Yellowhead Chiefs Product Becomes Cougar

Lexy Waddell has committed to the Cougars women’s hockey team for the 2023-24 season.

Waddell lives on a farm near Newdale, Manitoba and will graduate from Strathclair Community School. She grew up in the rink, watching her brothers play and was inspired to try hockey for herself. She immediately fell in love with the sport. She’s a 5’9 left wing, having competed this last season for the Yellowhead Chiefs Female U18 team. She was part of the Chiefs U15 AAA silver medal finish in 2019 and acted as an assistant captain. For U18 she remained part of the leadership team and scored 5 goals with 13 assists in the regular season.

“I bring a strong compete level and a solid work ethic,” said Waddell. “Every time I step onto the ice, I am looking to make an impact and I’m a player you can depend on in high pressure situations.”

“She’s a true leader in the room and on top of that, she competes every shift with her ability to generate turnovers, kill penalties and gives 110%,” said Yellowhead Chiefs coach Derek Tibbatts. “Her size, knowledge of the game and work ethic makes it so hard to play against her.”

Beyond hockey, Waddell has played volleyball, softball, soccer and track and field. Waddell played softball for the Hamiota Red Sox which won a Softball Manitoba U19 A bronze medal in 2021, silver in 2020 and gold in 2019.She has also received the schools Top Female Athlete award in her middle years, as well as Most Improved Athlete.

“Lexy is a hardworking forward who never takes a shift off,” said Cougars coach Tony Bertone. “She has the mentality to create opportunities and gets the puck to the net.”

Waddell received a proficiency and high average award in eleventh grade. She has been accepted into the college’s Practical Nursing program in the fall.