Girls varsity ice hockey embraces a fresh start By: Allie Mattes & elliott Jarvi
BEFORE YOU READ | The girls varsity ice hockey team played their home opener on Nov. 16 against Ann Arbor Skyron, coming out on top with a score of 3-2. Winning this game against a team in a division above them gives them hope for a successful upcoming season. With the addition of multiple rookie players, there has been new excitement and energy brought to their team.
RENEWING THEIR ENERGY | Since last season, the girls hockey team has immensely improved their locker room according to junior Paige Martin. The team has been able to add fresh carpet, new paint and colorful lights to the locker room through numerous fundraising events and support of the booster club, Martin believes that the renovations have provided the team with an even greater motivation before the game. “My favorite locker room tradition is dancing before a game right before we go on the ice,” Martin said. “It is super fun and it makes me excited to play.”
PHOTO CREDIT | Allie Mattes
FUELING TEAM GREATNESS | Growing their team this year from 11 players to 20 players, the girls ice hockey team encourages players of all experiences to join. Junior Leah Burney joined the team as a freshman, hoping to make new friendships, and many girls have followed her lead, aspiring to meet new people and acquire new skills. “I wanted to keep playing hockey and meet new people when I was a freshman,” Burney said.
PHOTO CREDIT | Elliott Jarvi
GLIDING THROUGH TIME | The eight returning players have been playing hockey with each other for as long as they can remember. Growing up in and out of the rink together, the girls have got to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses as hockey has grown them closer to each other. “Playing with my friends is so fun,” Martin said. “I have been playing with them for so long so it makes it easy to make good plays, also communicating with them is a lot easier because we are so close.”
PHOTO CREDIT | Elliott Jarvi
FUN BEYOND THE ICE | Bonding together outside of the hockey rink is one of junior Ava Villani’s favorite parts about her team. Whether it’s pasta parties or game days, Villani notes that the team has created an atmosphere welcoming everyone. “Pasta parties are important for our team because they are a chance where we all get to be together and bond,” Villani said. “The level of excitement on game days are always very high because we always pump eachother up.”
PHOTO CREDIT | Elliott Jarvi
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS | Although the girls varsity ice hockey team has nearly doubled in players, they remain closer than ever. As a returning player, senior Annie Cleland believes that the team members have gone from being just teammates to becoming close friends. Along with the tight bonds they share, Cleland acknowledges that having more teammates allows players to have a moment to breathe during the game. “I like having a bigger team because it gives us returners a chance to have a break during games but I don't think it's changed the dynamic much,” Cleland said.
PHOTO CREDIT | Elliott Jarvi
FINDING THEIR MISSING PIECE | Participating in her fifth season coaching high school girls ice hockey and her third season with North, Taylor Shaheen has been promoted to the head coaching position. Her love for the game and her players is just a small reflection of the impact she aspires to have on the program. “My main goal is for all of the girls to have fun,” Shaheen said. “Ultimately, it would be to grow the program, increase every player's skill level and create a winning culture where the girls can be themselves.”
PHOTO CREDIT | Elliott Jarvi