The varsity girls’ ice hockey team has found success on the ice this year, achieving a record of 14-5 in addition to improved stats and performance compared to the  2021-2022 season. The team has devoted time to improving their skill set and team dynamic in order to have a more successful season.

Having a good relationship with teammates on and off the ice is something that assistant coach Taylor Shaheen is crucial for quality performance. Shaheen stresses the importance of team bonding, as she feels it is very beneficial to the team’s playing abilities. 

“The team is a unit, they are all friends, they work hard and they have fun playing together,” Shaheen said. “Everyone is a team player, and everyone has a positive attitude.”

The team’s bond has been noted by parents in the stands. Parent Nicol Brumme believes the team’s bond has helped them to push each other to improve and strengthen their relationships through off-ice bonding activities. She feels that the team bonding that happens outside of practice is just as important to their success as their practice and training are. 

“Me, as well as many of the other parents, help create team bonding experiences by hosting pasta parties, hanging out together at the games, and rooting on our team whether they win or lose,” Brumme said. 

The team’s positive energy has brought many players back to the team, including junior Ella Dobbs. With both returning players and new athletes joining, the team continues to grow in terms of skill and experience, according to Dobbs. 

“The season has gone pretty great and we have more experienced players,” Dobbs said. “All the freshmen this year have come from travel teams so we have definitely gotten better.”

Although the team gained seven new players, the roster is still small compared to other schools. With low numbers, each team member has to work hard without much time to rest in between shifts, according to Brumme.  

“The team still has a short bench, which means not as many players as we wish,” Brumme said. “The girls have to play shift after shift with not many breaks. They give it their all on the ice and play hard.” 

Throughout the season, the players have learned to push through their fatigue to find success. With their achievements so far this season, Dobbs is hoping to make a successful run in the playoffs, which start on March 4.

“Last year we did not have a lot of chances because we did not have as many experienced players,” Dobbs said. “We have the chance this year to maybe make it into the finals and state champions, and I can see that in the future for us.”

With the team’s accomplishments thus far, Shaheen is proud to see the improvement and the positivity from each individual. She hopes to see continued growth from players moving forward and applauds the girls for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

“I have been absolutely blown away,” Shaheen said. “These girls are extremely well-rounded student-athletes and they really leave everything out on the ice.”