The Central York Girls Hockey Association are thrilled to announce that
their 2021/22 Jr Panther Gaby Gareau has committed to play USports OUA Women’s
Hockey for Toronto Metropolitan University(TMU) for the 2022/23 season.
Gaby has been an integral part of the Central York Panthers U22AA program for the past two seasons and was a big part of our hugely successful season last year. Gaby was a force every time she stepped on the ice. Gaby allowed us to play a very physical style of game and that style allowed TMU to see what a great fit Gaby would be at the university level. Gaby combined her physical style with a drive and determination on the ice that made her very hard to contain. Gaby was a missing piece for our 2020-21 team. We were looking to be a tougher team to play against and Gaby gave us that element. She took off from there and became an elite level player by the time the 2021-22 season rolled around. Gaby used her relentless commitment to improving to take her from A level hockey to being a standout on one of the best teams in the OWHL U22 Elite league.
“It’s been a dream of mine to play hockey at the University level and I can’t thank the Panthers organization enough for helping me get there. Despite the highs and lows of COVID-19, the Central York Jr Panthers have allowed me to develop as a player and reach my goal of playing at the next level. While billeting for 2 seasons the Panthers were my home away from home and I couldn’t have been happier. The family-like culture was very special to me and made this the most amazing experience I could have asked for. I want to say a big thank you to all of my teammates, coaches, and support staff. Thanks for everything!”
Known as a physical, skilled, highly competitive player, Gaby brings out the intensity in everyone and sets the standard for compete in every practice. Gaby was counted on to play against the top units from the other teams in the PWHL night in and night out. She helped to transform the Central York Jr Panthers program into a tough in your face type of team that could compete with anyone in the highly competitive OWHL U22 Elite league.
Lisa Haley, Head Coach of the Toronto Metropolitan University Bold had been watching Gaby’s progress as a Panther all last year and was very excited about the signing. “We are thrilled to have added Gaby to our BOLD family, and we know that she is going to be a great addition to TMU”, proclaimed Coach Haley.
Central York’s U22AA(Jr) Head Coach Steve Dempsey is very excited about this commitment. “Gaby was a diamond in the rough. One of our U18AA coaches saw her and knew she would be able to help transform our Jr program. Gaby was a great addition to our program and was a difference maker. She has really blossomed in the past two years and has a ton of confidence right now. Her play really took off last year and I really like the pathway that she is on. There is no doubt that Gaby is a great player but it is her compete level that will be missed the most. When Gaby decides to achieve a goal no one can stop her. I am really happy for her but will miss her a lot. I know Lisa Haley personally and I am really happy for both of them with this signing. Some players and coaches are better fits than others and this one will be a great partnership.”
Gaby has started her year with TMU and she was a starter in the first exhibition game of the year. Way to go Gaby!!