can create space for herself and make plays in tight areas, which makes her an exciting player to add to our group."
Ava Strome
Height: 5'5
Position: Forward
Hometown: Brussels, Ontario
High school: F.E Madill Secondary School
Previous team: Cambridge Rivulettes U22 Elite
Intended academic program at Western: Information and Media Studies
Why did you choose Western?:
"I chose Western because of its strong sense of community, many academic opportunities, and its competitive women's hockey program. I wanted a University where I could really challenge myself both academically and as an athlete, Western was the best fit for me. "
Describe your style/specialty:
I am a hard-working playmaker who sees the ice well and has a strong hockey IQ. I compete hard in battles and work to make smart decisions in all three zones of the ice.
Career Highlights:
- OFSAA Girls Hockey Bronze Medalist
- Top 6 finalist at 2026 OWHA U22 Provincials
- Beating the undefeated, number one team in our league this year
Coach Howard's comments:
"Ava is a 200 foot player who can be relied on in all areas of the ice. She competes hard, makes smart decisions, and brings a consistent level of effort every shift."
Ella Tarasovich
Height: 5'5
Position: Defence
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
High school: Pine-Richland High School
Previous team: Pittsburgh Penguins Elite
Intended academic program at Western: Environmental Science
Why did you choose Western?:
"On my tour, I fell in love with the energy of the campus and everything about it. I knew it would be a great fit for me and a place for me to grow as a player and a person."
Describe your style/specialty:
I would describe myself as a strong two-way defenseman who can be relied upon in the defensive zone while using my skating and hockey IQ to join the rush and generate offense.
Career Highlights:
- Five consecutive appearances at the Tier One U.S. National Championship Tournament
, earning 3rd place in the tournament twice (2022 and 2023)
- 5 consecutive MidAm district wins
- Participated in the USA Girls National 16/17 Camp.
- Assistant Captain in U16 for Pens Elite.
Coach Howard's comments:
"Ella is a strong, reliable defender who competes hard and makes smart decisions with the puck. She brings a steady presence to the back end and will be a great addition to our group."
Ava Telfer
Height: 5'3
Position: Forward
Hometown: Carp, ON
High school: West Carleton Secondary School
Previous team: Kingston Jr U22 Elite
Intended academic program at Western: Information and Media Studies
Why did you choose Western?:
"Western was the perfect fit for me both academically and athletically, and its strong reputation made it an easy choice."
Describe your style/specialty:
High-energy forward with speed, a strong two-way game, and a relentless work ethic.
Career Highlights:
- Ontario Summer Games Gold Medalist
- OWHA u16 High Performance Camp attendee
- Top-five league finish in Ontario at the U15 and -U18 levels; U18 league champion
- Two seasons of U22 hockey
Notable Awards:
- Honour roll student
- Hockey MVP (West Carleton SS)
- Rugby MVP (West Carleton SS)
Coach Howard's comments:
"Ava brings a heavy shot and a strong ability to get inside the dots and create offense. She plays with confidence and has the tools to be a dangerous offensive player for us."
Maya Valeri
Height: 5'7
Position: Forward
Hometown: Hamilton, ON
High school: Bishop Ryan Catholic High School
Previous team: Oakville Jr Hornets
Intended academic program at Western: Kinesiology
Why did you choose Western?:
"I chose Western because I loved the vibe I got from the school the second I stepped on campus. It immediately felt like the right fit for me. On top of that, Western has a great hockey program, so everything just clicked, both academically and athletically."
Describe your style/specialty:
I would describe my playing style as aggressive, creative, and patient. I like to make smart plays and move the puck in unique ways to create opportunities for my teammates. I'm a strong, aggressive forechecker who isn't afraid to use my body to win battles, separate opponents from the puck, and protect possession.
Career Highlights:
- Won three consecutive high school city championships while serving as team captain at Bishop Ryan Secondary School.
- Played U18 AA with the Stoney Creek Sabres.
- Played U22 Elite with the London Devilettes and Oakville Hornets.
- Selected to represent Canada at the International Children's Games soccer tournament in London, England.
- Competed internationally with Hamilton United Soccer Club in Portugal.
Notable Awards:
- Recipient of the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) Scholarship.
- Awarded Senior Athlete of the Year at Bishop Ryan Secondary School.
- Awarded Girls' Varsity Hockey MVP at Bishop Ryan Secondary
Coach Howard's comments:
"Maya is a strong, powerful forward who plays with pace and strength. She has a physical presence to her game and the ability to produce offensively, which fits well with our philosophy and playing style."
The 2026-27 Mustangs Women's Hockey schedule has been released. Click
HERE for full details.
