For Eliza Snider, five years as a St. Thomas University Tommie went by too fast.

The Fort Saskatchewan, AB, resident wasn't ready to hang up her skates, and thanks to SDE Hockey of the Swedish Hockey League she won't have to.

"The opportunity to continue my hockey career feels absolutely surreal and it's something I'm so fortunate to have," Snider said. "To have played in university and now to be able to continue to live my dream has been a complete blessing."

Snider, who joined the St. Thomas Tommies women's hockey team in 2012, had a successful career in the Atlantic University Sport conference. She attended two national championships with the STU squad—as a host in 2014 and in Calgary in 2016—was named to the AUS All-Rookie team in her debut season, and was a first team all-star in her senior year. She was also named the Tommies' top defensive player for three years in a row.

She said her experience as a Tommie playing under head coach Peter Murphy and competing in the AUS has given her the skills she needs to compete at the next level.

"Being a Tommie and being part of the STU family has prepared me in every single way to take this step," Snider said. "Peter gave me an opportunity and I'm so grateful he did, because St. Thomas and Fredericton have completely changed me as a person and a player. I wouldn't be where I am or have this opportunity if it weren't for my time at STU."

After coaching her for five seasons, Murphy has no doubt Snider will find success competing internationally.

"Eliza improved each and every year she played, so it's appropriate that she's looking to continue that climb into the international game," he said.  

"She will be appreciated for her tenacity and offensive capability, but above all else Eliza is a great person who will make any team better.  She brings many qualities to the table and I have no doubt she will find success in Sweden."

As she prepares for the move, Snider is focused on appreciating every moment of her experience in Sweden—something her time as a Tommie taught her to do.

"Five years went by in a blink, so I can't imagine how quickly my time in Sweden will feel," she said. "I want to appreciate and enjoy every adventure, every new word learned, and new drill practiced. I love everything about the game, so I'm incredibly happy and fortunate to have this chance."