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Lacey Eden Shines With the Country's Brightest

By WLC Staff, 08/27/18, 3:45PM EDT

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Lacey Eden recently competed with the US 18U National Team against Team Canada in a 3-game Summer Series.  This was Eden’s first tournament with the National Team, one she will never forget.

“The best part about playing on the U18 National Team is having the opportunity to represent my country doing the thing that I love along side an amazing and talented team.”

Lacey played in all three games for the US Team, and scored her first international goal against Team Canada in game two of the series less than two minutes into a 4-3 loss at the Markin MacPhail Centre - WinSport Arena in Calgary.  She is the latest Little Cap player to make a US National Team roster.  We asked her what it felt like to pull on the USA jersey for the first time, and she had this to say: “words can not really describe this feeling. If I were to try to explain it, I would say it was a mixture of pure joy, excitement, nerves, and gratitude.”

We’re thrilled for Lacey and extremely proud of what she has accomplished,” offered Little Caps Executive Director Doug Plocki, “she earned the opportunity to skate with the best in the country -- it’s an awesome development and learning experience.”

“Every ice session with the team, whether it was a game or practice, I felt more confident and calmer on the ice, and in turn, I felt my on ice performance improve, offered Eden.  “I'd say that my biggest takeaway from my time with the team so far is always to play with confidence and composure no matter what the situation is.”

Eden looks to build on this experience as she contemplates the next few stages of her career.  “I hope to be selected to play under the flag in the IIHF World Tournament in Japan. From there, I will continue training in hopes to compete in the NCAA and one day even the Olympics.”

Eden had this to say to other young hockey players in the area, “the best advice is to be passionate for the sport and enjoy every moment you have on the ice.”  She certainly exemplified that idea during her Little Cap days. 

Former coach Lyon Messier observed, “Lacey is a great competitor.  Last year really helped her grow, she had to compete for every inch of the ice and I am sure that is why she is doing so well with the U18s.”

Said Eden, “I would like to thank the Little Caps organization, my coaches, and my teammates for helping to develop me as a player.”

Congratulations Lacey.  We’ll be cheering for you!