Highlights of Aynsley D'Ottavio, top defender at the 2023 Esso Cup Fraser Valley Rush blueliner Aynsley D'Ottavio rushed her way to being named the Top Defender at the 2023 Esso Cup. At the Esso Cup, D'Ottavio was a threat at both ends of the ice, showcasing her patience and hands with the puck, while simultaneously facing top lines throughout the tournament. “[Aynsley D’Ottavio] does so much for our team at both ends of the ice," said Fraser Valley Rush head coach Tony Lindsay. "She is a special player, and she also has to deal with the fact that every other team is trying to figure out how to shut her down. Any time she gets the puck on her stick, there are two or three players on her, but she finds a way to make plays." D'Ottavio's ability to transport the puck, often out-waiting or making moves around several checkers. She displayed elite edge-work and puck protection skills maintaining possession and finding room where it looked like there was none. Through the semifinals, D'Ottavio had three goals and six points in six games. This season, D'Ottavio helped Team British Columbia win a national championship, and now has Fraser Valley in the gold medal game of Canada's club national championships. D'Ottavio also was also one of 42 players invited to Canada's U-18 national selection camp. With the Fraser Valley Rush, D'Ottavio, who is committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Quinnipiac next season scored 54 points in 28 games from the blueline. Past winners of the Esso Cup best defender award include former Canadian senior national team member Brigette Lacquette, NCAA national champion and Canadian U-18 team member Corie Jacobson, and former U-18 national team member and current PHF blueliner Jessica Healey of the Buffalo Beauts.
