Canton, NY – Former SUNY Canton women's hockey captain Sydney Valiquette '26 has signed a professional contract with Timrå IK of the National Dam Hockey League (NDHL), which is one of the top leagues in Sweden.
 
The league is divided into several regional divisions rather than one league wide standings table. Timrå competes in the northern region against other clubs from northern and central Sweden. Timrå is scheduled to open their season on September 27, 2026 and they are currently scheduled for 20 regular season games from the end of September until the middle of February. The team's roster currently features 13 forwards, 10 defensemen and four goaltenders.
   
"We are incredibly proud of Sydney and everything she has accomplished," Head SUNY Canton Women's Hockey Coach Kalie Hart said. "Earning the opportunity to continue playing professionally is a testament to the dedication and leadership she displayed throughout her career at SUNY Canton. She made a tremendous impact on our program both on and off the ice, serving as an outstanding captain and role model for her teammates."
 
Valiquette was a four-year standout for the Roos totaling 29 points on four goals and 25 assists in 98 career games. Her 25 career assists rank her tied for seventh in the Roos D-III era record book. She earned SUNY Canton's Outstanding Bachelor's Degree Graduate award at Commencement in May. Valiquette also earned numerous accolades for her combined success on the ice and in the classroom as she was named to the SUNYAC Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll, College Sports Communicator's (CSC) Academic All-District and Krampade American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) All American Scholar.
 
"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to continue my hockey career abroad in Sweden with Timrå IK," Valiquette said. "I am looking forward to continuing to develop as a player while meeting new people and embracing a new culture. I am incredibly grateful for everything my college career at SUNY Canton has given me. This program has allowed me to grow not only as a player in a competitive environment, but also as a person. The coaches, my teammates, and everyone who supported me along the way have helped shape me into the player and person I am today. I am truly thankful for the experiences and relationships I have gained, and I hope to make them all proud as I begin this next chapter of my career." 
 
"This is also an exciting milestone for our program," Hart said. "Having one of our graduates sign a professional contract is a reflection of the culture we have built and demonstrates that our student-athletes can develop into players capable of competing at the next level. We hope Sydney's accomplishment inspires our current players and future recruits by showing them what is possible through hard work, commitment, and belief in the process. We cannot wait to follow Sydney's success in Sweden."

Valiquette joins Sirena Alvarez '23 playing in the NDHL as Alvarez will be entering her third season in 2026-27 playing for IF Troja-Ljungby.

   

Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.