The Central York Girls Hockey Association is thrilled to announce that
their 2022-23 Jr Panther Kayla Kondo has committed to play OUA Women’s Hockey
for the Toronto Metropolitan University Bold in Toronto, Ontario for the
2023-24 season.
Kayla has excelled in her time as a Central York Panther. She has really developed her game at both ends of the rink and finishes off her career with the Central York Jr Panthers as one of the all time point producers for the Junior program.
Kayla has become known for her ability to play a fast paced, gritty, hard working, highly offensive game that puts her near the top of the league in every offensive category. Kayla has combined her outstanding skating abilities with her enhanced offensive abilities to create scoring chances for her team on every shift. Kayla looks to push the pace and play the game faster every time she steps on the ice.
Kayla was a critical addition to the Central York Panthers family at a time when the program needed to further develop the “Panther” culture. It is obvious to anyone that knows Kayla that she loves hockey and wants to be the best she can be. But it was and is Kayla’s commitment to the team and developing a family atmosphere that really demonstrated to everyone how much being a Panther has meant to Kayla. Her passion and determination have been inspiring to the entire Panther community that have attended our home games over the past two seasons.
Former Canadian National Team coach and 2014 Olympic Gold Medalist, Lisa Haley has made her mark at every level of women’s hockey and she is ecstatic about getting Kayla. Lisa has been watching Kayla’s progress as a Panther over the past two years and is thrilled to see how much Kayla has developed since becoming a Panther. “Kayla has terrific speed, skill, and finish around the net. She was an offensive leader with the Central York Panthers and we anticipate she will carry over that to the OUA level,” said Bold head coach, Lisa Haley. “We are excited to have Kayla in our program as she brings talent and leadership both on and off the ice.”
Central York’s Junior Head Coach Steve Dempsey is very excited about this signing. “Kayla came to Central York with a lot of potential but she hadn’t found a place to really call home. I think she found that with us. She has developed herself into an exceptional two way player that is an impact every time she steps on the ice. Kayla bought into the program and has given herself completely to our Panther program. Although I am very excited for Kayla, I am also very sad as you do not replace a player or a person like Kayla. Kayla has shown all of us what true dedication to a program looks like. I am so lucky to have coached Kayla. She has helped me become a better coach and a better person. I cherished every moment that I got to coach her and I can’t wait to see all of her accomplishments as she continues on this amazing journey”.
Kayla has just started her 2023-24 season at Toronto Metropolitan University. Good luck Kayla!