Congratulations, to Jr Panther Abby Pak, on her commitment to the USports OUA University of Toronto Varsity Blues
Congratulations, to 2025-26 Jr Panther Abby Pak, on her commitment to the USports OUA University of Toronto Varsity Blues. Abby is a highly motivated and driven student-athlete that has grown up and around the Panthers organization. Abby is one of those players that you never replace. During her time here with the Panthers, Abby has shown that she is always looking for ways to give back to the Panthers and leave her mark on the Panthers organization. With her undeniable talent and drive for excellence we know that Abby will be very successful at the next level. The University of Toronto has just added a key piece to their future!
For Immediate Release
(February 25, 2026 Aurora, Ontario) – The Central York Girls Hockey Association are thrilled to announce that their 2025-26 Jr Panther Abby Pak has committed to play USports OUA Women’s Hockey for the University of Toronto in Toronto, Ontario for the 2026-27 season.
Abby has always had a positive impact in her time as a Central York Panther. She has really developed her game at both ends of the rink and is now a top tier player in the fast paced and ultra competitive OWHL U22 Elite League. Abby is counted on night in
and night out to help anchor one the best offensive units in the top Junior women’s hockey league in the world.
Abby was always known for her offensive abilities but over the past few years Abby has really enhanced her play away from the puck and has become a top shutdown player in the league. Abby has combined her outstanding defensive abilities to shut down the top players in the league with her enhanced offensive abilities to create scoring chances for her team on every shift. Abby looks to go on the attack every shift. She uses her speed, tenacity, and high hockey IQ to create numerous scoring chances every game. She is consistent and is relied on heavily at both ends of the ice.
Abby 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 Abby that she loves hockey and wants to be the best she can be. But it was and is Abby’s commitment to the team and developing a family atmosphere that really demonstrated to everyone how much being a Panther has meant to Abby. Her passion and determination have been inspiring over the years. Abby has used her time with the Jr Panthers to take her skill level to another level. She puts in countless hours away from the team to improve her fitness and individual skills.
The usually understated Pak states, “I am extremely grateful to have called the Central York organization my second family for eight years of my hockey career. The culture here is truly one of a kind, and I have made countless memories and lifelong friendships
as a Panther. The support from my teammates and coaches has shaped me into the player and person I am today, both on and off the ice. The lessons I have learned here will stay with me forever, and I will always be honoured to represent CYP as I move into the next chapter of my journey”.
The highly accomplished Head Coach of the University of Toronto Varsity Blues, Vicky Sunohara, has been watching Abby’s progress as a Panther over the past few years and is thrilled that she is joining her program.
Central York’s Junior Head Coach Steve Dempsey is very excited about this signing. “Abby came to Central York with a lot of potential but some lingering doubt about her abilities and how far she could go with her game. She has quickly transformed herself into an exceptional student-athlete. She puts in a remarkable amount of work on her own and is ready to be an impact at the next level. Abby has really taken her skill and level of play to the highest level. But it is Abby’s heart and commitment to the Jr Panthers program that has really made an impact with me. I feel so lucky to have coached Abby. She has helped me become a better coach and a better person. You don’t replace a player like Abby, you just cherish every moment that you were able to be a part of her journey”.
Abby is scheduled to start the 2026-27 season at the University of Toronto in September 2026.
