Color of Hockey: Puerto Rico takes big step forward with 3×3 gold medal

Puerto Rico’s goaltenders were singled out for praise by teammates, opponents and IIHF officials for their performance. Kaylee Awrachow, an 18-year-old from Maple Shade, New Jersey, who plays with Miami University’s American Collegiate Hockey Association’s women’s Division I team, earned the championship victory.

“I’m proud of how we fought until the end, and being able to contribute to such a big victory is something I’ll carry with me for a long time,” Awrachow told NHL Español.

Estela Vazquez, a Manhattan resident who plays for the Greenwich Country Day School girl’s team in Connecticut, was named best goalie in the tournament.

Vazquez, who turned 14 on Wednesday, became the youngest goalie to play in an IIHF-sanctioned senior competition and record a shutout, a 17-0 win against Brazil in the tournament’s semifinal. She was allowed to play through an IIHF special exemption for nations competing in development cup contests, Puerto Rico Ice Hockey Association president Scott Vargas said.

Vazquez allowed five goals, tied for the fewest in the tournament with Florencia Gutierrez Peydro, a goalie on one of Argentina’s two teams in the tournament.

“I literally got so excited I fell off the bench,” Vazquez said of receiving the award. “I cried. That was the first time I cried tears of happiness. It was a great experience with the ladies. They’re super nice, great, welcoming family. And just participating in an IIHF tournament, it’s something I won’t forget for a while.”