Coming back from winter break, two of our student-athletes have had a busy couple of weeks doing something spectacular. Two Winchendon students, junior Livia Debnarova and senior Ellie Patrick are taking on the Girls Worlds Hockey tournament representing their respective countries. Livia takes ice representing Slovakia and Ellie represents Great Britain.
The Worlds tournament is a national competition where, in this case, girls from all around the world compete for the best results while representing their country. Both girls were asked what this experience has meant to them. Livia states, “It is a big opportunity for me. We are playing against the best countries in the world. It is a really good feeling representing your country at such a big event.” Livia currently leads the tournament as of 1/10/24 with the most number of shots on her as a goalie with 103 shots.
Both Ellie and Livia have been playing Winch Girls Hockey for a good amount of time now. They were asked, “Do you think Winchendon has prepared you in any way for this, if so how?” Livia responded, “Certainly yes. Getting space in games and having the opportunity to practice even more than “I have to” prepared me a lot.” Livia had played in several games for Team Slovakia. She adds, “ My favorite part was also when we played a game against the Swiss. It was our most important game and it was very balanced. We won it 2-1 in overtime so we were very happy. We had a lot of emotions in this game.”
These types of tournaments have great exposure in a way they can compete and prove themselves for their country or region. Ellie has put up a couple of points for Team Great Britain in the U18 Women’s Worlds. Livia has stood strong in the net for Team Slovakia. The entire Winchendon community is behind both Ellie and Livia wishing them both the best of luck and excited to support them as they return to Winchendon.
Written by Abby Stone ’24
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