Shamrocks
Rack Up College Commitments
February 27th, 2010
Wilmington, MA -- The Boston Shamrocks finished up their season
just a couple weeks ago with their trip to Washington, D.C.
to compete in the Challenge Cup Tournament.
With the end of the season also
came several college commitments, as players were choosing
among several options. Goaltender Nia Kelly (Clayton, NC)
was one of the most consistent performers all season long
for the Shamrocks. She routinely faced 40+ shots per game
and had a save percentage over 90% despite the high volume
and quality of shots. After sorting through several college
offers, Nia has committed to UMass-Boston to play for the
Beacons. Coach Sarah Feldman says, “Nia will be an excellent
addition to the UMass-Boston team, and I expect her to have
a lot of success at the next level. Her work ethic and off
ice demeanor will be a positive addition to the team, and
her talent will add depth and quality to the goaltending contingent.”
Defenseman
Paige Murray (Andover, MA) also ended her college search,
settling on Connecticut College for next season. Paige will
play both field hockey and ice hockey at Conn, and will be
an impact player in both sports. Coach Cherie Hendrickson
says, “Paige’s strength and speed will be a great
asset for her in college next year, and I expect her to emerge
as one of Connecticut College’s top defenseman.”
The coaching staff has already
begun scouting and recruiting players for next season, and
are optimistic about the team’s continued growth with
several key returnees. Kelsey MacIsaac (Durham, NH) will anchor
the defensive corps as she enters her senior year. Kelsey
played some of her best hockey towards the end of the season,
and caught the eye of U.S. National Program scout Ben Smith
at one of the final league weekends. Her improving positional
play and knowledge of the game led to her emergence as a shutdown
defenseman. Coach Cherie Hendrickson says, “Kelsey was
regularly matched against the top forwards from the other
team, and excelled in this role. She worked hard to understand
the game, and contributed on the offensive side of play as
well. I’m excited to see her progress over the summer,
and expect her to attract attention from several colleges.”
The Shamrocks offer a full-season
elite girls hockey team that competes in the Junior Women’s
Hockey League, and typically play 50-70 games per season in
addition to 3-4 practices each week. The program also includes
off-ice conditioning at the renowned Mike Boyle’s Training
Center, travel to and from all tournaments, a professional
coaching staff, team apparel and equipment, academic tutors
and support to supplement the girls schooling, and more. If
you are interested in finding out more information about the
program feel free to email the coaching staff at cherie@bostonshamrocks.net
or sarah@bostonshamrocks.net with any questions or for information
on tryouts.
Defenseman
Paige Murray (Andover, MA) also ended her college search,
settling on Connecticut College for next season. Paige will
play both field hockey and ice hockey at Conn, and will be
an impact player in both sports. Coach Cherie Hendrickson
says, “Paige’s strength and speed will be a great
asset for her in college next year, and I expect her to emerge
as one of Connecticut College’s top defenseman.”
