Four CHS Girls Ice Hockey Players to Compete for National Title

Four girls varsity ice hockey players will be representing the state of Massachusetts with their off-season teams to compete for a national title. 

Twin sisters Elizabeth Kender and Laura Kender (both of Middlesex Islanders U19), along with Lauren Fitzgibbons (Assabet U16) and Julianne Sheehan (East Coast Wizards U14), will compete at the USA Hockey Girl’s National Championships in Irving, Texas in late March.

For the Kenders, playing off-season hockey is another way to improve their game for Chelmsford High hockey.

"We are wicked excited," said Elizabeth Kender. "It is a once in a lifetime opportunity so we are looking forward to playing in Texas. We do have big dreams for a national title."

The Kenders will be rooting for the Lions teammates while in Texas.

"We think it is so cool to know that two of our teammates are going to nationals as well. We do root for our teammatea and hope they win in their division and bring home some hardware," Kender said.

While the girls get ready for nationals, they'll continue practicing on and off the ice, going to the gym, playing lacrosse and volunteering as hockey coaches.

"We love playing in the off-season because it gets us ready for the high school season. We also get to meet so many new people and learn other ways to the game," Kender said.

Fitzgibbons, who plays for Assabet in the off-season, said she expects the competition in Texas to be fierce.

"As CHS teammates, we are very supportive of each other in all our extracurricular activities. Our paths cross throughout many rinks in the area," she said. "Our travel programs are somewhat rivals, but that does not interfere with our sportsmanship and friendships. (CHS Girls Head Coach) Lenny Rowe is also very supportive of us and follows our teams, and he has come to our games."

To get ready for nationals, Fitzgibbons will continue to work hard on and off the ice.

"To prepare for the nationals we are practicing Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, working on all aspects of our game. I also do Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning during the week," she said. "I am really looking forward to going to Texas at the end of March and representing Massachusetts against USA Hockey's best teams."