Tommies Captain to Represent Canada at FISU Winter World University Games

Fredericton, NB— Ekaterina Pelowich, captain of the Tommies women’s hockey team, will represent St. Thomas on the world stage in the New Year. 

The Stouffville, ON, native was among 21 players selected to compete with Team Canada at the FISU Winter World University Games in Italy, January 12-23. 

 “It is an absolute privilege to represent St. Thomas University and Canada,” Pelowich said. “I could not have achieved this without the support of my team, coaching staff, roommates, and family.” 

Pelowich, who graduated in 2024 with her Bachelor of Arts and is now in the Bachelor of Education program, received the news while working at her teaching placement.  

“I was speechless and truly honored to have been selected,” Pelowich said. 

 “As a female athlete, I have always looked up to the athletes who have represented Canada, and I hope I can do the same for up-and-coming female hockey players.” 

The reigning STU Tommies Athlete of the Year is having a productive season at the Atlantic University Sports Conference. In just 16 games, Pelowich has seven goals and five assists, putting her among the top three in the conference for points and goals. 

“We are thrilled that Kat has been named to represent STU and Canada at the FISU Games,” said Meaghan Donahue-Wies, St. Thomas University Director of Athletics and Recreation. 

“Kat is a force on the ice, in the classroom, and within the STU community, and she is so deserving of this opportunity. We couldn’t be prouder!” 

Pelowich will join some familiar faces on the FISU roster, including Grace Beer (DAL), Erica Plourde (UdeM), Mackenzie Keenan (UNB), and Abigail MacKenzie (SMU). The team will be coached by Laurier’s Kelly Paton, who will be joined on the bench by Carleton’s Stacey Colarossi, Mount Allison’s Addie Miles-Abbott, Laurier’s Sam Eyles-Frayne, and Waterloo’s Matina Landstad. 
 
“I look forward to experiencing feedback from other coaches, playing with the top Canadian women, and competing with the best in the world,” Pelowich said. 

 “This will be my first time traveling outside of North America—my family will be in the stands, and it will be incredible.” 
 
Team Canada has won gold at the last two FISU Winter World University Games, and Pelowich hopes to help this year’s group do it again. 

“I hope to contribute in any way the team needs to succeed,” she said. “I take pride in my work ethic, and I will give it my all every time I step on the ice.”