TORONTO — The Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold women's hockey team has added another dynamic player to its 2025-26 recruiting class, signing Ava Assinewai, a forward from Manitoulin Island, Ont.

"Ava is a powerful skater with great size & strength," said Bold head coach Lisa Haley. "She is the type of player that everyone wants as a teammate, and to not have to play against. Ava reads the game very well, allowing her to play in a lot of different game situations. Welcome to the TMU Bold family Ava!"

Assinewai joins TMU following the 2024-25 season with the North York Storm Jr. in the U22 Elite league. She previously played three seasons with the North Bay Jr. Lakers U18AA and was a member of Team Ontario at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Known for her defensive awareness, hockey IQ, and long, powerful strides, Assinewai describes herself as a 200-foot player who thrives in all situations and enjoys the challenge of learning new systems and adapting quickly. She also brings a competitive edge and leadership presence, having scored the game-winning goal in the championship final of the 2024 Little Native Hockey League (LNHL) tournament — a career highlight played in front of a packed crowd and local media.

Off the ice, Assinewai will begin her studies in TMU's Biomedical Science program. She said the combination of academic support and athletic infrastructure made her decision an easy one. "It has an amazing student-athlete support system and I feel confident in my schooling aspect at TMU. I also love the rink, and how much the hockey program has to offer when it comes down to athletic therapy help and strength and conditioning. There are so many minor details that made this school feel like a no-brainer; I felt comfortable knowing this could be the university I attend. To top it all off, I get to play hockey with highly experienced staff guiding me. I can't wait for what's in store."

At TMU, Assinewai will reunite with her teammate Abby Fletcher, with whom she played on the North York Storm.

TMU Women's Hockey Recruiting Class 2025-26
Abby Fletcher
Ava Assinewai