OSHAWA, Ont. – The Ontario Tech women's hockey program is adding depth in net with the addition of Ariella Merlino to the 2024-25 recruiting class.
The goalie, from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. joins the Ridgebacks after playing in the OWHL U22 last season where she had a 0.90 save percentage on 1141 shots.
When Merlino played for Mississauga in the OWHL U22 league, she won bronze in the gold division during playoff weekend. During her time with Mississauga, she had an above 0.93 save percentage in back-to-back seasons.
Merlino also made a stop Syracuse university, where she appeared in three games.
"We are thrilled to be adding Ariella to our 2024 recruiting class. Ari brings a wide range of experience that will allow her to adapt quickly to the OUA level and provide us with fantastic depth in net," says head coach of the women's hockey team Kassidy Nauboris. "She is very positionally sound with her determined mindset and competitive edge. She will be a valuable asset to our team."
Merlino will enroll in Kinesiology this upcoming fall and the hockey program is excited to welcome her to the team.
Ridgebacks add depth in net with addition of Merlino
The Ontario Tech women's hockey program is adding depth in net with the addition of Ariella Merlino to the 2024-25 recruiting class.
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