Mazawasicuna, Quesnel, Somers & Grossman Commit to Cougars Hockey

Mazawasicuna, Quesnel, Somers and Grossman have all committed to the Cougars 2019-20 Cougar women's hockey roster

Mazawasicuna, Quesnel, Somers and Grossman Strengthen Cougars Lineup

Assiniboine Cougar women’s hockey continues to add top talent with the addition of Monet Mazawasicuna, Megan Quesnel, Sadie Somers and Emily Grossman.

Mazawasicuna is another product of the Yellowhead Chiefs AAA Female Midget hockey team committing to the Cougars. She is a defensive force from Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, graduating this spring from Sioux Valley High School. Mazawsicuna was recently selected a second team all-star for the 2018-19 Manitoba Female Midget Hockey League (MFMHL).

She was also an integral part of the gold medal run for Team Manitoba in the 2016-17 North American Hockey Classic and a member of the Bantam AAA Chiefs that won bronze at provincials in 2015-16.

“Monet is a strong defender and brings effortless skating ability,” said Cougars coach Tony Bertone. “She is able to skate the puck and is a threat from the point with an accurate shot.”

“I may not score much but I can definitely keep goals out of our net,” said Mazawasicuna. “I’m looking forward to playing close to home and continuing to play with some former teammates while making some new friends too.”

Quesnel graduated with honours with distinction from Dauphin Regional Comprehensive Secondary School in 2018. She spent last season as a forward for Olds College and will be returning to play closer to home and compete with her sister, Cougars goaltender, Marley Quesnel.

Quesnel played AAA Midget for the Yellowhead Chiefs and in her final season was top points scorer. She was named the 2016-17 MFMHL most sportsmanlike player and the Normal Wild Rookie of the Year. She also enjoys playing soccer and golf and spending time at the lake.

“I chose to become a Cougar because of the team culture that is represented through the players,” said Quesnel. “I am a pretty quick skater and am able to make smart plays with the puck. I hope to make an impact on the team.”

“Megan isn’t scared to go into the corners and is a strong shooter with top shelf accuracy from the top of the circles,” says coach Bertone. “She’s a great passer and we will be counting on Megan to be an offensive threat for the team.”

Sadie Somers is a forward from Winnipeg, Manitoba. She finished third in points with 42 (22 goals, 20 assists) for the Winnipeg Avros AAA female hockey team this season. She was a member of the 2018 Manitoba Winter Games Bronze Medalist team, named Interlake’s Highest Scoring Rookie in 2016-17 and was an assistant captain of the Bantam AA Titans in 2015-16.

“This program is the perfect fit for me. I’m looking forward to the experience of college hockey,” said Somers. “I know I will bring hard work, dedication and I’ll be a good teammate.”

“Sadie works hard every shift,” said coach Bertone. “With her hard fore-checking, she is able to turn pucks over in the offensive zone translate them into shots on net.”

Emily Grossman hails from Lorette, Man., having played for the MFMHL Eastman Selects. She plays defence and was a member of their Midget AAA Provincial Championship team in 2018. Grossman was named the teams Most Improved player in 2016-17. She was also a member of the Eastman’s AAA Bantam Championship team in 2016, where she received the team’s Top Defense Award.

“Emily is a stay at home defenseman and able to read the different options she has,” said coach Bertone. “She is a smart player, picking up assignments in the defensive zone quickly.”

With the intent to study law enforcement, Mazawasicuna will apply to take the college’s Police Studies program in the fall. Quesnel completed a one-year Business Management certificate from Olds College and will continue in Assiniboine’s Business Administration program along with Grossman. Somers will be taking the college’s medical administration program.