In three seasons at Boston College, Lexi Bender of Snohomish has emerged as one of the top young female hockey players in the United States.
That much was confirmed last week when Bender, a senior-to-be defenseman for the Eagles, was chosen with the 11th overall pick of the National Women’s Hockey League, a new pro league beginning play this fall.
Bender said she expects to play her final season at Boston College in the winter and then sign with the NWHL’s Boston Pride before the league’s second season in 2016-17.
“Honestly, this is really cool,” the 21-year-old Bender said. “It’s not just that it’s cool to get drafted. This is the first year of the league … and it’s just so cool to be part of history with women’s sports.”
Bender attended Cavelero Mid High in Lake Stevens through ninth grade, then transferred to Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Faribault, Minnesota, which has an elite hockey program. From there she was recruited to play at Boston College.
The NWHL will debut with four teams — the Boston Pride, New York Riveters, Connecticut Whale and Buffalo Beauts.
There have been previous pro leagues for women, Bender said, “but those only covered living expenses (for the players). This league is going to give you a salary, which is a big step. … We’re not going to be making big bucks, but it’s nice that we’re moving in that direction where there’ll be something on top of living expenses.”
As for women’s hockey in this country, “I honestly believe it’s going to continue growing,” she said. “People love it and you can see that from the number of people who watched it in the Olympics.
“I think people will embrace (the new league) and it will grow quickly.”
Items for the Community Roundup can be submitted by e-mail (sports@heraldnet.com), by fax (425-339-3435) or by mail (P.O. Box 930, Everett, Wash.). The deadline is noon Sunday.
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