Congratulations, to 2024-25 Jr Panther
Erica Buckley , on her commitment to USports OUA Carleton University Ravens.
Erica is an exemplary student-athlete and has been a key cornerstone piece to
the success of the Panthers High Performance (PHP) program. She has worked very
hard over the last few years to expand her game and become the complete player
that she has always wanted to be. Carleton is very lucky to have Erica and we
know she will make a huge impact for the Ravens both on and off the ice!
(May 30, 2025 Aurora, Ontario) – The Central York Girls Hockey Association are pleased to announce that their 2024-25 Jr Panther Erica Buckley has committed to play USports OUA Women’s Hockey for the Carleton University Ravens in Ottawa, Ontario for the 2025-26 season.
Erica has been a lifelong Panther and has been at the heart of the Panthers since she was in Novice (U9). Every group of Panthers that come through the system have a few players that are the cornerstone pieces for that group. Erica’s elite skating and skill quickly set her apart from the rest. Even at the OWHL U22 Elite League level you could see that Erica was one of the premier players for her age group. Erica headlined a strong offensive unit that boasted several highly offensive players that played a fast, upbeat style of hockey that prepared these players for their upcoming elite hockey opportunities. Erica really stepped up her team game and leadership these past two years with the Jr Panthers. Erica has become a strong leader on and off the ice for the Jr Panther program and used her experience of being an elite lifelong Panther to help develop the next group of Jr Panthers.
Anyone that watches Erica can see that she is an elite, highly skilled player. But it is the behind the scenes gestures where you really get to know and see the impact of having Erica “Ricky” in the Panthers association. Erica was at the heart of our program and had been for years. She is an ambassador of our program as she is always the first one to welcome in new players or call ups over the years. Erica makes sure that everyone that steps into our Jr room knows exactly what it means to be a Panther and to be in that room where so many great Panthers have come before her. Erica takes the whole idea of “leaving a legacy” to heart. She is always looking for ways to leave a mark and knows that it is her responsibility to “leave the jersey in a better place”.
“CYP has been my life for the last 14 years. It has made me who I am today and I am so grateful to have been able to play for an association like Central York. When I was younger, I always dreamed of playing for the Jr Panthers. That was my goal! Playing for this team for the past 2 years of my minor hockey career was everything I could have asked for and a lot more. It is hard for
anyone to understand until you have been a part of it but being a part of the environment that is here is an absolute privilege. I am forever grateful for all of my coaches and teammates I’ve had along the way. Especially Coach Steve who has shaped me into the player I am today. I love this association and will always be a Panther at heart!! I’m excited for the next steps in my hockey career,” announced an emotional Buckley.
Stacey Colarossi, Head Coach of the Carleton University Ravens has been looking for an elite skating player to compliment her strong offensive unit. “I am thrilled to be adding Erica to our 2025-26 lineup. Erica comes from a strong program at Central York and will be a great addition to our program. We really like the fact that Erica brings a lot of skill and strong habits every time she steps on the ice. Erica’s ability to contribute at both ends of the ice will really help us and we are looking forward to having her join the Raven family.”
Central York’s Junior Head Coach Steve Dempsey is ecstatic about this signing. “Erica has always dreamt of playing university hockey but was not very optimistic coming out of U18AA when she did not get the offers right away. I just couldn’t let that happen. Erica is such an amazing player and an even better person. She would be a tremendous asset for any program. When you see so much in someone and know they just need a little help, you want to do whatever you can for them. I am glad that she listened to me and kept believing in herself and the process. I know Stacey Colarossi and this is a great signing. Many players get signed and have these opportunities but some signings are better than others. This signing will be great for both parties. I think Erica is going to have a great experience at Carleton. The Carleton Ravens are very lucky to have Erica and we are looking forward to seeing her excel in the OUA”.
Erica is scheduled to start the 2025-26 season at Carleton University in September 2025.
