(June 24, 2022 Aurora, Ontario) – The Central York Girls Hockey
Association are thrilled to announce that their 2021-22 Jr Panther Lauren
McEachen has committed to play USports OUA Women’s Hockey for Toronto
Metropolitan University in Toronto, Ontario for the 2022-23 season.
Lauren has excelled 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 highly competitive OWHL U22 Elite League. Lauren helped to anchor one of the strongest defensive units in the top Junior women’s hockey league in the world.
Lauren was known around the league as one of the top shutdown players. Lauren 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. Lauren looks to join the rush at every opportunity and use her punishing shot along the offensive blueline. Lauren’s play creates a two pronged attack for the Central York Jr Panthers between the forward and defensive units.
Lauren 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 Lauren that she loves hockey and wants to be the best she can be. But it was and is Lauren’s commitment to the team and developing a family atmosphere that really demonstrated to everyone how much being a Panther has meant to Lauren. Her passion and determination have been inspiring during these tumultuous times. Lauren has used this past year to take her skill level to another level. She puts in countless hours away from the team to improve her fitness and individual skills.
Lauren declares, “From my short time with the Central York Junior Panthers, I have grown immensely as a hockey player and person. My experience with the Junior Panthers has taught me the importance of being vulnerable, being present and focusing on the process. This organization has shown me how good people can impact sport and how hard work can inspire young athletes. The Central York Panthers care and advocate for young female hockey players unlike any other organization I have been a part of, and it is truly special. I fully believe the attention to culture and character within the Junior program has set me up for success in navigating the next chapter of my life. I am excited and honoured to continue my academic and athletic career at Toronto Metropolitan University”.
The highly accomplished Head Coach of the Toronto Metropolitan University Rams, Lisa Haley, has been watching Lauren’s progress as a Panther over the past year and is thrilled that she is joining her program.
Central York’s Junior Head Coach Steve Dempsey is very excited about this signing. “Lauren 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. Lauren has really taken her skill and level of play to the highest level. But it is Lauren’s heart and commitment to the Jr Panthers program that has really made an impact with me. I feel so lucky to have coached Lauren. She has helped me become a better coach and a better person. You don’t replace a player like Lauren, you just cherish every moment that you were able to be a part of her journey”.
Lauren is scheduled to start the 2022-23 season at Toronto Metropolitan University in September 2022.