The Central York Girls Hockey Association are pleased to announce that
their 2024-25 Jr Panther Erica Buckley has committed to play USports OUA
Women’s Hockey for the Carleton University Ravens in Ottawa, Ontario for the
2025-26 season.
Erica has been a lifelong Panther and has been at the heart of the
Panthers since she was in Novice (U9). Every group of Panthers that come
through the system have a few players that are the cornerstone pieces for that
group. Erica’s elite skating and skill quickly set her apart from the rest.
The Central York Girls Hockey Association are pleased to announce that
their 2024-25 Jr Panther Erica Buckley has committed to play USports OUA
Women’s Hockey for the Carleton University Ravens in Ottawa, Ontario for the
2025-26 season.
Erica has been a lifelong Panther and has been at the heart of the
Panthers since she was in Novice (U9). Every group of Panthers that come
through the system have a few players that are the cornerstone pieces for that
group. Erica’s elite skating and skill quickly set her apart from the rest.
Even at the OWHL U22 Elite League level you could see that Erica was one of the
premier players for her age group. Erica headlined a strong offensive unit that
boasted several highly offensive players that played a fast, upbeat style of
hockey that prepared these players for their upcoming elite hockey
opportunities. Erica really stepped up her team game and leadership these past
two years with the Jr Panthers. Erica has become a strong leader on and off the
ice for the Jr Panther program and used her experience of being an elite
lifelong Panther to help develop the next group of Jr Panthers.
Anyone that watches Erica can see that she is an elite, highly skilled
player. But it is the behind the scenes gestures where you really get to know
and see the impact of having Erica “Ricky” in the Panthers association. Erica
was at the heart of our program and had been for years. She is an ambassador of
our program as she is always the first one to welcome in new players or call
ups over the years. Erica makes sure that everyone that steps into our Jr room
knows exactly what it means to be a Panther and to be in that room where so
many great Panthers have come before her. Erica takes the whole idea of
“leaving a legacy” to heart. She is always looking for ways to leave a mark and
knows that it is her responsibility to “leave the jersey in a better place”.
“CYP has been my life for the
last 14 years. It has made me who I am today and I am so grateful to have been
able to play for an association like Central York. When I was younger, I always
dreamed of playing for the Jr Panthers. That was my goal! Playing for this team
for the past 2 years of my minor hockey career was everything I could have
asked for and a lot more. It is hard for anyone to understand until you have
been a part of it but being a part of the environment that is here is an
absolute privilege. I am forever grateful for all of my coaches and teammates
I’ve had along the way. Especially Coach Steve who has shaped me into the
player I am today. I love this association and will always be a Panther at
heart!! I’m excited for the next steps in my hockey career,” announced an
emotional Buckley.
Stacey Colarossi, Head Coach of the Carleton University Ravens has been
looking for an elite skating player to compliment her strong offensive unit. “I
am thrilled to be adding Erica to our 2025-26 lineup. Erica comes from a strong
program at Central York and will be a great addition to our program. We really
like the fact that Erica brings a lot of skill and strong habits every time she
steps on the ice. Erica’s ability to contribute at both ends of the ice will
really help us and we are looking forward to having her join the Raven family.”
Central York’s Junior Head Coach
Steve Dempsey is ecstatic about this signing. “Erica has always dreamt of
playing university hockey but was not very optimistic coming out of U18AA when
she did not get the offers right away. I just couldn’t let that happen. Erica
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 Stacey
Colarossi 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 Erica is going to have a great experience at
Carleton. The Carleton Ravens are very lucky to have Erica and we are looking
forward to seeing her excel in the OUA”.