The 2023/24 varsity season was a tremendous success for the Badgers, as 26 Brock athletes were named All-Canadians, with 81 earning provincial all-star selections. Amongst those stellar performances were some shining stars who took their game to the next level. Here is where some 2023/24 Badger all-stars now call home after graduating to the professional ranks.
Connor Ungar – Edmonton Oilers
Following an impressive playoff run which included a national championship quarterfinal appearance, Ungar signed with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers to be reassigned to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, Bakersfield Condors.
Last season’s U Sports Rookie of the Year, Ontario University Athletics (OUA) West Goaltender of the Year and OUA West Rookie of the Year posted a 20-6 record — the most wins by any goaltender across the country during the regular season — along with the fourth-best goals against average (2.15) and save percentage (.932) in Ontario, while earning three shutouts which were tied for second-most in the conference.
The 22-year-old will be looking to compete for a starting role with the Condors this season, with hopes of being named to the Oilers roster in the future.
Tyler Burnie – Rapid City Rush
After a season of offensive prowess, finishing amongst the top 17 skaters in the conference in goals (15 goals; 11th in OUA), assists (18 assists; 17th in OUA) and points (33 points; 12th in OUA), the Washago, ON-native is headed stateside to continue his hockey journey.
The six-foot-five winger is joining the Rapid City Rush of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), an affiliate of the Calgary Flames. Looking to bring his skill, size and toughness, Burnie could be the spark that the Rush need as they seek their first Kelly Cup title as ECHL Champions.
Zach Taylor – HK 32 Liptovsky Mikulas
The 2023/24 OUA West Defenceman of the Year is heading to Slovakia, joining HK 32 Liptovsky Mikulas of the Slovak Extraliga.
The Sault Ste. Marie-native finished fourth amongst OUA defenceman in goals with seven and fifth in points with 23 in 27 games. Taylor’s playmaking abilities should help propel the Liptovsky Mikulas offence this season, having finished 10th amongst 12 teams in goals scored in 2023, while finishing 10th with only 18 wins in 50 games.
Sara Rohr – FC Porto
Sara Rohr, the 2023/24 OUA Female Athlete of the Year, Brock Female Athlete of the Year and OUA Women’s Volleyball Co-Athlete of the Year is joining FC Porto, who are looking to win their fifth consecutive national championship as winners of Portugal’s First Division Women’s Volleyball League.
The three-time OUA All-Star is no stranger to winning titles, having won three consecutive provincial titles with the Badgers as a leader on the court. The five-foot-nine setter is the current Brock record holder in assists with 2,677 — 203 assists ahead of Ally Fast’s previous record — as Rohr’s leadership, winning pedigree and tenacity is the perfect mix for a Portuguese side looking to remain victorious.
Aleiah Torres – Creamline Cool Smashers
After winning three consecutive provincial championships with the Badgers, libero Aleiah Torres has already won her first title in the Philippines’ Premier Volleyball League.
Being drafted 12th overall in the 2024 Draft by the Creamline Cool Smashers, Torres joined a team looking to create history — and she helped them do just that. The Badgers 2023/24 leader in digs (234) and digs per set (3.44) was part of the squad that captured their 10th PVL title, the most of any team in the league while winning all three conferences this season to complete a historic grand slam feat.
Sauli Lianga – Uppsala Volleybollsällskap
Fellow volleyball star Sauli Lianga is heading to Sweden to compete in the Elitserien, the top Swedish volleyball league, for Uppsala Volleybollsällskap.
Lianga, who was named to the OUA West Rookie Team in 2019-20, finished last season third on the team in kills (112) and total attacks (293) helping the Badgers reach the OUA Bronze Medal Match, finishing one win shy of advancing to the national championships.
Looking to avenge disappointment, Lianga brings his offensive weaponry to the Uppsala attack, as his new team looks to improve upon their quarterfinal defeat last season.
Madeline Nicholson – Uppsala Hockey Club
Madeline Nicholson is also heading to Uppsala, representing their hockey team that’s looking to win the Nationella Damhockeyligan championship and get promoted into Sweden’s First Division for the first time since 2005.
Having played three seasons for the Badgers including her time on the 2022 McCaw Cup winning team, Nicholson understands what it takes to be a champion and is looking to bring that same championship mindset overseas.
The Whitehorse native also brings leadership to a relatively young Uppsala team, having served as team captain of Yukon’s female hockey team at the 2018 Arctic Winter Games and 2019 Canada Winter Games.
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Want more stories of Badgers stars of the past and present? Follow The Brock Press all year long as we highlight impressive performances by the Brock Badgers over the last six decades, in celebration of Brock University’s 60th anniversary.