June 17, 2022 Salt Lake City, Utah
University of Utah Women’s Division 1 Hockey has received a commitment from Forward Lila Ellsworth for the upcoming 2022-23 season. Lila’s love for hockey started when her school’s janitor put on a free after school street hockey program. Every week, she couldn’t wait for her next practice and game. When she moved up to middle school, her street hockey coach suggested she try ice hockey and the rest is history. Ellsworth played house league for two years then travel for the next three. She always thought the idea of going to play hockey in different states sounded fun, so her goal was to make a travel team. She was able to join the Arizona Kachinas their inaugural year and played with them for last three years of my youth career. Each season with the Kachinas has been full of growth and amazing opportunities for Ellsworth. After winning districts, they headed to Nationals, where they made history placing second in the country. “I’m beyond excited to join the University of Utah’s team. To play college hockey, and to be able to play in a place I love and with a few former teammates is incredible,” said Ellsworth. “Lila may be smaller than a lot of girls on the ice, but that only makes people underestimate her. She’s speedy and skilled with her stick, and when she gets control of the puck, I feel confident that something good is about to happen. She’s got great patience and an excellent hockey IQ,” Women’s Division 1 Head Coach Braeden Yeo said. Lila plans to study Film at the U. Utah Hockey would like to welcome Lila and wish her the absolute best in the upcoming season!2022-23