Freshman Chelsea Tsvirko is described in one word as a hockey player: “Smart.” It’s not surprising that she was selected for the Australian National Hockey team as just a freshman. She also makes a significant contribution to the WHS girls hockey team as a strong and positive player.
Born in Australia, Tsvirko grew up with hockey in her life thanks to her dad, a New York Rangers fan. Her favorite movie, The Mighty Ducks, inspired her to start hockey at just six years old when she moved to Basel, Switzerland. Then, at age nine, Tsvirko moved to Short Hills, NJ, and then a year later, to Westfield.
Now, Tsvirko plays U14 AAA club hockey with the Princeton Tiger Lilies. The team has provided many opportunities for Tsvirko to be seen by numerous coaches, including the coach of the Australian National Team during a college hockey showcase in Canada.
Tsvirko traveled to Poland on Dec. 25 for practices and scrimmages with other teams, and was ultimately selected to compete in the 2026 IIHF U18 Women’s Hockey World Championship, becoming one of the youngest players to compete in the international tournament this January.
Playing for the girls varsity hockey team at WHS, Tsvirko is utilizing her internationally recognized skills to help the Blue Devils this season. Tsvirko has known head coach Matt Gualtieri long before this season as a youth player. Gualtieri said, “Chelsea brings enthusiasm, competitiveness and a willingness to learn to the team. She loves to play and compete, and is a solid defensive player with offensive instincts that contribute to both ends of the ice.”
Tsvirko has had two goals so far this season on Westfield’s team. Freshman teammate on both the WHS and Princeton teams, Grace Taylor, said the traits that make Tsvirko stand out are “Enthusiasm, competitiveness and a willingness to learn.”
Both teammates and coaches recognize Tsvirko’s unique skill and intelligence as a hockey player. The positive attitude she carries both on and off the ice makes it evident that she is the type of person anyone would want on a national-level team.
With such a big opportunity coming her way, Tsvirko said, “I’m a little bit nervous, but I’m also really excited because I’m one of the younger players. But [overall], I think that it’s really cool to represent Australia and Westfield.” The WHS community is certainly proud that Tsvirko will be helping represent her athletic skills in Australia.
While the girls hockey team continues its season, Tsvirko will be playing with the Australian team in January. Gualtieri said, “We’re so proud of her accomplishment that she’s worked so hard to achieve. We’re going to be rooting for her while she’s gone, and we’ll certainly miss her. We know she’ll have a great experience and do very well, and we’ll look forward to her rejoining the team for the remainder of our season.”
