X-Women Hockey announce signing of goalie Amaya Giraudier

ANTIGONISH, NS ­– X-Women Hockey head coach Ben Berthiaume is happy to announce the commitment of goaltender Amaya Giraudier from Assiniboia, Sask. for the 2021-22 season.

Giraudier comes to the X-Women via the Swift Current Wildcats program, which competes in the Saskatchewan U18 AAA league. Currently in her fourth season with the Wildcats, the 5'6" left-handed catching goalie is the reigning Saskatchewan U18 top goalie and first team all-star. Last season she turned in a dominant record of 14 wins and one loss, with a goals against average of 1.20 and save percentage of .949. Known as a technically solid and calm goaltender, Giraudier adds depth to the StFX goaltending position and compliments Jamie Johnson, a U SPORTS all-rookie last year.

When asked about Giraudier and where he sees her fitting in next season, Coach Berthiaume noted, "Although we unfortunately did not have the chance to see Amaya play in person, we feel that the amount of video we've seen on her, as well as insights given by contacts in Saskatchewan, have reassured us that Amaya is going to be a strong goalie at the university level."

"As far as technique goes, she is strong, moves well and stays calm and collected back there," continues Berthiaume. "She is an excellent student and I think that this will also with her development. Her track record is great, and she had about as good a season as a goalie can have in U18 last year. Due to the pandemic, we haven't had much of a sample size to evaluate her play this season, but everything we've seen makes us excited to have a great goaltending tandem for years to come. Amaya will fit in great with our group and her maturity will help her be successful on and off the ice."

Giraudier plans to study either math or science and has future ambitions of obtaining an Education or Law degree. She joins previously announced 2021-22 X-Women recruits forwards Ellie Brown (Kemptville, ON), Landyn Pitts (Antigonish, NS) and Kamdyn Switzer (Stittsville, ON), and defenders Vivian Hinch (Vancouver, BC) and Ella VandeSompel (London, ON).

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