Community Builders Awards: Sault College women’s hockey team sets shining example on and off the ice

The Sault College women’s hockey team capped off an undefeated season in 2023 with a 6-1 victory over Northeastern University, making them the Hockey Association Division 2 champions.

Not only did the team, led by head coach Brianne Shunock, break records by winning all 31 of their games in the season, but the group of young athletes has made a lasting impression and positive impact on both the Sault College and Sault Ste. Marie communities.

The team demonstrated remarkable commitment to their education and by giving their time to help numerous organizations raise funds and run events in town over the past year. The athletes took part in the Bon Soo Polar Plunge to help raise funds for Algoma University’s Hunger Freeze Campaign and raised money for breast cancer awareness at home games.

They’ve also helped to instill the love of hockey, teamwork and physical activity to others in our community by volunteering to teach the sport.

The team volunteered with the Indigenous Friendship Centre to teach youth to skate and worked with the Sault College Student Union so that international students could learn the joys of skating and hockey. They would also meet with and mentor young female athletes to help them achieve their goals. 

The Sault College women’s hockey team has demonstrated outstanding work ethic on and off the ice, acting as a shining example for other athletes in our community while also creating and nurturing meaningful connections that ultimately make Sault Ste. Marie a better place.

The Sports and Recreation Award is presented to an individual or group who has contributed to the strength of a sport in the community, by way of inspiring people, establishing a program, mentoring a team or individual to extraordinary accomplishments or setting an example for others to carry. 

Congratulations to Brianne and the Sault College women's hockey team.

This award is proudly sponsored by United Steelworkers Local 2251.

SooToday is proud to make a difference in our community by highlighting extraordinary individuals and organizations with our Community Builders Awards, a foundational piece of our SooToday Cares program.

Our mission is to create meaningful change in Sault Ste. Marie — and inspire others to do the same.