Puerto Rico Women’s Hockey Team Wins Gold at IIHF 3×3 Tournament, Defeats Argentina in Overtime Thriller

Boricuas Complete Dramatic Comeback to Claim Championship in Buenos Aires

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Puerto Rico’s women’s hockey team captured gold at the second edition of the IIHF Women’s Development Cup 3×3 tournament, rallying from a 5-2 deficit to defeat host Argentina 7-6 in overtime at Fantasy Skate arena.

The championship victory capped a dominant tournament run for Puerto Rico, which outscored opponents 37-6 across five games while averaging 7.4 goals per contest. The team, coached by Lee MJ Elias of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, opened competition with a commanding 6-0 victory over Brazil before claiming the title dramatically.

The gold medal represents a significant milestone for Puerto Rico as the small Caribbean island works toward becoming a full-fledged member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). The nation is currently repairing its ice rink in preparation for launching its first hockey league—a critical step in the development of the sport on the island.

“We speak before every game about the honor and awesome responsibility of representing Puerto Rico, our families, and each other,” Elias said. “The grit that these players showed, especially late in the game, to win the gold medal is a representation of that pride. I’m so proud of each and every member of this team. Every single player contributed. Every single player believed.”

“I’m proud to be the president of this organization,” said Scott Vargas, President and Founder of the Puerto Rico Ice Hockey Association. “I’m happy because they have been on a long road to build a true team. It’s clear that all the players feel the team and our nation is more important. Everyone fought, supported each other, and believed.”

Opening Victory Sets Tone

Puerto Rico’s campaign began with a statement win over Brazil on opening day. After arriving in Buenos Aires and immediately hitting the ice for practice, the team’s goalies participated in a specialized IIHF clinic before Puerto Rico dominated Brazil 6-0 in the tournament opener.

Forward Katie Leffler led the offensive charge with four goals in the victory, establishing herself as the team’s primary scoring threat. The win set the foundation for Puerto Rico’s championship run and demonstrated the island’s growing hockey capabilities on the international stage.

Championship Game: Drama and Resilience

The gold medal match against Argentina showcased Puerto Rico’s resilience and determination. Playing before hundreds of passionate Argentine fans, the host nation jumped ahead 2-0 in the first half. The goals came from Alma Ameigeiras Mina and Luciana Lach. Leffler scored Puerto Rico’s lone goal of the opening period.

Argentina extended its lead to 4-1 early in the second period on a pair of goals by Delfina Fattore. Puerto Rico defenseman Anastasia Sloan cut the deficit to 4-2 with a shot from center ice.

After Argentina’s Mila Lutteral made it 5-2, Puerto Rico mounted a furious comeback. It was fueled by penalty shots awarded for icing violations—a unique rule in the 3×3 format.

With two minutes remaining, defenseman Allegra Jenkins converted a penalty shot to make it 5-4. Captain Sofía Álvarez tied the game 5-5 with 1:44 left after being fouled by Argentina’s Ornella Caruso.

“Our team was focused on doing everything possible to win no matter the score, so I didn’t know it was the tying goal when I prepared for the shot,” Álvarez said. “I just knew I couldn’t miss and the pressure was there. I tried not to think, trust myself and my teammates, and it came out perfect. It was an incredible moment to have that opportunity on a stage like the IIHF.”

Sabrina Honeycutt gave Puerto Rico a 6-5 lead with under a minute remaining, converting a rebound off Sloan’s shot. But Ameigeiras Mina forced overtime with a penalty shot goal as time expired, sending the capacity crowd into a frenzy.

Overtime Heroics

Puerto Rico goaltender Kaylee Awrachow made a crucial save on Argentina captain Iara Haiek in overtime, preserving the championship opportunity.

“I knew the team was counting on that save, which, honestly, is scary,” Awrachow said. “The only thing I could focus on was trusting my instincts. When I made the save, it was pure adrenaline and relief. I’m proud of how we fought to the end, and being able to contribute to such a big victory is something I’ll carry with me for a long time.”

Moments later, Leffler entered the offensive zone and passed to Sloan, who scored from close range. To win the Gold for Puerto Rico, final score 7-6.

Tournament Statistics and Awards

Puerto Rico’s offensive firepower was on full display throughout the tournament. After the opening 6-0 win over Brazil, the team defeated Colombia 6-0 before falling 5-1 to Argentina in group play. Puerto Rico rebounded with a dominant 17-0 semifinal victory over Brazil, with seven different players scoring.

Katie Leffler led all forwards with 18 goals and 21 points, earning tournament scoring honors. She recorded six goals in the semifinal victory over Brazil alone.

Anastasia Sloan was named the tournament’s top defenseman for assists with three, while also delivering the championship-winning goal.

Youngest Goalie Awarded

Goaltender Estela “Little Igor/Frankel” Vázquez was recognized as the tournament’s best goalkeeper. Only allowing just five goals with an 89.58% save percentage. It was second-best among all netminders. She is just 13 years old, already a prodigy in the net. Kaylee Awrachow made her IIHF debut for Puerto Rico alongside Vázquez. Estela is the youngest competitor to win a gold medal in IIHF competitive play!!

Quotes From Vázquez

For Vázquez, the honor carried special significance as the culmination of a three-year development journey with the program.

“Being named the best goalie of the tournament is such an honor,” Vázquez said. “Even coming out and representing a nation at such a young age is such an achievement in life. I’m so grateful for the opportunity that was given to me, and the support along the way. I think we worked hard, never stopped, and prepared for this tournament and it showed.”

Vázquez’s path to the national team began with watching the women she now plays alongside. Her father’s advice proved prophetic.

“When I first started in the organization, I looked up to those playing on the Women’s National team,” Vázquez said. “My dad even said, ‘trust the process, you will play for them one day.’ Over my three years of development with the position, I never thought I would get to this stage of the program so quickly. I trusted the process in all of the events we did like New York, Chicago, Long Island, and LATAM. I knew if I worked hard and stayed patient with the process, I would get to play with the ladies I had always dreamed to play with.”

Her message to young Puerto Rican netminders is simple but powerful.

“My message would be to work hard and trust the process,” Vázquez said.

Building Toward Full IIHF Membership

The championship victory provides crucial momentum for Puerto Rico’s hockey development efforts and strengthens the island’s case for full IIHF membership.

“We know that every IIHF event is a massive opportunity for us to show growth as a program,” Elias said. “We spend hours preparing via Zoom calls and at practice when we are together over the past year. We have grown tremendously and hold the goal of getting to the world championships to represent Puerto Rico on the largest scale possible. The IIHF has been wonderful in supporting us. This most recent event is no exception.”

As the island works to repair its rink and establish its first organized league, the international success demonstrates the viability and potential of hockey in the Caribbean nation. Full IIHF membership would open additional competitive opportunities and resources for the growing program.

Argentina’s Tournament Run

Host nation Argentina fielded two teams to maximize participation and provide experience for younger players. Argentina 1 dominated group play, defeating Colombia 7-0, Argentina 2 12-4, and Brazil 8-0.

Alma Ameigeiras Mina, who plays for Purcell Academy in Canada at the club level, led Argentina 1 with 15 goals as a defenseman. She recorded five goals in Argentina’s 5-1 group stage victory over Puerto Rico and added a hat trick in the 6-1 semifinal win over Colombia.

“Because it’s a three-on-three format, these two teams were created to provide greater participation,” said Dicky Haiek, President of the Argentine Ice and Inline Hockey Association. “It’s also positive because on team number 2, there were very young players who gained experience.”

Bronze Medal and Development Impact

Colombia secured the bronze medal with a 5-1 victory over Brazil. Cindy Pedraza and Susana Pérez each scored twice for Colombia, while Isabella Aldana added a goal. Julia Balbino De Souza Lintz scored Brazil’s lone goal.

The tournament represented the second year of the IIHF Women’s Development Cup, designed to grow women’s hockey in emerging markets. Puerto Rico’s goalies trained alongside players from Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia during specialized IIHF clinics, fostering international development and solidarity.

The gold medal victory provides crucial momentum for Puerto Rico’s hockey development efforts. As the island works to repair its rink and establish its first organized league, the international success demonstrates the viability and potential of hockey in the Caribbean nation. The championship also strengthens Puerto Rico’s case for full IIHF membership, which would open additional competitive opportunities and resources for the growing program.

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