By Alexa Willrich, Staff Reporter
Last year, 11 seniors on the girls’ ice hockey team graduated. To adjust, the team expanded its JV program to include more games and has been working with many of the younger players to fill the gaps. The team currently has 30 members with 10 varsity, 10 swing and 10 JV players.
After six practices and four JV games this fall, the girls’ ice hockey coaches can already see improvements in many of their newer players and have optimistic views for the upcoming season.
“We definitely lost a lot of our talented players last year, but a lot of the new girls are really stepping it up and improving a lot, especially with the JV games,” senior and captain Lila Valdesalice said.
The girls’ ice hockey team expanded its program to now have 15 JV games this fall season. This opportunity gives many of the newer and less experienced players a chance to play with opponents at the same level and learn the rules of the game in a less stressful environment.
“The number of JV games is a lot more, and you just play them for fun. I feel like that’s good for all the new people because they can learn the rules and not be punished for it,” freshman player Flora Valdesalice said.
The team practices most Mondays and every Tuesday. During practices, the team splits into groups based on skill and experience, so the coaches can help certain players with specific things they need to work on. This gives many girls the opportunity to get one-on-one help and advice from coaches.
“They are all so nice, and they always help me. The coaches are the best people in the world, and it’s just the best environment ever. I’m always looking forward to seeing them,” sophomore player Leticia Amorim said.
The coaches and captains have already seen improvements in many of the players, showing that their approach and the expansion in playing time for junior varsity has been proven beneficial.
“Our players learn and develop in amazing ways. They’re great kids, and it’s just fun to be around them,” head coach Tony Parisi said. “We’re grateful every time we get on the ice with them. We have kids who already this year have improved dramatically.”
Alexa Willrich can be reached at [email protected].
