By Sameer Kini
Staff Writer

Westford Academy senior Ryan Mumford has been elected to play in the first ever Massachusetts State Hockey Coaches Association (MSHCA) High School All-Star Hockey game. Mumford will be representing the Northern All-Stars as they play the Southern All-Stars on Saturday, March 20th. The game will be played at Tsongas Arena in Lowell at 3:00 PM. Tickets are $10 and admission pays for the all-star game as well as the Lowell Devils vs. Portland Pirates AHL game at 7:00 PM.

While Mumford has been elected to the roster, he has the opportunity to be voted into the starting lineup. To vote for Mumford, text ALLSTAR8 to 24587. To purchase tickets to the game and support Ryan, visit the website, www.lowelldevilshockey.com/tickets/mscha_allstar.php.

Mumford is extremely excited to have the opportunity to play in this game. Mumford considers it a great honor as he was voted in by all Massachusetts high school coaches. Mumford described it as “a good accomplishment,” and said it “means a lot to be considered to be one of the top 45 players in Massachusetts.” One reason why Mumford might be so ecstatic to play in this game is his immense love for the game.

While describing how he felt when he was playing, Mumford said that hockey is “exciting to play,” and when he is on the ice, Mumford “forgets about everything else, and just focuses on hockey.” No matter why Mumford is looking forward to playing in the game, he would like to be voted into the starting line-up.

Mumford, who will be playing forward for the team, has been playing hockey for over ten years. His interest in hockey arose when he was only two years old. Mumford’s babysitter took him ice-skating, and his love of hockey has grown ever since.

Mumford, who captained the WA Varsity Hockey team this year, plays for two club teams in addition to playing for WA. Mumford said that the biggest challenge he had to overcome in hockey came this year. Before the season, Mumford believed that WA’s team wasn’t strong as it was “young,” but he was proud, as he believed that they turned it around together as a team, and that they turned out far better than he once thought.

After this year, Mumford is “undecided” on what he would like to do, either play for his college or just play club. Mumford “is leaning towards club,” but will “definitely be continuing with hockey.”