Jessica Sibley of Luseland, attending Syracuse University in the United States on a hockey scholarship, has now twice been named Rookie of the Week by College Hockey America.
Eighteen-year-old Sibley has always loved hockey. Growing up in Luseland, she started on skates early and played on mixed teams in her minor hockey years. Her passion for the sport grew, as did her talent.
Jessica left home while still in high school to pursue her hockey goals. In 2013, Jessica was offered a full ride scholarship to play for and attend Syracuse University.
Before Syracuse, Sibley was honored as the 2012-13 JWHL offensive player of the year after scoring 41 goals and 26 assists for a 67-point season. She played for the Warner School team, in the JWHL all-star game and was a member of Team Saskatchewan. Sibley was voted most valuable player her senior year at Warner.
Jessica is the daughter of Tanis and Kevin Sibley with one sister Megan, who is attending school in Edmonton, Alta.
Since attending SU and playing hockey there, Sibley first earned the CHA Rookie of the Week award, in January after a three-point game. Her name has been written in the news for this team more than once. Jessica earned the College Hockey America Rookie of the Month award after her impressive performance in January. This is just the second CHA monthly award in program history earned by an Orange team member.
In an eight-game period in January, Sibley recorded seven points with two goals and five assists. As of mid-February, her season point total was at 22, which included 10 goals and 12 assists. She is second on the team in scoring and ranks sixth nationally, and second in CHA, in points per game amongst rookies - 0.73.
Jessica earned her second Rookie of the Week award in February. She figured into all three of the Oranges' goals in their win over Robert Morris. She opened the scoring with a goal just 26 seconds into the contest, and then earned primary assists on the next two goals. Overall, she is tied for 13th in the conference in scoring.
Mother Tanis hasn't had a chance to watch her in person yet but is thankful for the games being live streamed as she has been able to watch them in this manner.
"Her friends and family are excited for her success," she says. "When I share these stories on Facebook, there is so much positive feedback. I know that everyone who knew her is excited for her success."
Sibley's dad, Kevin, has travelled once, along with sister Megan, to see Jessica play in person and has also enjoyed technology versions of her games.
Jessica is enrolled in general classes and says she's undecided about her direction on the academic side of the program.
"I am loving it here and there is a good balance between hockey and school," she said. "We have three weekends left before playoffs begin."
She plans to return home for the summer and find a job.
"It will be challenging to train in the summer without having a gym in Luseland but I will run and swim to keep in shape. I will return for my second year in the fall."
Along with Sibley's success, Luseland boasts of being home to the Wooster girls, Cara and Cami, who have seen a number of years of success in college and university hockey. It is exciting to see small-town Saskatchewan talent shine on the big stage. Her fans are excited to see how bright this star is going to shine in her hockey aspirations.
