COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - December 19, 2016 - The U.S. Women’s Masters Committee is pleased to announce the U.S. O-40 Women’s Masters Team for the Inaugural International Masters Hockey Association (IMHA) Masters Indoor World Cup on February 2-5, 2017 held in Krefeld, Germany. Team USA selected squad includes three players who have been part of the U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team, participating in numerous tours and Indoor Pan American Championships throughout their careers. Nicky Hitchens from 2004 to 2005, Maria Keesling from 2004 to 2008 and 2012 to 2015, and Denise Zelenak, captain from 2004 to 2010 and head coach from 2012 to 2014. New Masters teammate Tamika Smith was a member of the U. S. Women’s National Team from 1999 to 2004.

Having participated in two previous Masters Outdoor World Cups in Rotterdam, The Netherlands (2014) and Canberra, Australia (2016), this will be the third Masters World Cup for Megan Callahan, Beth Denmead, Susan Elliott, Nicky Hitchens, Maria Keesling and Denise Zelenak.

Racking up their second Master World Cup will be Sophie Etienne and Melissa Nash Mertz.

That leaves special congratulations to those making their first Masters World Cup team including Kelly Goodsell, Elzeth Hetzler, Tamika (Mimi) Smith and Christina Sommerfield. 

We are pleased to announce the addition of Head Coach Lauren Hibshman and Manager Jenna Knouse. Both are past members of the U.S. Women’s National Indoor Team, with Hibshman earning a bronze medal at the 2014 Indoor Pan American Games Games. Their knowledge and work ethic have already had a positive impact on the new squad.