Keane wins Champion of EDI Award
OSHAWA, Ont. – Ridgebacks women's hockey equipment manager Sam Kene has been recognized as a Champion of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion by Ontario University Athletics (OUA) in their year-end awards.
Keane, who lives with stage two spastic triplegia affecting three of his limbs, has had an undeniable impact on the program as their equipment manager. Often the first at the rink and the last one to leave, Keane's work ethic is second to none.
In 2019, Keane won the Sase Narayan Unsung Hero Award at the Ridgebacks Gala. The Unsung Hero Award recognizes a student who positively influenced a program or organization from behind the scenes with a positive attitude, a willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary, and a commitment to excellence.
Outside of his commitments to Ridgebacks women's hockey, Keane can often be found supporting the Ridgebacks women's soccer team at Vaso's Field, where he has forged a bond with several current and past players. He also made connections throughout the OUA with players and staff of visiting teams.
After an outstanding seven years with the Ridgebacks, Keane is leaving the hockey world to pursue professional opportunities with Grandview Kids where he joined their Family Engagement Team as a Peer Navigator, but his commitment to women's sports and advocacy for inclusion will have a lasting impact on varsity athletics at Ontario Tech.
Latest Women's Hockey News
- Women's hockey welcomes six new players for 2025-26 seasonOntario Tech women's hockey is excited to welcome six new Ridgebacks for the 2025-26 season. This year's class features four forwards, one defender and one goaltender, adding depth and balance across the lineup.
- From the ice to the ICU: Mikkelsen continues to leadFormer Ridgeback women's hockey player Katie Mikkelsen continues to leave her mark on Ontario Tech beyond her playing days, with her thesis on rapidly manufactured ventilators recently published in the Respiratory Care Journal.
- Jackson thrives as a veteran presence for women's hockeyJulia Jackson, a fourth-year veteran on the Ontario Tech women's hockey team, has proven herself one of the league's top athletes.
- LeBlanc becomes first Ridgebacks tri-sport athleteJia Leblanc is a busy athlete.
- Jackson and Coore named Ontario Tech athletes of the yearRegent Theatre hosted Ontario Tech's 17th annual athletic awards gala on Thursday night. The gala recognized Ridgebacks student-athletes for the incredible achievements accomplished this past season.
- Jackson earns OUA All-Star nodRidgebacks women's hockey standout, Julia Jackson, (Uxbridge, Ont.) has been acknowledged as a member of the OUA Second Team All-Star after a stellar 2024-25 season.
