Lefaive, who played rugby as well as hockey in Ontario, will add physicality to DI Lady Flames’ defensive corps

Julianne Lefaive brings two seasons of experience with the Ridley College Tigers to Liberty's ACHA Division I team.

Lefaive, who played rugby as well as hockey in Ontario, will add physicality to DI Lady Flames’ defensive corps

4/23/2024 4:43:00 PM | Women's D1 Hockey

After visiting campus in March, Julianne Lefaive confirmed that Liberty was where she wanted to play collegiately while pursuing a B.S. in Biopsychology starting this fall.

Julianne-Lefaive-shot — Lefaive showcases her slap shot from the perimeter during a game with the Ridley College (Ontario) Tigers this past season.

Julianne Lefaive, a defenseman from Stoney Creek, Ontario, who was the most improved player on Ridley College's team during the 2022-23 season, has committed to play on Liberty University's ACHA Division I women's hockey team starting this fall.

Lefaive scored five goals and distributed 10 assists that year for Ridley, which is a member of the Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association and competes as the only academic program in the Ontario Women's Hockey Association's U22 division.

"We have been watching Julianne since Fall of 2021 and been seriously watching her since the 2022-23 season," Lady Flames Head Coach Chris Lowes said. "It has been great watching her develop as a player and person over the years, and now we are excited for the next four at Liberty."

He said Lefaive's game is similar in many ways to graduate defenseman Aislyn Stretch, who is moving on from the program after Commencement in May.

"Aislyn Stretch has been a cornerstone of our D corps for years and losing her is tough, but I think Jules and Ace play a similar game, which is a good thing for us getting Lefaive here," Lowes said, noting that it became clear that she will thrive at Liberty on and off the ice when she visited campus in March. "Jules is a strong, athletic defenseman who will fit in great with our group. She is a tough one-on-one defender who moves well and has a dangerous shot."

Julianne-Lefaive-signing — Lefaive signs her letter of intent to play for Liberty during her campus visit in March.

Lefaive, who also played prep rugby and lacrosse and for her high school's flag football and tennis teams, brings a physical brand of hockey to the ice and is not one to shy away from contact.

"I bring a lot of strength and size to the game, and I am not afraid to go into the corners or push people around in front of the net," she said. "I am very good at using my size and strength to my advantage, aiding in battles, puck protection and moving bodies out front."

She is a true dual threat with her slap shot from the perimeter resulting in many goals and potential putbacks.

"I have a very high-paced, accurate shot, with my wrist, snap, and slap shots," Lefaivre said. "My passing ability is also a key part of my game. I am able to make quick, short passes to keep the puck moving, but my specialty is making long tape-to-tape stretch passes, passes through traffic, or just getting the puck into open ice knowing I have a teammate who is going to get to it."

Lefaive, who has won multiple public speaking awards in both French and English, said her mental dexterity and communication skills on the ice are invaluable elements of her game.

"Another big part of my game is my hockey IQ,"said Lefaive, who considers herself a quarterback on the ice. "From my position, I can see the full ice, and often know what plays to make or where to be before it happens. I play smart both with and without the puck, and I am able to talk to my teammates on the ice when I see an opening or a play that could be made."
She considers herself a very positive, encouraging, and supportive teammate.

"I always celebrate when my team scores or does something good, and I am always grateful towards my teammates when they pass me the puck or screen the goalie when I score," Lefaive said. "I am also the first to support and reassure my goalies when they get scored on."

She said her resilience and work ethic are two of her most important characteristics.

"I always just want to see myself and the team at its best," Lefaive said. "Instead of letting adversity get me down, I have used it as motivation to work harder and prove everyone wrong. I strive to push myself and my teammates to be at their best 24/7, and I take pride in knowing that no matter the outcome, I leave my all on the ice every time."

She is excited to develop her game as well as grow spiritually, socially, and intellectually at Liberty, where she plans to pursue a B.S. in Biopsychology before attending medical school.

"I was looking for a school that was going to provide me with the full university experience, including the opportunity to continue to achieve my athletic goals, as well as attend a school where I am going to receive a recognized and amazing education," Lefaive said. "Liberty also aligns with my values and belief system, making the decision a rather easy one. After speaking to (Assistant) Coach (Josh) Graham and Coach Lowes, I knew that Liberty was going to be the right place for me. I am looking forward to attending a school where I know I will have a good support system and get the chance to play hockey with some like-minded and incredible young women, who not only are my future teammates, but hopefully lifelong connections. Getting to play for a winning program, under incredible coaching, and alongside some exceptional and talented players is really special to me."