The NAIT Ooks women's hockey team has made their first commitment for the 2018/19 season.  Brandy Steinman from the Red Deer Sutter Fund Chiefs Midget AAA program will be suiting up for the Blue & Yellow. Brandy plans to enroll in Dental Assisting. 

"Brandy will be a great fit for our team, " said current Ook and former Chief Tyra Coutts, when being asked about her former teammate. 

Like many players of her caliber, Brandy has been playing hockey for many years.  She says she was begging to go to the rink and loved to skate since she was four years old. Steinman started her hockey career with the boys and transitioned to the female game in bantam.  At that time, she wore a St. Albert Slash jersey, before moving to Red Deer to play her midget hockey with the Chiefs.

Brandy mentioned the opportunity to thank her family – mom, dad and two sisters, for supporting her in her hockey endeavors.  She also added, "special thanks to Uncle Ron."

Brandy says she chose NAIT because, "I believe in a strong dressing room, meaning the team as a family."  She found NAIT felt like family and home right away.  She is excited about the support she will receive both on and off the ice from her teammates and the coaching staff.  Brandy added, "the hard-working group of girls are great role models to me as a player and a student, and I can't wait to be apart of the Ooks." 

Coach Martin indicated that she is just as excited to have Brandy join the Ooks next season.  Brandy attended the Ooks spring camp in 2017, and since then it has "just felt right," for both her and the Ooks.  "I believe Brandy will be a great Ook, she is hard working and has the potential to add to our offense," stated Martin.