Inside the Crease: Ivy Nellis and the Making of a U22 Goaltender
How an Ottawa-born U22 Elite goaltender is building toward her future in women’s hockey
Ivy Nellis has spent enough time around rinks to know precisely where she wants to be.
In Episode 106 of Rinkside Rundown, the Ottawa native and Ottawa Senators Women’s Hockey Club goaltender joined the show to discuss her development in the position, the experiences that shaped her mindset, and how she views her future in women’s hockey, particularly with professional opportunities now visible in her own city.
Growing up around the game
Ivy was introduced to hockey early, not through a formal plan, but through proximity. With siblings more than a decade older, the rink became a familiar environment long before she laced up her own skates. Watching games, spending time in dressing rooms, and being around the sport made hockey feel like a natural fit rather than a deliberate choice.
That exposure laid the foundation for what eventually became a focused commitment to the game.
Finding the crease
Like many young players, Ivy did not start with a set position. In house league settings where goalies were rotated, she found herself in the net more often than most. Some players hesitated to try the position. She did not.
Those early reps mattered. Playing in summer leagues and lower structure environments gave her time to learn the position without pressure, and eventually helped her decide that goaltending was where she wanted to invest her energy.
Learning from the players she watched
As her interest in the position grew, so did her awareness of the goalies she watched at higher levels. Carey Price stood out early, not because of technical study, but because of presence. That influence, combined with the encouragement of her siblings, reinforced her desire to keep pushing forward in the position.
Competitive moments that stick
One of the experiences that continues to stand out in Ivy’s development is the Bell Capital Cup, where her Gloucester Cougars U11 team entered without external expectations and left as champions. The group fought through the tournament, earned a wild-card spot, and defeated teams considered stronger on paper.
For Ivy, the takeaway was simple: preparation and belief can change outcomes, even in environments where odds are stacked against you.
Comfort under pressure
As she moved up levels, Ivy became more comfortable in high-leverage situations. She credits big games and repeated exposure to pressure for helping her stay composed. Rather than treating moments as something different or overwhelming, she approaches them as extensions of the work she puts in every day.
That mindset shows up clearly in shootouts, a situation she openly enjoys. She views them as controlled challenges, focusing on the one-on-one battle rather than the surrounding noise.
Seeing the bigger picture
Beyond playing, Ivy has gained experience as both an official and a coach. Those roles have expanded how she sees the game, improved her communication, and helped her understand situations from multiple perspectives.
With the presence of a professional women’s hockey team in Ottawa, the pathway feels more tangible than ever. For Ivy, that visibility matters. It provides context, motivation, and a clear reminder of what continued commitment can lead to.
Her journey is still unfolding, but the throughline is consistent—intentional development, comfort with challenge, and a clear focus on what comes next.
Watch our full conversation on YouTube