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Rhyah Stewart, who played for The Novas during the 2020-2021 season, has continued to excel in her hockey career, becoming a trailblazer and a standout talent since her time with us. As a NSU15MHL alumnus, Rhyah was known for her remarkable skill, determination, and leadership, qualities that have propelled her to new heights in the hockey world.
In the 2022–23 season, Rhyah made history as the first woman to play for the Cape Breton West Islanders at the boys' U18 major level. Over the course of 21 games, she posted an impressive .899 save percentage, ranking eighth in the league, despite facing more shots and making more saves than any other goalie. Her stellar performance earned her an invitation to the preseason camp of the Cape Breton Eagles of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
During her time at Eagles camp, Rhyah appeared in a preseason game, playing half the game and stopping all 24 shots she faced in a narrow 5–3 loss to the Moncton Wildcats. While women have played in the QMJHL before, Stewart made history as the first female player from the Maritimes and the first for the Eagles. Returning to the Islanders for the 2023–24 season, she continued to shine, recording a .913 save percentage in 18 games, earning second-team all-star honors, and improving to a .930 save percentage in 10 playoff games.
As she entered the 2024–25 season, Rhyah once again attended the Cape Breton Eagles' training camp and appeared in another preseason game. During this time, she also signed with the West Kent Steamers of the Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL). Her debut for the Steamers made her only the second known female player in MHL history, following goaltender Lisa Herritt in the 1995–96 season. In two starts with The Steamers this season, Rhyah has already recorded her first shutout in The MHL, a 0.984% save percentage and a 0.50 goals against average. Her fiery start has earned her September’s Rookie of the Month in the MHL and member of The Eastlink North Team of the Week for September 22.
In addition to her achievements in the junior leagues, Rhyah has committed to play women's college ice hockey for the University of Wisconsin, beginning in the 2025–26 season, a major step in her promising hockey career.
On the international stage, Rhyah represented Canada at the 2024 World U18 Championship, where she posted an outstanding .950 save percentage and 0.67 goals-against average, winning all three games she played. In a quarterfinal win against Switzerland, she recorded a three-save shutout. Although she did not play in Canada's semifinal loss to the Czech Republic, Rhyah returned for the bronze medal match, backstopping an 8–1 victory over Finland to help Canada secure third place.
Rhyah Stewart's journey from The Nova Scotia U15 Major Hockey Leage to these incredible accomplishments is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and love for the game. Her remarkable achievements serve as an inspiration to young players everywhere, showing that with perseverance and passion, anything is possible. We are incredibly proud to count Rhyah among our alumni and wish her continued success in her hockey career.
GrayJay Sports
