Originally from Minnesota, Ellen learned to skate in her family’s backyard rink as a toddler and joined her first team at 6 years old.

She played in Minneapolis leagues until high school and later for Mount Holyoke College. After University, Ellen took time out as a player to coach the youth game for a few years.

Having moved to the UK in 2015, Ellen assumed her hockey skates were hung up for good. But fortunately, she discovered the Manchester Metros in 2018 (after she learnt to drive on the left!) and could continue to play - joining Leeds Warriors in 2021.