WORCESTER — The Junior Crusaders Youth Hockey Association proudly announces that the organization’s U12 Platinum Girls Hockey Team won gold at the prestigious CAN/AM Hockey Tournament in Lake Placid, New York, on Nov. 5.
The U12 Platinum Girls Team consists of 14 girls, ages 11 and 12, who reside across Central Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. Defeating worthy opponents from Toronto, Michigan and Connecticut, the team swept the tournament, earning a 4-0 record. Additionally they won the tournament’s skills and relay competitions.
“The girls played selflessly for the entire tournament, resulting in four team victories. All three forward lines and all four defensive players committed to playing team hockey. Our players work hard in practice, and they earned this gold medal,” said co-head coaches Mike Horrigan and Chris Jenkins. “Getting to Lake Placid is a family effort, and we appreciate everything our team families invested in this weekend. The future is bright for all of our athletes.”
The gold medal winning team roster includes five players from the Wachusett towns: Kate Ambach of Sterling, Fira MacAlpine of Holden, Abigail Culver of Rutland, and Bragnae Kelly and Emerson Rue of Princeton.
Lily Jenkins of North Grafton; Ava Horan of Northborough; Vicky Shi of Shrewsbury; Lindsay Horrigan, Kelsey Bouchard and Katherine Chisholm of Sturbridge; Brianna DiModica of Sudbury; Catherine Richmond of Worcester; and Olivia Cesolini of Rogers, Conn., rounded out the gold-medal winning roster.
“Our entire organization is proud of the teamwork, dedication, spirit, and sportsmanship that our U12 Platinum Girls Team demonstrated at the CAN/AM tournament,” said Michael Chisholm, president of the Junior Crusaders Youth Hockey Association. “Our mission is to provide a quality instructional and competitive youth hockey experience for all of our players. It’s great to see their hard work and dedication rewarded with a gold medal.
Volunteer Coaches & Staff: Michael Horrigan and Chris Jenkins, co-head coaches; Kenny Ambach, Chris Bouchard, Mike Chisholm, Wes Culver and Matt Kelly, assistant coached; and Dianna Ambach and Beth Chisholm, co-team managers.
