After a false start back in May of this year, St. Thomas native Lexie Adzija now has the real deal.
That’s deal as in signing a contract with the Ottawa franchise in the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
She’s the first player to sign with the club following the league’s inaugural draft last month.
Ottawa selected Adzija in the 11th round, 65th overall in the PWHL Draft. In total, 90 players were selected.
Brittany Howard of St. Thomas was taken in the 8th round and will remain with the Toronto franchise where she played last year.
Next step for Adzija, a power forward, is prepping for training camp in mid-November.
Adzija had originally signed a one-year deal worth $60,000 with the Metropolitan Riveters of the now defunct Premier Hockey Federation.
But now she’s thrilled to be based out of Canada and a hockey hotbed like Ottawa.
Although the inaugural season of the PWHL is not until January, Adzija says when the puck does drop, every game will be competitive and she’s up for the challenge.
The 23-year-old hardworking goal scorer previously represented Team Canada at the U-18 World Championships, winning a bronze medal and last summer was named to Hockey Canada’s National Women’s Development Team.
Last month she attended Team Canada’s senior camp in St. Catharines.
During her five-year career at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, Adzija was described by her coach as a strong and determined young athlete always looking to find the back of the net.
She netted 11 goals and five assists in 26 games this past season. Her best season was as a sophomore with 11 goals and 18 assists in 34 games.
Over her five seasons, she totalled 109 points, tying her for fourth on the Bobcats’ all-time list.
Her 151 games played ranks her third in program history.
Adzija is meeting with the Ottawa coaching staff to determine her role when the inaugural season kicks off in January.
She admits it was a rollercoaster ride this summer, not only for her but for her family.
Having achieved her dream of becoming a professional hockey player, Adzija has a simple, straightforward message for young girls.
“You can achieve anything you dream. And now you can dream to play professional women’s hockey. And, it’s a league that by the time you get there, you’re going to be able to have a liveable salary.
“There’s going to be fans, there are going to be young girls who look up to you. If you want it, you can achieve it.”
