CONGRATULATIONS ABBY LUNNEY - Nipissing University Commitment
Submitted By Stephen Dempsey on Tue 06 08, 21
(June 7, 2021 Aurora, Ontario) – The Central York Girls Hockey
Association is pleased to announce that their 2021-22 Jr Panther Abby Lunney
has committed to play USports OUA Women’s Hockey for the Nipissing University
Lakers in North Bay, Ontario for the 2023-24 season.
Abby has been an integral part of the Central York Panthers at every level. Her teams have won gold at the OWHA Provincials three times and have been top contenders every year. Over the years of being a Panther, Abby has ignited the dreams of many young Panthers to play at the highest levels and succeed on the grandest stages. Her uplifting words of encouragement, strong leadership, and genuine concern for her teammates have made her a favourite amongst her coaches and teammates over the years.
Abby has always been someone that takes on challenges head first. She doesn’t see how growth and comfort can coexist. She loves to push herself and embrace the grind of a relentless work ethic. Her pursuit of excellence in whatever she does has led her to be one of the top players in Ontario and she attended the 2019 Team Ontario U16 High Performance Summer Development Camp as an under aged player.
Abby really loves the people here at Central York, “I want to thank all of my teammates, coaches, and trainers over the years. It has been very special to have my Mom as my team manager and my Dad as my coach for most of my Panther career. ” Abby goes on to say, “you have all helped me become a better player and person. You have pushed me to work hard and be the best I can be on and off the ice. I wouldn’t be where I am without each and every one of you! She cherishes and puts a high value on the family atmosphere, “I have been lucky enough to play my whole minor hockey career for the Panthers organization. I love walking into the rink and seeing all of the younger Panthers smiling and looking up to us as role models. The Panthers organization has been my second family, my home away from home and a place filled with infinite memories, amazing experiences, and friendships for a lifetime.”
Abby is ecstatic about joining the Nipissing Lakers hockey team. “I am beyond happy and excited to be able to continue my hockey career at university with Nipissing in 2023. I am so lucky to be joining this amazing team and to be coached by Darren Turcotte. I can’t wait for this next chapter and the wonderful journey it will take me on.”
In 2020 the Junior program made a significant effort to spend a lot of the pandemic downtime on building a strong, value based team culture. Abby will be a leading force in continuing the great work that has begun. Abby leads by example and is always looking for ways to make a positive impact with her team and the Panther association. Her commitment to all of the younger Panthers is inspiring and shows how big of a heart she has. That commitment to making a difference shows up in every aspect of her life and makes her someone that leaves a footprint on your heart.
Former NHL player turned female hockey coach, Darren Turcotte leads the Nipissing University Lakers as their Head Coach. Darren has been following Abby for several years and is thrilled to have locked her up for his program starting in 2023.
Central York’s Junior Head Coach Steve Dempsey is so excited by this signing. “Abby is an amazing person and a great friend to all of us in the Panther organization. I have known Abby for a long time and I have enjoyed watching her development over the years". Her Dad, Doug Lunney, was her coach for many years and instilled many of the great attributes that she has now as a player and a person. Abby talks so fondly of her family because they really are difference makers. They are outstanding people and have made the Panther organization a better place to be. Knowing that we often find ourselves becoming our parents as we grow older, I am excited for Abby’s future knowing how her family is. Darren Turcotte and the Nipissing Lakers have just signed a program changer.”
Abby is scheduled to start the 2023-24 season with the Nipissing University Lakers in September 2023.