The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) Ridgebacks men's hockey team will add Pickering forward Jeremy Whelan to the second-year squad's roster for the 2008-09 season.

Meanwhile, the UOIT Ridgebacks women's team welcomes Ajax defenceman Amy Johnson to the squad for the upcoming campaign.

For Whelan, he joins the Ridgebacks with a wealth of Ontario Hockey League and OHA tier II junior hockey experience under his skates.

Whelan played for the OHL's Mississauga IceDogs from 2004-2006, making his OHL debut during the 2004 post-season. He also appeared in the Barrie Colts lineup during the 2005-06 season. He was selected in the fourth round of the OHL priority draft by Mississauga.

In terms of tier II junior experience, Whelan split time last year with the Hamilton Red Wings and the Huntsville Otters in the OHA Ontario Provincial Junior 'A' Hockey League (OPJHL). The 6-foot, 185-pound left winger averaged more than a point per game with the two teams, recording 40 points in 31 games and notching 19 goals in total. He also made a big impact on special teams as he totaled 15 power play points and scored two short-handed goals.

Whelan also logged ice time with the Georgetown Raiders in 2006-07 and also played for his hometown Pickering Panthers in 2003-04.

Ridgebacks' head coach Marlin Muylaert says Whelan is a player who should fit right in with the team.

"I am pleased that Jeremy has decided to compete for us next season," commented Muylaert. "Jeremy brings a nice combination of skill and grit to the game and we see him as a player who will develop effectively with the style of play of the Ridgebacks."

Meanwhile, Johnson is one of three freshmen recruits to join the UOIT Ridgeback women's team, which is gearing up to play its second season in the OUA.

The right-shooting defender grew up playing in the Ajax Minor Hockey Association system before joining the Durham West Lightning. With the Lightning, Johnson was no stranger to success as she appeared in the Provincial Women's Hockey League (PWHL) finals as well as winning on the tournament stage. Johnson has also found success at the high school level, as she captained her Archbishop Denis O'Connor Catholic High School team to a Lake Ontario Secondary School Athletics (LOSSA) championship in 2007. Along with winning the team MVP awards in lacrosse (2006, 2007) and hockey (2007), Johnson was named the top senior female athlete of the year (2007).

"Johnson has all the credentials to become an elite hockey player with the Ridgebacks in the OUA," stated Scott Barker, the assistant coach of the Ridgebacks. "Her leadership abilities combined with her strong skill set will definitely be an asset to the team this year."