Anaheim Lady Ducks 19U AAA Player of the Year
Despite their young age, the Anaheim Lady Ducks are very impressive players. They have made it to the Pacific District title and have had several College showcases. They have also been on the National Team, but their biggest accomplishment was winning the State Championship.
Coach
Founded in 1999, the Anaheim Lady Ducks are one of the most successful girls hockey programs in the western United States. With over 150 players in nine age groups last year, the program has grown nearly 300 percent since the 2004-05 season. Aside from the numerous accolades the team has received in recent years, the club has a unique feature of placing players in college hockey at a rate three times the national average.
The program has won several medals at USA Hockey Nationals, including several from the Women’s C tournament. This year’s program also hosted the USA Hockey Youth Nationals in March.
There are five Lady Ducks teams that competed in the USA Hockey Tier I & II Girls’ Nationals. Aside from the numerous medals the Lady Ducks have won, the program has grown in the last 18 years. It is the largest female hockey program west of the Mississippi. The club has produced several high profile alumni, including five who have competed in the Women’s 18U World Championships.
Pacific District title
During the week of April 8-11, the Pacific District Championships were held in Phoenix, AZ. This is the eighth time that the Anaheim Lady Ducks will qualify for the USA Hockey Tier I National Championships in Green Bay, WI. Since 2005, the Lady Ducks have qualified for 25 Tier I Nationals.
In addition to the Lady Ducks’ 16U AA division title, the LA Lions 14U AAA team also took home the championship trophy. Led by head coach Andrew Stone, the Lions won all four games at the event. They also beat San Jose Jr. Sharks in the final on Sunday.
In the tournament’s first game, the Jr. Kings defeated the Jr. Admirals 9-1. In the second game, Anaheim’s ’05 Ducks shut out Vegas Jr. Golden Knights 5-0. In their final game, the Jr. Ducks defeated Team Alaska 11-1. The two teams will meet again at the Pacific District Championship in March.
In the AA division, the LDs AA team went 3-0 in round robin play. They also defeated Anchorage North Stars 3-0 in the semifinals. In the final, they defeated the host Hockey Club Fairbanks, 2-1. They are now atop the standings. They will also travel to West Chester, Penn. and compete at the Tier 2 Nationals.
College showcases
During the past year, the Anaheim Lady Ducks 19U AAA hockey team has attended two college showcases. The team has been represented in California Rubber Magazine and at the Stoney Creek University Showcase, which attracted 75 college coaches. The team also participated in “Girls Play Hockey Night” during the final preseason game against the San Jose Sharks at Honda Center.
The Lady Ducks’ College Development Camp is designed to provide exposure for aspiring collegiate players. The camp includes a team-building competition, a skills clinic, and exposure to NCAA Women’s coaches. The camp is run by Head Coach and former NHLer, Jeff Maltby.
The Lady Ducks’ College Development camp was a great opportunity to put players on the radar of Division I and III coaches. The team also had a great time interacting with coaches and players from all over the country.
Taking the time to attend a few showcases is important. Not only is it the best way to get on the radar of college coaches, it also allows you to establish and improve your relationships with coaches.
Lilli’s story
Throughout her career, Lilli has experienced many successes, including being selected for the National Player Development camp, playing NCAA Division I at Lindenwood University in St Charles, Missouri, and playing for the Anaheim Lady Ducks. She was a forward and a defenseman, and was assistant captain her senior year. She also served as an assistant coach on the 14U AAA team. She moved home after college and returned to hockey. After being an assistant coach on the 14U team, she moved to the AAA team and was named captain.
Lilli has a lot of fond memories of her time playing for the Lady Ducks. She enjoyed the camaraderie of the team, the teamwork, and the skills developed throughout her career. She believes that she has learned a lot about the game and about herself during her time with the Lady Ducks.
