The UBC women's hockey team just got a boost up front, and the player has a name local hockey fans might recognize.
  
  Cassandra Vilgrain a prototypical power forward, who served as assistant captain for the NCAA's New Hampshire Wildcats, will forgo her senior season south of the border to don the 'Blue and Gold'.
  
  The Calgary native Vilgrain's father, Claude Vilgrain, played six years in the NHL, including a stint with the Vancouver Canucks.

  "We are very excited to welcome Cassandra to our Thunderbird family," says UBC head coach Graham Thomas. "She is a proven power forward who will bring scoring, speed and toughness to our depth up front. She comes from a great hockey family."
 
  Vilgrain made the Hockey East All-Rookie team during her freshman season at UNH and was a member of Team Alberta twice at the Canadian U-18 Nationals. She also lead her Edge Mountaineers to a gold medal at the 2013 World Sport School Challenge, being name the tournament's top forward.



  "Of most importance to our team, Cassandra has personal character and leadership skills that will enhance our already strong locker room culture," adds Thomas.
 
 Vilgrain will be able to play two more seasons for UBC, as the CIS allows players five years of eligibility, compared to four in the NCAA. This is the third NCAA transfer for Thomas's Thunderbirds this off-season. Both defender Alexa Ranahan (Ohio State) and goalie Amelia Boughn (Cornell) have already committed to UBC for the 2016-17 season.