The beginning of 2026 saw NGHL players achieve amazing milestones, including the opportunity to skate on the world stage.

IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship

Tereza Gildainová, Team Czechia, Lovell Academy
Chyna Taylor & Annabelle Lovell, Team USA, Lovell Academy
Kjara Zelubovska, Team Latvia, Biosteel Academy
Jemma Stevens, Team Great Britian, California Goldrush
Montse Del Castillo, Team Espana, Mountain Selects

2026 Torino Olympics

NGHL alum Marta Mazzocchi (Ironbound Elite> Trinity College) played for Team Italy in the 2026 Torino Olympics. Despite being the lowest-ranked team, Italy finished in the top eight, ultimately falling to Team USA in the quarterfinals. 

Marta took 2025-26 off from school to skate with the team and prepare. She’ll head back to Trinity College (NESCAC) in 2026-27.

Marta Mazzocchi, Team Italia, 2026 Torino Olympics

Repost from Sports Illustrated Kids, Decemeber 30, 2025

It would be easy to look at hockey phenom Chyna Taylor’s résumé and assume she was SportsKid of the Year material from the start. In 2024, when she was just 15 years old, Chyna was the youngest player on the U-18 national team. It made her the first person from Kentucky to ever play at the national level in men’s or women’s hockey. And at the world championships in 2025, she was named best player for her team when the U.S. took home silver against Canada.

On a more local level, she also excels. At Lovell Academy in Massachusetts, where Chyna lives and trains, she holds both the boys and girls’ records for most goals, assists, and points by a defenseman. She had 110 points last year, a total she passed by mid-December this season.

Last summer, Chyna committed to playing for the University of Wisconsin. It’s one of the best programs in the country, and the school she wanted most of all, but before she could say yes she had to take a few calls. On June 15, the day when universities were officially allowed to contact players, 30 programs called expressing interest. The phone started ringing just after midnight.

“She’s the best in the country,” says Chyna’s coach at Lovell Academy, Caitrin Lonergan. Like any good mentor and coach, Lonergan puts that into a healthy perspective.“But she wasn’t always.” Chyna grew up playing hockey in Louisville on coed teams and was known for being a great skater, with good edge work and an incredible feel for the ice. Those were things she picked up through figure skating, which she started at age 4.“I only skated for a year because I thought it was kind of boring,”Chyna says.“I was more of a competitive player, not so into individual sports.”

It helped produce outstanding skating, but her hockey game was underdeveloped. “We recruited her last,”Lonergan says about Chyna’s incoming class at Lovell. At 12 years old, the new recruit was good enough for the team, but just barely. Lonergan says it was Chyna’s athleticism that stood out.“It was off the charts,” she says.“I remember talking to [academy] owner, Tim Lovell, and saying,‘This kid has a 27-inch vertical jump.’When Kacey Bellamy was on the Olympic team, she had a 27-inch vertical jump. That number was unheard of, especially for a 12-year-old girl.” 

Kentucky isn’t known for turning out star hockey players, and Chyna certainly stands out in a sport that is predominantly white. When she spends time at home in Louisville, she says it’s incredible to see the support. Scholarships from groups like the Black Girl Hockey Club and Black Bear Youth Hockey Foundation also highlight her community’s pride and belief in what she can do. Only three Black women currently play in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, making Chyna’s visible excellence all the more important as the sport strives to become more inclusive.

As she steps into bigger roles and the pressure builds, Chyna’s love for the game helps tune out the noise.“I definitely understand the big moments,” she says,“but I just try to stay calm about it. Because it really is just fun.” Lonergan says the kid has ice in her veins: “Chyna is so calm under pressure–she never cracks. She’s just a cool kid. ”Very cool. Lonergan cites a recent example: “We had the state This website uses cookies and other tracking technologies to enhance user experience and to analyze performance and traffic on our website. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising, and analytics partners. If we have detected an opt-out preference signal, then it will be honored. Further information is available in our Cookie Policy. tournament, Chyna led our team in goals, assists, and points. She’s become a true offensive defenseman. When we needed a goal in the semifinal, who gets the breakaway? Chyna does. And she scores the goal.”

With a trip to the world championships just around the corner, the U-18 star can add SportsKid of the Year to her growing list of achievements. Chyna says,“I always loved hockey, but I never expected any of this.” Chyna is a quiet kid who loves her friends and spends her free time doing what many girls her age love to do: Taking trips to Target. But she is laser-focused about achieving her long-term goals. She may not have anticipated ever being this good, but now she has her sights set on the biggest goal of all. Chyna says, “I want to be an Olympian.”

Every season, the state of women’s hockey grows. 

The 2026 NC (D1) women’s ice hockey championship begins with regionals from March 12-15. The 2026 women’s NCAA Frozen Four is March 20-22 at Pegula Ice Arena in University Park, PA. Upcoming conference semi & Championship games…

The 2026 DIII women’s hockey championship begins with the first round on Saturday, March 14. The 2026 women’s NCAA Frozen Four is March 27-29 at River Falls, Wisconsin. Upcoming conference semi and Championship games…

March 7, 2026

  • WNE University vs Endicott College, CNE Championship
  • UMass Boston v Norwich University, LEC Championship
  • Arcadia vs Wilkes, MAC Championship
  • Gustavus Adolphus vs Saint Benedict, MIAC Championship
  • Rivier vs Worcester State, MASCAC Championship
  • Middlebury vs. Colby, NESCAC Semi-Final
  • Amherst vs. Williams, NESCAC Semi-Final
  • Adrian College vs Norbert College, NCHA Championship
  • Plattsburgh vs Cortland, SUNYAC Championship
  • Nazareth College vs Elmira College, UCHC Championship
  • UW – Eau Claire vs UW- River Falls, WIAC Championship

March 8, 2026

  • NESCAC Championship

And of course, the PWHL teams are setting attendance records every time they play. The league announced sellouts for upcoming games at Madison Square Garden and TD Garden, both of which will surpass the Seattle record of 17,335. The New York Sirens will make their MSG debut on April 4 against the Torrent, with a capacity crowd of more than 18,000 expected.

In our corner of the hockey world…

We saw amazing milestones achieved by some of the NGHL players who had the opportunity to skate in the international forum:

NGHL Championships

With passionate athletes and strong support from families and coaches, the NGHL Championship showcases the continued growth of girls’ hockey while providing a memorable and highly competitive experience for all involved.  It was especially great to see so many of you over the weekend and to have the chance to reconnect. Congratulations to: 

USA Hockey

Some of our teams have already won their spot in USAH Nationals, and others are starting their State and District games this weekend. Good luck to all – we’ll be watching! If you have any milestones you want to share with us, please email us at info@nghlhcokey.com.

Thank you for your support of the NGHL 2025-26 season.

Repost from blackbearyouthhockeyfoundation.com

Two of the recipients of the Black Bear Youth Hockey Foundation scholarships are making their mark on girls’ hockey across the United States. 

Chyna Taylor, a member of the National Girls Hockey League’s Lovell Academy Lions, saw lots of on-ice success this season.  In their second year in the NGHL, Taylor helped lead the 14U AAA Lovell Academy Lions to the NGHL Championship and Massachusetts State Championship. They finished their remarkable season falling to the eventual national champions in the USA Hockey National Semifinals this April where Taylor was named to the All-Tournament team. 

Lovell Academy Lions 14U AAA
Vegas Jr Golden Knights 14U AA

Nicolette Gentile, a member of the NGHL’s Vegas Jr. Golden Knights, finished their season as the USA Hockey National Champions at the 14U AA A Division this spring. Gentile and her team, coached by Gordie Mark, have made their mark in the youth hockey world, showing that hockey truly does belong in the desert. 

The Black Bear Youth Hockey Foundation supported 64 different players this season, providing over $40,000 in scholarships to those players. Black Bear Youth Hockey Foundation was formed in 2020 to remove financial barriers to youth hockey. Through individual grants and sponsored programming, the foundation’s goal is to increase American youth hockey participation ​and ease the financial stress that many families undertake to afford equipment and ice time. Youth hockey cultivates friendships, teamwork, and accountability. Most importantly, players develop a lifetime passion for the sport. Join us today and donate as we lend a hand to the next generation of hockey players to create opportunities for all children to play ice hockey.

Although the 2023-24 season was filled with many exhilarating moments, February is the month when the NGHL crowns its champions. As the season culminated in three weekends of determination, several teams rose to the occasion, etching their names in the annals of NGHL history.

Leading the charge in the NGHL Championship, Red Division, in a sweep across all age groups, were the formidable Lovell Academy Lions. Dominating their respective categories, the Lions showcased their prowess and teamwork, securing victories in the 14U, 16U, and 19U divisions. Their consistency and dedication throughout the season were truly commendable, setting a high standard for aspiring hockey players everywhere.

In the Futures Division, the Ironbound Elite emerged triumphant in the 12U Red division category, displaying a blend of talent and tenacity that propelled them to success. Similarly, Krivo Hockey demonstrated their skill and determination in the 12U Blue division, clinching the championship title and leaving a lasting impression on fans and competitors alike.

Shifting focus to the NGHL Championship, Blue Division, the Lake City White Caps stood tall as the champions in the 14U category, leaving no doubt about their capabilities on the ice. In the 16U division, the Coeur D’Alene Lady Thunder emerged as worthy champions and inspiring respect with their skillful play. Rounding off the champions in the Blue Division were the Middlesex Bears in the 19U category. Their grit was on full display as they battled their way to victory.

Congratulations to all the champions of the NGHL season. Beyond the thrill of victory and the glory of hoisting the championship trophy, these teams exemplified the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication that lie at the heart of youth hockey. Their achievements serve as a testament to the countless hours of hard work put in by players, coaches, and staff behind the scenes. As we celebrate these champions, we eagerly anticipate the continued development and success of these talented teams and the promising future that lies ahead for the NGHL.

We also recognize the dedication of the coaches, managers, and supporters who make moments like these possible. Their unwavering commitment to fostering a love for the game and providing a platform for young female athletes to excel is truly inspirational.

Repost from MY Hockey Rankings, January 12, 2024

For our Week 17 Games of the Week, we will be tracking girls’ and boys’ tournaments in the Northeastern part of the United States. On the girls’ side, will be highlighting the National Girls Hockey League (NGHL) MLK Winter Classic outside of Philadelphia. The tournament includes teams in the NGHL Red Division at the 14U, 16U, and 19U age levels.

The NGHL Red Division is comprised of USA Girls Tier 1 and top Tier 2 programs. Celebrating its fifth year, the NGHL is dedicated to the promotion and growth of girls’ ice hockey programs across the United States and supports its member clubs’ vision for player-focused development and progression to higher levels. Member and guest teams compete in league play, showcases, and exposure clinics from age 10U through 19U.

This weekend’s NGHL Red MLK Winter Classic gets underway Saturday and runs through Monday at the Revolution Ice Gardens and Bucks County Ice in Warminster, Pa. Both of these facilities are serviced by LiveBarn, so all of the games should be available to watch live and on-demand via webstream.

We are going to be focusing on the 14U Division for the NGHL MLK Winter Classic. This year’s NGHL Red Division MLK Winter Classic features more than 50 games being played by more than 20 teams Saturday through Monday at the 14U, 16U, and 19U levels. For our Week 17 Games of the Week, we are focusing on the 14U Division at the NGHL MLK Winter Classic. At the 14U level, two top-10 Tier 1 National Bound teams will be competing along with the Nos. 18, 28, and 40 Tier 1 teams and the No. 9 Tier 2 club. Play gets underway at 8:30 a.m. Saturday for the 14U teams. Here is a look at the weekend’s top matchups:

Saturday’s Top NGHL 14U Games

In one of the weekend’s matchups, the No. 9 Jr. Flyers tied the game in the third period on Caroline Coen’s power-play goal then won it on Allyson Dembzynski’s shootout goal as goalie Kaitlyn Larson stopped all three Valley attempts. Ashylyn Jacobs and Madeline Allen also scored for the Jr. Flyers, while Cadence Crowley, Lauren Dockray, and Brooke Carlson tallied for the Jr. Warriors. 

In a matchup of top-10 Tier 1 National Bound USA Girls teams, Lovell sprinted to a 3-0 first-period lead but needed Aubryn Monter’s game-winning shorthanded toal with 1:38 left in regulation after the Jr. Flyers stormed back to tie the game at 4 with 4:12 remaining. Trailing 4-1 late in the second period, Philadelphia got three-straight goals from Allyson Dembzynski, Ashlyn Jacobs, and Madeline Allen to set up Monter’s heroics. Lauren Steward also scored for the Jr. Flyers. Sydney Stoughton, Montana Morris, Grace Hilderbrandt, and Annabelle Lovell scored for the Lions. Peyton Scott stopped 14 shots to earn the win in goal for Lovell, while Ella Rajnys had 27 saves for the Jr. Flyers. 

Monday’s Top NGHL 14U Games

The NGHL Fall Classic, Futures West Tournament, held in Omaha over the Columbus Day weekend, was a remarkable display of talent, teamwork, and sheer determination, as our youngest players had a chance to compete at their level and gain valuable experience. It was also the perfect opportunity to shine – the event saw several sensational hat tricks.

12U Division 

Regan Erickson
Cheryl Gann
Addison Ties
Parker Vecellio
Penny Phelps

10U Division 

Genevieve Shuman
Hazel Rinkes
Madison Gover

The NGHL Fall Classic, Futures West was a celebration of youth hockey talent. The hat tricks scored by these young players exemplified the potential and promise of the sport. As these talented athletes continue to develop and hone their skills, they are sure to make a significant impact on the world of hockey in the years to come.

Read more on NGHL NEWS.

Photos by Maddie Braun

The Buffalo State women’s hockey team demonstrated their dedication to growing the game and empowering young female athletes by leading NGHL’s free girls’ hockey clinic in celebration of IIHF Girls Hockey Weekend, on October 7, 2023.

With enthusiasm and skill, these accomplished players acted as inspiring mentors for the next generation of female hockey stars. Their expertise and guidance on the ice, combined with their passion for the sport, created an inclusive and welcoming environment for girls 8U-12U to develop their skills, fostering a sense of camaraderie and empowerment.

This initiative not only showcased the team’s commitment to the sport but also highlighted the significance of gender equality in the world of hockey, making the event a resounding success and a testament to the positive impact of IIHF Girls Hockey Weekend.

About the World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend. The World Girls’ Ice Hockey Weekend is a global awareness campaign for girls to try out hockey as a new sport. Thousands of participants took part since the start in 2011. Women’s ice hockey is one of the fastest growing sports in the world thanks to events like this one and similar programs that are being run in many countries.

About Buffalo State Women’s Ice Hockey. Buffalo State Women’s Hockey team is an NCAA Division III team playing in the NEWHL conference.

Read more on NGHL NEWS.

Over the Columbus Day weekend, the NGHL hosted four distinct competitive events that catered to hockey players of all ages and skill levels and welcomed teams – 1300+ players – from 21 states – California to Massachusetts, Ontario (not a state!) to Florida. 

Fall Classic: The Fall Classic in Syracuse, a staple in our Red Division calendar, showcased the highest level of competition in girls’ hockey, bringing together talented teams from across the northeast. The games were intense, and the players demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. A Michigan by Lily Winckler, Winchendon 16U lit up social media.

FEIA V MIDDLESEX BEARS
ROCHESTER JR AMERICANS
WINCHENDON

Columbus Day Showcase: Our third year in Pittsburgh, athletes at this event demonstrate their readiness, dedication, and teamwork. With players from multiple states, teams brought their unique style and approach to the game. The first Michigan of the weekend came from Coeur D’Alene 16U player Jessica Bobiles. 

Coeur D’Alene Lady Thunder
HHHA Lady Jaguars
White Caps

Congratulations to these division winners: 

Fall Classic Futures East and West: For our up-and-coming stars, the Fall Classic Futures events are the perfect opportunity to shine. With an East – Buffalo – and West – Omaha – division, young players had a chance to compete at their level and gain valuable experience. These events foster a sense of camaraderie and growth among our youngest players.

Boston Advatnage V Utica Jr Comets
Buffalo Bisons
Buffalo Regals

Congratulations to the East winners: 

Congratulations to the West winners: 

Kanasas City Storm
Krivo HC
Texas Heat

Read more on NGHL NEWS.

Labor Day weekend in Connecticut brought an electrifying surge of excitement as the National Girls Hockey League (NGHL) hosted its Labor Day Challenge from September 2nd to September 4th, 2023. The NGHL, known for promoting and developing female ice hockey, welcomed over 55 teams and more than 1,000 talented players from across the United States. 

Labor Day Challenge was a melting pot of hockey talent, with teams hailing from various states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Arizona, North Carolina, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Florida, and New Hampshire. This diverse participation emphasized the universal appeal of ice hockey and the growth of women’s hockey across the nation.

The tournament featured players ranging from 12U to high school seniors, ensuring that every level of talent had a chance to shine on the ice. Labor Day Challenge was a platform for aspiring female hockey players to exhibit their prowess on the rink. It wasn’t just about winning; it was about the camaraderie, determination, and sheer love for the game that shone through every player. Spectators witnessed skill, teamwork, and strategic thinking throughout the weekend.

Congratulations to these division winners!!

The NGHL Labor Day Challenge has been a pivotal event in promoting girl’s hockey. By offering a stage for young and talented players to compete, the NGHL fosters a sense of empowerment among female athletes. The tournament inspires girls to dream big and pursue their passion for hockey, knowing that they are part of a growing and supportive community.

LDC highlighted the growing prominence of women’s ice hockey and served as an inspiration for young girls with dreams of making it big in the sport. As we look forward to future editions of this prestigious tournament, we can only anticipate even greater moments of skill, dedication, and the unwavering spirit of female athletes. The NGHL Labor Day Challenge is more than just a hockey tournament; it’s a celebration of the passion and talent that make women’s hockey an extraordinary and growing force in the world of sports.

Read more on NGHL NEWS.