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Mckenzie Grimm Shares Journey From Small Town to D1 Hockey Recruit for Franklin Pierce University
Mckenzie Grimm tested out hockey because she saw how much fun her older sister Madison, a current player for American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division II player for Adrian College, had out on the ice growing up. Around a decade later, Mckenzie has not only fallen in love with the sport herself, she’s also committed to join her sister in the college ranks as a recent verbal commitment to Franklin Pierce University women’s hockey.
Franklin Pierce is located in the quaint town of Rindge, New Hampshire and is home to just under 1,800 students. Despite being a small school, it’s home to a town and institution passionate about ice hockey and the Ravens compete at the Division I level in women’s ice hockey. “I chose Franklin Pierce because academically I felt it was a perfect fit with smaller class sizes,” noted Grimm. “The campus is beautiful and I believe I am going to play for a hockey program that really values what I bring to the ice and the kind of teammate I am off the ice.”
Grimm began her days as a hockey player at the age of six first playing in-line hockey. She transitioned to ice hockey at the age of 10 and has truly never looked back. She’s been a player for Pens Elite, one of the premiere youth ice hockey organizations in the country, and started playing in the 2016-17 season in “squirts” hockey. “Starting my ice hockey career at Pens Elite has helped me be able to showcase my talent all over the country and has given me life long best friends.”
The Connellsville, Pennsylvania native currently plays forward for the U19 Pens Elite team that’s loaded with college talent. As one of the younger players on the team, Grimm still has two more seasons remaining at this level before heading to college. These years are important not just for her development, but for her to continue growing a game in the Pittsburgh area that continues to grow in popularity.
“It is so special to me to help grow girls’ and women’s hockey in the Pittsburgh area. I believe in leaving a place better than I found it and that’s what I’m trying to do with the Pens Elite organization. With such a big platform and from playing on a big stage, it’s exciting to see the young girls look up to me and my teammates. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things they will accomplish and for the times they will be in our shoes.”
Between her time on the ice and playing in-line hockey, she’s achieved a lot of success that includes opening the score and having three points in the Mid-American district game against Gilmour Academy to help Pens Elite qualify for nationals, scoring four goals in a game at the Mrs. Hockey Invitational, winning multiple top scorer and Most Valuable Players titles playing in-line hockey at national tournaments, setting and still holding the record for the most shorthanded goals scored in a single season in the history of the North American Youth Roller Hockey League (NAYRHL). She also was a part of a Pens Elite team that defeated well-known girls hockey prep school, Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, in a national tournament during the opening rounds.
Grimm’s commitment has also made her think more in-depth about what she’d like to major in and do once she concludes her time on the ice. She intends to major in physical therapy and attend physical therapy school once her undergraduate career wraps up.
Mckenzie Grimm has found a career field she’s passionate about and a Division I hockey program she’s excited to be joining in 2025. For now, she’s going to enjoy her days living in the 412 before the talented Pens Elite team she’s currently a part of goes their separate ways in hockey and life. Good luck as you continue your career, Mckenzie!
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