CONGRATULATIONS MAKENNA SLOCUM - Commitment to Stonehill College.
(Oct 12, 2022 Aurora, Ontario) – The Central York Girls Hockey
Association is thrilled to announce that their 2022-23 Jr Panther Makenna
Slocum has committed to play NCAA Division 1 Women’s Hockey for Stonehill
College in Easton, Massachusetts for the 2023-24 season.
Makenna 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. Makenna’s play was being noticed over the past year by everyone including Team Ontario. Makenna was selected this summer to partake in the OWHA U18 High Performance Selection Camp for the Canada Winter Games.
Makenna has become known for her ability to play a fast paced, gritty, hard working, highly offensive game that puts her near the top of the league in so many categories. Makenna has combined her outstanding skating abilities with her enhanced offensive abilities to create scoring chances for her team on every shift. Makenna looks to push the pace and play the game faster every time she steps on the ice.
Makenna 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 Makenna that she loves hockey and wants to be the best she can be. But it was and is Makenna’s commitment to the team and developing a family atmosphere that really demonstrated to everyone how much being a Panther has meant to Makenna. Her passion and determination have been inspiring during these tumultuous times.
Makenna announced, “Moving to Central York was the best decision of my life, it is my second family. I have grown not only as a hockey player but more importantly as a person. The culture and connection that spreads throughout this organization is contagious. My journey continues on with deepening insight, knowledge and passion for the game. If it weren’t for Coach Steve’s leadership and my other mentors I wouldn’t be where I am today. Central York has imprinted a legacy that will help me throughout the rest of my life. I can’t thank them enough for that.”
Former National Team player and 2014 Olympic Gold Medalist, Tara Watchorn has taken over the program at Stonehill College and she is ecstatic about getting Makenna. Tara has been watching Makenna’s progress as a Panther over the past year and is thrilled to see how much Makenna has developed since becoming a Panther.
Central York’s Junior Head Coach Steve Dempsey is very excited about this signing. “Makenna came to Central York with a lot of potential but she had some doubts about her offensive game. She has developed herself into an exceptional two way player that is an impact every time she steps on the ice. Makenna bought into the program and has given herself completely to our Panther program. Although I am very excited for Makenna, I am also very sad as you do not replace a player or a person like Makenna. Makenna has shown all of us what true dedication to a program looks like. I am so lucky to have coached Makenna. She has helped me become a better coach and a better person. I am cherishing every moment that I get to coach her and I can’t wait to see all of her accomplishments as she continues on this amazing journey”.
Makenna is scheduled to start the 2023-24 season at Stonehill College in September 2023.