Maggy Burbidge to lace up in Switzerland

X-Women Hockey forward signs with HC Fribourg-Gottéron in the Postfinance Women's Hockey League

(Antigonish, NS) – STFX X-Women Hockey veteran captain and leading scorer Maggy Burbidge is taking her skates overseas to Fribourg, Switzerland as she signed a professional contract with HC Fribourg-Gottéron for the 2024-25 season.

"I am excited to join Fribourg for this upcoming season and extend my hockey career from university to professional," notes Burbidge. "I am grateful to have the opportunity to play the game I love while having the chance to travel the world."

Established in 2008 under the name Fribourg-Ladies, Fribourg-Gottéron was part of the SWHL-B league for several seasons before integrating with HC Fribourg-Gottéron SA for the 2022-23 season. After winning the Swiss SWHL-B championship, Fribourg joined the Postfinance Women's Hockey League for 2023-24 as one of eight teams competing under the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation.

The X-Women senior forward recently wrapped up her U SPORTS campaign, amassing a career 51 goals and 48 assists for 99 points. Over her three seasons at STFX, Burbidge earned AUS all-star honours each year and U SPORTS all-Canadian status in 2022-23, while also being named STFX Female Student-Athlete of the Year in 2023.

Burbidge led the X-Women in scoring throughout the 2023-24 season (14 goals, 14 assists) as she captained the team to their third consecutive berth in the AUS conference final and a trio of appearances at the U SPORTS championship tournament. The X-Women finished the 2023-24 season in first place atop the AUS standings with a 21-5-2 record.

"Congratulations to Maggy on this well-deserved opportunity to play professional hockey," comments X-Women head coach Ben Berthiaume. "Maggy lives and breathes hockey which is why her compete level is so high; she will make an excellent pro."

Speaking to her time with white & blue, Burbidge reflected, "STFX has given me countless opportunities to build my game, as well as provided me with tools of leadership and dedication. The friendships I've built here will have forever, and I am proud to be a Xaverian."

Burbidge will be joined by X-Women alumna and former teammate Lauren Dabrowski who has signed with Fribourg-Gottéron on defense after having played a season with SDE Hockey in Sweden. The duo will be reunited as they look to secure the Postfinance Women's Hockey championship in Fribourg next winter.

"I feel blessed to be able to experience life in Switzerland and play professional hockey," concludes Burbidge. "I want to thank my coaches, teammates, and the STFX community for their continued support."

-30-