Emma Nichols, 11-year-old U.K. goalie sensation, dazzles pro team (Video)

Emma Nichols is an 11-year-old goalie playing in the U.K.

She’s also an overnight sensation, as a highlight reel of her acrobatic and outstanding saves went viral on YouTube and social media.

Nichols, of Hornchurch, plays for the Lee Valley juniors in London. She won co-MVP of the England Ice Hockey Association Junior Inter-Conference tournament in Sheffield last weekend playing for the U-11 South East team. She stopped 35 shots in a shutout win against Midlands, but her tournament ended in the final with a penalty shot loss to Scotland.

Nichols had a .959 save percentage in facing 76 shots this season for the EIHA U12 junior team.

What a performance captured on this video: Great reflexes, instincts and at least one kick save that would have been worthy of its own highlight video.

Tests after the game proved it was in fact 11-year-old Emma Nichols and not Dominic Hasek, getting in some more reps in a British youth tournament, although the confusion would be understandable.

Said her dad Tracy Nichols to the Romford Recorder: “Emma loved every minute of this year’s tournament and had such a great time with her teammates on and off the ice.”

Also digging her performance? The British Elite Ice Hockey League Cardiff Devils, apparently:

Brilliant.

s/t Craig Summerton.

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