The Central York Panthers would like to
congratulate our 2024-25 Junior Panther Sam Whittle on her commitment to
USports Saint Mary’s University Huskies women's hockey for the 2025-26 season.
Sam is a highly competitive homegrown student-athlete that had a major impact
on our Panthers High Performance (PHP) program. Sam exemplifies what being a Panther is all about.
She leads by example through her commitment to make time for any Panther event
where she can give back to the community and never asks for anything in return.
We are
delighted to be able to make this announcement for such a prominent and
dedicated Panther!
(May 26, 2025 Aurora, Ontario) – The Central York Girls Hockey Association are pleased to announce that their 2024-25 Junior Panther Sam “Sammy” Whittle has committed to play USports Women’s Hockey for the Saint Mary’s University Huskies in Halifax, Nova Scotia for the 2025-26 season.
Sam started out like many young players as a quiet and shy individual who let her play on the ice do most of her talking. Sam has really broken out of that shell as she has felt more and more comfortable with her teams and her coaches. A younger Sam would keep to herself, but she has felt so comfortable at Central York over the past few years that she has become a lot more vocal and has developed into a strong leader for the Central York Junior Panthers. She is really loving the family, team first environment that we have created here at Central York and that has given Sam an opportunity to be a role model for the younger Panther goalies and has developed some strong bonds with several of the goalies in our association over the years. Her love for her teammates and the Panther community has made her an irreplaceable piece to our Panther High Performance team.
Sam has always been someone that competes her hardest when the stakes are high. Being so driven has led her to get multiple invites to the Team Ontario High Performance U18 Summer Camps. Team Ontario and their team of scouts have noticed how hard Sam competes when it is a best on best situation. Known as a big game goalie, Sam has delivered in many big games for the Panthers over the years.
Sam is very thankful for her time here as a Panther. “When I first joined Central York 5 years ago, I barely knew anyone. But by the end of that first season, I had made incredible friendships and unforgettable memories. Being part of the Central York organization introduced me to some of the most influential people I’ve ever met. It also taught me valuable lessons that have helped me grow both on and off the ice. When I started with Central York, my goal was to play hockey at the university level. That dream wouldn't have become reality anywhere else. It was the incredible group of coaches, teammates, and the entire Panther community that helped to propel me to this point. I’m so thankful for the past 5 seasons, they’ve shaped who I am and played a huge role in getting me to where I am today”, announced Whittle.
Saint Mary’s Head Coach, Chris Larade is ecstatic about this signing. They have been looking for a big game goalie and they are excited to have found one in Sam.The coaching staff is really looking forward to having Sam be a part of their incoming 2025 class of recruits.
Central York’s Junior Head Coach Steve Dempsey is overjoyed with this signing. “Sam is a great example to all of our homegrown Panthers. Sam had lots of offers to go elsewhere but she believed in me and this program. It means a lot more when you know that someone truly believes in you and what you are trying to do here. Sam bought into our family, team first culture and has really excelled here the past few years. We judge the success of our program not only by the wins but also by what opportunities we can provide our players. By helping to get Sam to the Team Ontario camps and by getting her multiple university offers we know that we are on the right track here. Getting to go to a program like Saint Mary’s is a huge accomplishment for Sam but also for our program. However, the most important aspect for our Panthers High Program is the development of our players into becoming great people. Sam is an outstanding person and we are very proud of her. We are looking forward to seeing all of the great things that she will do in the next chapter in her life.”
Sam is scheduled to start the 2025-26 season with the Saint Mary’s Huskies in September 2025.
