Top MFHL blueliner Vayda Rigaux set to bolster Griffins' defence in 2026-27
Jefferson Hagen
MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – Award-winning and record-breaking defenceman Vayda Rigaux is set to bring her strong two-way game to the MacEwan Griffins women's hockey team next season.
The latest Winnipeg product to join the storied Griffins program is coming off a strong 2025-26 season with the Eastman Selects in the Manitoba U18AAA female league, winning that loop's defenceman of the year award after recording 25 points in 24 games.
"Vayda is a well-rounded player that is smart defensively because of her spatial awareness and is also able to transport pucks north, find open teammates in transition and get shots through from the point consistently," said Griffins head coach Chris Leeming.
"Her poise in all situations and ability to contribute to team play all 200 feet of the ice is something that stands out as she provides a reliable presence when on the ice."
Rigaux, who is a left-shot blueliner, broke a long-standing MFHL record in 2024-25 when her 10 goals and 36 points in 32 games for Eastman topped Shaye Nelissen's mark of 33 from 2009-10.
Rigaux also represented Team Manitoba at the 2025 national women's U18 championship.
"She's a pretty well-rounded defenceman at both ends of the ice," said Leeming, whose team is losing two of its top D-man from 2025-26 in graduates Sydney Olsen and Robyn Short, so there will be ample blueline minutes up for grabs. "Vayda plays simple and smart. She blocks shots. She's just steady and consistent, making high percentage plays and she's a really effective player because of that."
Rigaux also previously played U18AAA for the Interlake Lightning in 2023-24 and has been a regular competitor in the Manitoba high school hockey league, finishing with 26 goals and 45 points in 15 games last season.
"I think that she has a really great offensive mindset," said Leeming. "She's got great awareness to see and make plays. I know that she plays a variety of sports, so I think that's a direct product of her athleticism."
