Cleroux enjoying successful season in Massachusetts

A junior at Middlesex Prep School in Concord, Mass., New Glasgow’s Christina Cleroux is enjoying a successful season between the pipes. 

Cleroux is starting in goal on the varsity team at Middlesex this season and going into the break was 3-0 with two shutouts and only one goal against. She was also part of the local club team, the East Coast Wizards, based out of Bedford, Mass. that captured the U-19 state championship. 

“It was pretty awesome, I've won 100 per cent of my state championships (one),” she said. “I’ve won several N.S. provincial titles in both hockey and soccer, but this is pretty cool. I'm excited to go to San Jose, California for nationals in April, but missing a full week of school will keep me busy during my downtime staying caught up with my work.”

Cleroux, conscious of the importance of her education as a student-athlete said that her biggest challenge so far this year at Middlesex hasn’t been on the ice, rather off it.

“Taking an extra course has taken away some free time throughout the day and evening while adding more work,” she said. “We have classes on Saturday mornings and hockey games in the afternoon so having one-day weekends allows little time to rest and relax.”

Being in a starting role this year with her prep school team she said it’s been rewarding. She said it has put more pressure on her to perform well, but it’s a pressure she’s welcomed.

“I have always played an even split role as a goalie so this year there is more pressure to always perform,” she said. “Every time I step on the ice, whether in a game or practice, I have something specific I intend to improve.”

Although she is constantly looking to improve on the ice, as a Grade 11 student living away from home she said she has also improved her interaction with other students at the school. 

“I've definitely become more outgoing in social and academic settings by nature of my surroundings,” said Cleroux. “It’s a small school (375 students) with an average class size of 12 so there is a lot of interaction during classes.”

With around three months to prepare for nationals in April she is hoping to constantly be improving, to not only help the club team succeed, but also to help Middlesex have a successful finish to their season.