Bellamy named to US Olympic team

Date: 1/3/2014

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Kacey Bellamy of Westfield was among the 21 players named to the 2014 U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team, which was announced at Michigan Stadium during the 2014 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic on Jan. 1.

Bellamy is one of 11 players on the roster with Olympic experience. The defenseman was a silver medalist at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, B.C., Canada and has played in five International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championships, winning gold in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013 and silver in 2012.

She also appeared on eight Four Nations Cup teams, including the first-place team in 2008, 2011 and 2012.

As a professional, she won the Clarkson Cup during her third season with the Boston Blades of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League in the 2012-13 season. She played four years of college hockey at the University of New Hampshire, graduating with the third most points by a defenseman all-time with 107 (27 goals, 80 assists) in 143 games.

Adamopoulos puts forth strong effort off the bench

SPRINGFIELD – Ava Adamopoulos of Ludlow put together the finest game of her young career with a dominating performance off the bench as the Springfield College women’s basketball team knocked off Drew University 67-50 in the championship game of the 2014 Hampton Inn/West Springfield Naismith Classic in Blake Arena on Jan. 1.

The first-year player connected on 8-of-9 from the field en route to 18 points in just 16 minutes of action. She also chipped in five boards and four blocks.

Felix nets game-highs in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Westfield State University (WSU) women’s basketball’s junior center Gabby Felix of Springfield scored a game-high 22 points, connecting on 9 of 13 field goal attempts and four of five free throws, but she was the only Owl to score in double figures as No. 11 Montclair State University topped WSU 73-62, in the San Juan Shootout at the Mario Morales Coliseum on Dec. 28, 2013.

Felix also netted 16 points – tied for the game-high – and pulled down eight rebounds in the 65-57 victory over Mount Holyoke College in the tournament on Dec. 30, 2013.

Pioneers tryouts to take place this month

LUDLOW – The Western Mass. Pioneers will host tryouts on Jan. 4 and 11 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Soccer City, 2041 Boston Road, Wilbraham. The tryout fee is $60 – cash or check only– and guarantees two training sessions and a Pioneers t-shirt. No refunds will be allowed.

Players selected for callbacks will be notified by e-mail. Waivers and player profiles need to be filled out the night of the tryout with the fee. Those interested are encouraged to pay via PayPal at www.wmpioneers.com/tryouts.html. If possible, bring receipt for proof of payment to the tryout.