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17-year-old Rhyah Stewart becomes the first female goalie in MHL in decades

17-year-old Rhyah Stewart becomes the first female goalie in MHL in decades
Photo: Rhyah Stewart (Michael Levesque)

Seventeen-year-old Rhyah Stewart from Antigonish, Nova Scotia, recently made history by becoming the first female athlete in decades to play and excel in a Maritime Junior Hockey League (MJHL) game. The league is part of the Canadian Junior Hockey League under Hockey Canada, and Stewart’s achievement marks a significant milestone as one of the first females to compete at this level.

The young goalie recently signed with the West Kent Steamers in the MJHL. Standing 171 cm (5’7″), she will play for the team based in Bouctouche, New Brunswick, for one year before heading to the University of Wisconsin for the 2025-26 season. Wisconsin is known for its top NCAA women’s hockey program and has produced notable players, including Canadian Olympian Blayre Turnbull.

“Playing junior hockey can be challenging, but it will help me improve,” said Stewart. She was excited before her first junior game and felt more comfortable as it progressed. In a recent game, Stewart made 39 saves, earning a shutout and helping the West Kent Steamers win.

Stewart’s accomplishments include playing in a pre-season Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League game and competing nationally at the Under-18 level. She has played in three MJHL exhibition games, including a 4-3 win for West Kent over the Campbellton Tigers. Stewart is also on Hockey Canada’s radar, having represented Canadian teams in international tournaments.

“I saw her play at the U-18 level last year, and I knew she was good enough for this league,” said head coach Olivier Filion. “It’s rare to see an 18-year-old get a shutout in their first game. She’s the real deal, which is why we signed her.”

Stewart is set to play for the top-ranked Wisconsin Badgers in the NCAA next year, with hopes of turning pro in the new women’s league and playing in the Olympics. Coach Filion, who played with Olympic goalie Charline Labonté, believes Rhyah has the potential to achieve the same success.

Source: CTV News