STU Tommies Women’s Hockey Welcomes New Recruit Grace McGunigal

Fredericton, NB - St. Thomas University Women’s Hockey is thrilled to announce the addition of Grace McGunigal to the Tommies family. Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, McGunigal is a talented defender who has been a key player for the Calgary Fire Red in the Alberta U18 Female AAA league.

Grace brings a well-rounded skill set and a strong commitment to both athletics and academics. She chose the Tommies program because of the team’s high level of competition, strong sense of community, and the positive environment fostered by players and staff.

“What brings me to the Tommies program is to play hockey at the post-secondary level, but most importantly, to be on a team with a healthy environment created by all the girls and staff. I’m also drawn to the team’s high competitive level and skill,” McGunigal shared.

Academically, McGunigal has set her sights on studying Education, drawn by St. Thomas University’s strong academic programs, small class sizes, and quality of education. She was impressed by the many resources available to students, ensuring their success both in the classroom and in extracurricular pursuits.

“From the education to the hockey program, my thoughts on STU are very high. I think Coach Peter does a tremendous job with his players, setting great expectations and pushing them to be their best on and off the ice,” said McGunigal.

In addition to hockey, McGunigal enjoys softball and staying active at the gym during the offseason, reflecting her dedication to maintaining peak performance.

Head Coach Peter Murphy expressed his excitement about Grace’s commitment: “The Tommies are pleased to announce Grace McGunigal as our first recruit for the 2025-26 season. She is an extremely mobile defence who will fit in very well with our current group, as she will bring the ability to rush the puck and make quality first passes. She is very coachable, and we expect her to be a key contributor to the program moving forward. Above all, she is a strong-character teammate who understands the value of being a good teammate and striving towards team goals. We are excited for her to start with us.”

“Grace’s skill, work ethic, and positive attitude will be a fantastic addition to our team. We’re excited to see her develop as both a player and a student at St. Thomas University,” Murphy added.

The Tommies women’s hockey program continues to build a culture of excellence both on the ice and in the classroom, and the addition of Grace McGunigal reinforces the team’s commitment to fostering success.

For more information, please contact:

Martin Carvajal, Sports Information Officer

mcarvajal@stu.ca