Head coach Les Lawton is pleased to announce the addition of three strong forwards who will add scoring punch to the Concordia Stingers women’s hockey team when they join the program in September.
All three come out of the Quebec Cégep league: winger Sophie Gagnon played for the Champlain-Lennoxville Cougars, while winger Claudia Fortin and centre Claudia Dubois were members of the powerful Limoilou Titans.
“I’m thrilled to be able to attract players of this quality and who come from well-respected and accomplished programs,” Lawton said. “One of our weaknesses was scoring goals last season and with the addition of these players I feel we will develop into a serious offensive threat. They will help take our program to the next level which is to compete consistently with the top universities in Canada.”
Gagnon, who is originally from Chicoutimi, Que., has received many honors in her career. She was the outstanding rookie on the Cougars in 2012-13, she won several RSEQ weekly honors and received a Loto-Quebec bursary. Before entering Cégep, she was captain of her midget AA team and the leading scorer in the midget league. She wrapped up her college career with 17 goals and 13 assists in 30 games last season.
Fortin, a Quebec City native, earns respect for her speed and scoring prowess. She scored 11 goals and added 15 assists in 29 games with the Titans last year. She has many hockey accomplishments on her résumé including playing in the Quebec Games and earning a spot on the Quebec U18 team in 2012.
Dubois, who also comes from Chicoutimi, Que., is known for her physical presence as well as her touch around the net. The Limoilou captain collected 26 goals and 17 assists for 43 points in 32 games last season. She has been an RSEQ star of the week on multiple occasions. She was also a standout with the Saguenay Rebelles and competed with her midget team in the 2012 Esso Cup championship.
