Female Rookie of the Year
Natasha Athanasakos had no trouble transitioning to U SPORTS-level hockey this season. The first-year forward notched six goals and nine assists to rank second among OUA rookies with 15 points during the regular season. The criminology major from Markham, Ont., got off to a hot start, notching three points in her first career game, while riding a six-game point streak from Oct. 18 – Nov. 9.
Athanasakos was a top contributor to Toronto’s first first-place regular season finish since 2004-05 as the Blues built an impressive 17-4-1-2 (W-L-OTW-OTL) record. She turned up the heat again in the playoffs, leading all OUA rookies and ranking fifth overall with five post-season points. After being named a member of the OUA all-rookie team, Athanasakos helped the Blues win their first OUA McCaw Cup since 2002-03 with a thrilling 3-1 victory over the York Lions.
