Clinton’s Emily Johns and Hudson’s Lauren O’Malley square off in softball
In the winter, these two are teammates on the ice. But in the spring, Emily Johns and Lauren O’Malley are opponents on the softball field.
HUDSON — For Emily Johns and Lauren O’Malley, their athletic relationship is a little bit tricky these days.
In the winter, the two teenagers from different towns co-op on the same Algonquin ice hockey team. In the spring, they compete on separate softball teams — Johns for Clinton High and O’Malley for Hudson High.
From teammates to opponents in a matter of weeks, Johns and O’Malley are finding a way to make their friendship work.
With bragging rights now on the line.
“It brings life to the game,” O’Malley said. “She’s a power player in both hockey and softball, and one of my best friends.”
“From friends to foes,” Johns said.
A budding friendship on the ice
During the winter season of 2021-22, Johns and O’Malley joined forces for the first time as teammates with Algonquin hockey.
Initially, O’Malley was a little nervous about how she was going to fit in with the co-op team — that connects players from six different schools — as the wide-eyed Hudson freshman was intimated by this talented sophomore from Clinton.
“(Emily is) a beast on the ice and that frightens everyone at first,” O’Malley, 17, said. “But once you really get to know her, you get to see what a fun and caring person she is.”
Soon, a friendship began to bud.
From sharing sandwiches to song suggestions to time in the penalty box, the two hockey players hit it off.
“Lauren genuinely has one of the sweetest souls and is always the first person to laugh with you,” Johns, 18, said. “She is always willing to lend a helping hand whether it is on or off the ice.”
During their first season together on the ice, Johns and O’Malley helped the Algonquin hockey team claim their first state championship in program history with a 2-1 overtime win over Canton in the Division 2 state final at TD Garden.
It’s a core memory that will last a lifetime for the two friends.
“It was honestly such a special moment that only fueled the strengthening of our bond,” Johns said. “It is great to look back at that moment now and simply just reminisce on that exhilarating day for the rest of our lives.”
This past winter, Johns and O’Malley wrapped up their final season together on skates.
A senior captain and forward, Johns…
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