Congratulations, to 2022-23 Jr Panther Nikki Nayak , on her commitment to USports OUA University of Guelph Gryphons. Nikki is an outstanding student-athlete and has been a key cornerstone piece to the recent success of the Jr Panthers program. She has worked very hard over the last few years to expand her game and become the complete player that she has always wanted to be. Guelph is very lucky to have Nikki and we know she will be a huge impact for the Gryphons!
(April 12, 2023 Aurora, Ontario) – The Central York Girls Hockey Association are pleased to announce that their 2022-23 Jr Panther Nikki Nayak has committed to play USports OUA Women’s Hockey for the University of Guelph Gryphons in Guelph, Ontario for the 2023-24 season.
Nikki has been an integral part of the Central York Panthers for several years and has really immersed herself into the Panther culture. Nikki headlines a strong defensive unit that boasts several Team Ontario High Performance players that play a fast, upbeat style of hockey that prepares these players for elite hockey opportunities. Nikki really stepped up her game this year in her second year with the Jr Panthers. Nikki has become a strong leader on and off the ice for the Jr Panther program and is using her experience to help develop the next group of Jr Panthers.
“Words will not be enough to describe the gratitude that I feel for the Panthers organization for helping me grow into the player and person that I am today! The culture and community within this organization is something really special and I am forever grateful for the girls that I met during my time as a Panther. This has been an amazing ride. Thank you to Coach Jamie and Coach Steve and the rest of the coaching staff for helping me get to this point and preparing me for this next chapter in my life! I didn’t think I could get to this point but Coach Steve convinced me that I could get here and I can’t thank him enough for believing so strongly in me. I am beyond excited to be joining the University of Guelph next season and I can’t wait to be a Gryphon”, exclaimed Nikki Nayak.
Known as an elite skater with tremendous skill, Nikki plays with a competitive edge that helps to separate her from her peers. Nikki is counted on to play against the top units from the other teams in the OWHL U22 Elite League night in and night out. She anchors a strong defensive unit and adds to the team offense with her ability to carry the puck from end to end and create offense all by herself. Her leadership traits have helped to create a very inclusive and supportive team culture in the Panther dressing room.
Rachel Flanagan, Head Coach of the University of Guelph Gryphons has been looking for an elite skating player to compliment her strong defensive unit. “I am thrilled to be adding Nikki to our 2023-24 lineup. Nikki comes from a strong program at Central York and will be a great addition to our program. We really like the fact that Nikki brings a lot of speed and competes hard every time she steps on the ice. Nikki’s ability to skate the game at a high level will really help us and we are looking forward to having her join the Gryphon family.”
Central York’s Junior Head Coach Steve Dempsey is ecstatic about this signing. “Nikki always dreamt of playing university hockey but was going to give up on that dream when she did not get the offers right away. I just couldn’t let that happen. Nikki is such an amazing player and an even better person. She would be a tremendous asset for any program. When you see so much in someone and know they just need a little help, you want to do whatever you can for them. I am glad that she listened to me and kept believing in herself and the process. I know Rachel Flanagan and this is a great signing. Many players get signed and have these opportunities but some signings are better than others. This signing will be great for both parties. I think Nikki is going to have a great experience at Guelph. The Guelph Gryphons are very lucky to have Nikki and we are looking forward to seeing her excel in the OUA”.
Nikki is scheduled to start the 2023-24 season at Guelph University in September 2023.