From their first strides on the ice to full-speed ahead fun, NYSAHA’s first Girls Only Try Hockey for Free event was a huge hit for everyone involved.
In celebration of National Girls & Women in Sports Day, NYSAHA opened the ice for young girls of all ages at four locations around the state. The goal was to introduce new players and their parents to the thrill and excitement of joining the fastest demographic in USA Hockey during a fun-filled spin around the ice.
More than 115 girls signed up to skate and learn the game with the help of passionate volunteers, including a number of female players who were more than happy to share their passion and knowledge with newcomers to the game.
Every single girl was up and skating by the end of the session, proving that with a little determination (and a lot of fun), anything is possible.
Central Section
A total of 22 players, including 15 who were trying the game for the first time, hit the ice at the Skaneateles Community Center for a fun hour that focused on basic skills.
For those first-time skaters, the focus was on the basics, from how to get up after a fall to fundamental skating skills. The more experienced players were able to participate in shooting drills and one-on-one races.
The day wrapped up with nonstop smiles and a few classic ice games, including freeze tag, red light/green light and sharks and minnows.
A special shoutout to all the coaches who made things happen, including John Abert, Abby Hind, Steph Murphy, Adam Rowland, Mike Savastano and Carlee Stewart. And a special thank you goes out to off-ice MVPs Kayleen Driscoll and Don Sauda, who organized the chaos and made sure every girl was properly fitted with free loaner gear, and every parent’s question was answered.
West Section
The Northtown Center in Amherst was buzzing with energy and excitement as more than 20 young girls, many skating for the first time, were eager to give hockey a try.
The girls and their families were greeted by local volunteers, including Scott Then, Jay Kates and Rob Fargino, who helped fit the players with free loaner equipment and tied plenty of skates. NYSAHA President Eric Guzdek was on hand to run the registration table and answer questions.
Once on the ice, the girls were guided through a series of fun drills that focused on skating basics, puck handling and fun small-area games. Over the course of an hour, players were able to build confidence, make new friends and experience the thrill of hockey in a supportive and all-girls environment.
East Section
For the 15 girls who came out to try hockey at the Clark Gillies Arena in Dix Hills the hour flew by as fast as a slapshot off the stick of the rink’s namesake.
With the help and guidance of members of Team Long Island’s Girls’ 14 & Under team, the new skaters quickly gained the necessary skills and confidence to navigate their way through different drills and activities at stations set up around the ice.
ADM District Administrator Joe Trimarchi brought free equipment for all the girls to use and worked with all the coaches to ensure that the hour on the ice was packed with fun and fundamentals. Off the ice, Melissa Ielpi-Brengel, the assistant manager at the Clark Gillies Arena, kept things on track and answered any questions parents had, including what programs are available to keep the momentum going for new families.
The real superstars were the Team Long Island players, who met with the new skaters during a meet and greet before taking the ice. They were not only all-star mentors but great ambassadors for the game.
According to Ielpi-Brengel, the day was deemed a success because “every girl came off the ice with a big smile on their face.”
North Section
Changing on the fly is a key to success for any hockey team. The same could be said for the Girls Only Try Hockey for Free event in the North Section. The event was originally scheduled to take place in Saratoga but was moved late in the game to the Schenectady County Rec Facility. The change in venue had little impact on the amazing turnout as 47 girls showed up for a free spin around the rink.
According to Rusty Gallagher, the North Section president, the Schenectady group leaped into action at a moment’s notice, making it a fun day for everyone involved.
“Changing things up at the last minute is always a challenge, but kudos to the Schenectady group for getting the ice and putting together a great program,” Gallagher said. “I talked to a few people who were helping out, whether it be off ice or on ice, and everyone said it went perfectly.”
The day turned into a community event with volunteers coming from surrounding towns like Troy/Albany, Clifton Park and Bethlehem. Whether it was helping girls get properly fitted with equipment or tying skates, “everybody pitched in, and it was all hands on deck,” Gallagher said.
According to Linda Groff, the NYSAHA secretary who organized the Girls Only Try Hockey for Free event, plans are already in the works to make this an annual staple on the calendar. Given the success of the inaugural event and a year to plan next year’s event, the momentum will only build in the future.
“A huge thank you to everyone who participated, from the players and families to our incredible team of volunteers and organizers,” Groff said. “NYSAHA is committed to growing girls’ hockey across New York, and we can’t wait to see more young athletes hit the ice in the future.”