Barnes ’17 Wins Second World Championship, Named Tournament’s Best Defenseman

Cayla Barnes returned from helping the U18 Team USA defend its World Championship just in time to take first semester exams. The junior, currently in her third year at New Hampton School, was named to the all-tournament starting six and selected as the best defenseman. Along the way, she tied for the tournament lead in assists with six, and amassed a plus/minus of +10. She also notched the first assist on the tournament-winning goal in overtime against Team Canada.

 

Barnes was a leading force in the commanding Team USA performance that saw them outscore their opponents 23-3. Craig Churchill, head coach of New Hampton’s varsity team, was delighted with her performance, but unsurprised at the success of Team USA. “In practice at NHS, we are always trying to create situations where she and others have to think on their feet, make quick decisions. I think this has helped her continue to become more dynamic. As well, we always talk about looking to pass first, even though she could skate around the competition, we always look to make the best hockey play. That way, she doesn’t pick up any bad habits. This is evident when playing against top talent like at the Worlds, she isn’t trying to do too much; she makes smart plays and creates so many opportunities for her teammates.”

 

With such gaudy individual numbers, Churchill must have noticed her functioning at a higher level of play than most on the ice. “Absolutely. At World’s, Cayla impacted the game every time she stepped on the ice. What I noticed most about her game was the ability to use her edges and balance to create time and space to make plays. She never got trapped and always found a way to find her teammates creating lots of speed through the neutral zone which ultimately led to more scoring opportunities and less time in their defensive zone. She has this amazing ability to dominate a game no matter the level.”

 

With her second world championship medal in as many seasons, Cayla now turns to beginning second semester classes and helping New Hampton maintain its pace to make the NEPSAC Division 1 tournament.