Edmonton Hockey Trio Pursues NCAA Dreams, Each on Unique Path

Three former teammates from the Edmonton Junior Oilers are now embarking on their individual journeys in NCAA hockey. Riley Scorgie, Layla Matthew, and Ella Lloyd, who formed a close bond while playing together, are set to play at prestigious universities this fall. Scorgie will join Cornell University, Matthew will head to Clarkson University, and Lloyd will move to Northeastern University in Boston.

The trio initially crossed paths in 2023 while competing for the U-18 Edmonton Junior Oilers. They had previously known of each other within minor hockey circles but developed a deeper friendship during their time as teammates. “We knew of each other, but once we started to play together, that friendship and bond just continued to grow,” said Scorgie, an 18-year-old forward.

Scorgie reflected on her past struggles in minor hockey and recognized the importance of supporting her teammates. “I’ve been in a position where I was a younger player on a new team. No one wanted to take the time to get to know me,” she recalled. Scorgie made it a priority to create a welcoming environment for Lloyd and Matthew. “It’s genuinely been a blessing for me to have Ella and Layla behind me,” she added.

The friendship among the three players flourished as they motivated one another to achieve their goals. They committed to early morning workouts, participated in skill sessions, and attended various hockey camps, all while aiming for NCAA Division-1 scholarships. Their dedication yielded results, as the Junior Oilers secured a provincial title and a bronze medal at the 2024 Esso Cup, the U-18 National Championship.

Despite being separated last season, Matthew, 18, kept in touch with her former teammates. “It was tough being away from them last year because I got so accustomed to playing with them, but we talked every day,” she said.

As they entered the NCAA recruitment process, each player held aspirations of attending the same school. However, they recognized the distinct paths each would take. “We talked to some of the same teams, but we knew we all wanted to create our own path,” Scorgie explained.

Lloyd, 17, chose Northeastern because it felt like home. She expressed excitement about moving from her rural upbringing near Ardrossan to the bustling city of Boston. “I love living in a small town, but I just feel like living in a city like Boston is going to be an amazing experience,” she stated.

Matthew was drawn to Clarkson due to its strong athletic reputation and smaller campus environment. “What drew me in was their strong culture,” she explained.

While Scorgie and Matthew will soon become rivals in the Eastern College Athletic Conference, they remain committed to their friendship. They are scheduled to face off twice during the regular season, on January 9 and February 14, 2024. “I’m so excited to take a photo with Layla in her Clarkson gear and me in my Cornell gear,” Scorgie said with enthusiasm.

The recruitment process presented challenges for Scorgie, who faced a setback when one of her offers fell through. With encouragement from both Lloyd and Matthew, she persevered. “They told me not to put myself down,” Scorgie recalled. “If a team wants you that bad, they wouldn’t treat you that way. That really hit home for me.” Eventually, she received an offer from Cornell, which aligned perfectly with her aspirations.

Reflecting on their journey, Scorgie emphasized the impact of hockey in their lives. “The game of hockey has brought us together, and it’s something we’ve talked about a lot,” she stated. “Without it, we never would’ve known each other or become friends. I’m so thankful for the friendships that you create.”

As they prepare for the upcoming season, Scorgie, Matthew, and Lloyd are not only pursuing their individual dreams but also cherishing the lifelong bond forged on the ice.