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. 

• Team USA WON GOLD! Team USA dominated women’s hockey at the 2026 Olympics and, after an 8-year dry spell, came home with the gold medal. 🥇
• This weekend, the AAU College Hockey Women’s Nationals take place in Florida. https://aausports.org/ice-hockey/collegiate-hockey/aau-national-championship-tournament-central
• The ACAH National Championships will return to St Louis, March 15-22. Liberty University (W1) and Sault College (W2) will defend their titles. https://www.achahockey.org/2026-national-tournament

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…

• March 6, 2026
• Cornell vs. Yale, ECAC Semi-Final
• Quinnipiac vs. Princeton, ECAC Semi-Final
• March 7, 2026
• Mercyhurst vs. Penn State, AHA Championship
• Ohio State vs. Wisconsin, WCHA Championship
• Northeastern vs. U. Connecticut, Hockey East Championship
• Saint Anselm vs. Franklin Pierce, NEWHA Championship

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…

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:

• Team USA’s Chyna Taylor and Annabelle Lovell (Lovell Academy) won gold at the 2026 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship. 
• Team Czechia’s Terezea Gildainová and Ester Skálová-Rosenbaunová (Lovell Academy) won Bronze at the 2026 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship. 
• IIHF U18 Women’s World, Division 1,  Group B
  • Alyssa Lim (OHA), Jasmine Chen (Biosteel Academy), and Chelsea Tsvirko (PTL) skated on Team Australia
  • Jemma Steven (California Goldrush) was between the pipes for Team Great Britain
• IIHF U18 Women’s World, Division 2,  Group A
  • Kjara Zelubovska (Biosteel Academy) skated for Team Latvia, winning bronze 🥉 
  • Nerhys Gordon (Biosteel Academy) skated for Team New Zealand. 
• IIHF U18 Women’s World, Division 2,  Group B
  • Team Chinese Taipei’s Jackie Hong (Team Long Island) came home with the bronze medal 🥉 
• NGHL alumni 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. 

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: 

• 12U Futures Division – Caroline Jr Hurricanes. Finalists RM Lady Rough Riders.
• 14U Red Division – Lovell Academy Lions. Finalists CT Jr Rangers.
• 16U Red Division – Syracuse Valley Eagles. Finalist Lovell Academy Lions 16-2.
• 19U Red Division – Lovell Academy Lions. Finalist Biosteel Academy.
• 19U Red Division, Silver – Team Long Island. Finalist Utah Lady Grizzlies. 
• 14U Blue Division, Blue – Philadelphia Jr Flyers Black. Finalist Northshore Warhawks.
• 14U Blue Division, Grey – Indiana Elite. Finalist Tampa Bay Lightning.
• 16U Blue Division, Blue – California Goldrush. Finalist Chicago Hawks.
• 16U Blue Division, Grey – Saugerties Fillies. Finalist HTX Storm. 
• 19U Blue Division, Gold – Chicago Hawks. Finalist Nashville Jr Predators.
• 19U Blue Division, Silver – RM Lady Rough Riders. Finalist New Mexico Mustangs.

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.

Black Bear Sports Group will manage and maintain Adelard Arena while Mount continues facility ownership

October 8, 2024 (WOONSOCKET) – Mount Saint Charles Academy (MSC) has entered into a long-term agreement for Black Bear Sports Group to manage the historic Adelard Arena. As part of that agreement, Black Bear Sports will assume all facility operations functions. In addition, Black Bear Sports will also assume management of the National Powerhouse Academy hockey teams including the Junior Mounties USA Hockey teams, formerly known as the Rhode Island Saint M’s. Mount Saint Charles will retain ownership of the storied arena.

As part of the transaction, Bruce Berard will be named President of the Junior Mounties. Bruce and his family are legends in the New England hockey community and his involvement in this transaction will also be instrumental to our hockey teams’ success.

“This is a great evolution of our hockey academy and Adelard Arena – by entering into a multi-faceted partnership with a group like Black Bear that has the expertise in elite sports management to accelerate the growth of all of our programs,” said Mount President Alan Tenreiro. “By having Black Bear take over managing those programs and that arena, it frees up school resources so we can do what we do best: cultivating a school community that educates the whole student.”

The nationally recognized hockey academy, home of the U14 USA Hockey National Champions, will continue to offer the same experience for student-athletes who are members of the academy teams under the direction of Devin Rask. Students who are part of the academy will continue to benefit from Mount Saint Charles’ top tier academic and extracurricular programs, and they will continue to be members of the re-christened Junior Mounties at the U14, U15, U16, and U18 levels. Black Bear Sports Group will maintain and upgrade the arena, manage scheduling and marketing of the building’s facilities, and manage the Junior Mountie coaching staff, schedules, and teams. Black Bear Sports will also investigate the installation of an additional sheet of ice adjacent to Adelard Arena.

The facility’s upkeep and improvements also benefit Mount Saint Charles Academy’s NEPSAC-affiliated prep school varsity, junior varsity, and middle school teams. In addition, Mount’s champion-producing Sur la Glace figure skating program will also continue to call Adelard Arena home.

Tenreiro continued: “Continuous improvement of all of our facilities, whether through partnerships like this one or direct investments like our new athletic fields, benefits all of our students. NEPSAC competitive athletes and gym classes are obvious benefactors, of course, but the school events will bring students together in these improved spaces.”

“What Mount Saint Charles has created is unparalleled in New England – a true school based academy with elite, Nationally ranked hockey teams,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear Sports Group. “We thank them for the opportunity to build on their prior success and believe that involving this rink and their teams in our family of rinks, leagues and tournaments will elevate both of us to even greater success.”

“We’re excited about all of our hockey teams – the Junior Mounties and our NEPSAC prep school teams – playing on the Adelard ice this season,” continued Tenreiro. “This opens doors for extending the academy concept to girls’ teams in the future, and continuing to provide top quality facilities for all of our athletes.” 

Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty and Blackstreet Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams, and youth sports events. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, markets with a National Hockey League club presence, and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. The largest owner/operator of ice arenas in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 40 facilities across the United States with 76 sheets of indoor ice, 40 youth hockey clubs, four hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, Tier 1 Hockey Federation, and National Girls Hockey League), two tournament businesses (Defender Hockey Tournaments and The Show Tournaments), eight Junior “A” hockey teams with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, USPHL NCDC, USPHL Premier and Elite, and Foundry Adult Hockey, the largest adult hockey organization in the USA. Black Bear TV, the broadcasting arm of Black Bear, now reaches nearly 100 sheets of ice and has quickly established itself as one of the largest hockey broadcasters in the U.S.

The Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation is excited for its first Federation Education Series guest this season. This series will feature presentations for our players, families, and coaches on the landscape of hockey and Player Development. The first presentation will feature Ken Martel from USA Hockey. 

With over 25 years of experience in player development and a long history as a coach with USA Hockey, Ken Martel was named senior director of player and coach development in November 2022. He is charged with helping provide a framework for associations nationwide to follow for optimal athlete development.

Martel has made appearances behind the bench of nine U.S. teams that have competed in International Ice Hockey Federation World Championships, including four times with the U.S. National Under-18 Team (2000-04), four times with the U.S. National Junior Team (2004, 2006, 2008-09) and once with the U.S. Women’s National Team (2007).

All are welcome to attend however, the presentation is targeted toward 8U to 12U ages. The presentation will cover player development, growth in hockey, what makes for a great youth sports experience, learning in an athletic context, and more.

“Intro to Hockey”

Date: Wednesday, October 16th 

Time: 7:00 pm EST

RSVP: Register here

This webinar will take approximately 30 minutes with time for a Q&A

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. 

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.

Blackstreet Capital Holdings affiliate Black Bear to manage arena in Detroit

Brighton, MI – An affiliate of Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. (“Black Bear”) has taken over the operations of the arena commonly known as the Kensington Valley Ice House (the “Arena”).  The Arena features three ice sheets, a bar/restaurant and a concessions area. The Arena is home to the Kensington Valley Hockey Association, Brighton High School, South Lyon Unified, and various other local high schools, clubs and adult hockey leagues. Black Bear, the largest owner-operator of ice rinks in the U.S., was founded by CEO Murry Gunty in 2015.

​“Detroit-East Lansing is a powerhouse hockey and figure skating market and we are proud to now operate four facilities and ten sheets of ice in the region,” said Murry Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear. “Hockey is a way of life in Brighton and the surrounding communities, and we look forward to providing customers with a first-class facility for many years to come.”

The Arena is located east of Brighton, right off I-96, and is situated between Black Bear’s other facilities in East Lansing and Ann Arbor.  All existing programming at the Arena will continue as planned and Black Bear is pleased to retain the employees at the rink.

“We look forward to working with the clubs and organizations based out of Kensington Valley,” said Ryan Scott, Vice President at Black Bear. “KVHA and Brighton High School are very strong programs with robust community support. We look forward to sharing our hockey resources and supporting the winning traditions these clubs have established.”

The transaction closed on February 1st, 2024.

About Black Bear Sports Group, Inc.

Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty and Blackstreet Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams, and youth sports events. Black Bear arenas are clean, professionally managed, and offer world-class recreational programs. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, markets with a National Hockey League club presence, and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. Black Bear not only features the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas but also the expertise required to turn around mismanaged or underperforming facilities. The largest owner/operator of ice arenas in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 37 facilities across the United States with 72 sheets of indoor ice, 4 indoor turf fields, 34 youth hockey clubs, four hockey leagues (Atlantic Hockey Federation, Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation, Tier 1 Hockey Federation, National Girls Hockey League), two tournament businesses (Defender Hockey Tournaments and The Show Tournaments), seven Junior “A” hockey franchises with membership in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League, USPHL NCDC, USPHL Premier and Elite, and the Eastern Hockey League, and Foundry Adult Hockey, the largest adult hockey organization in the USA.

National Girls Hockey League and Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation member Princeton Tiger Lilies’ General Manager, Shelley Looney, has recently been honored with induction into the prestigious Beanpot Hall of Fame. Hailing from Brownstown, MI, Looney is a distinguished figure in women’s hockey, having been a key member of the first US Women’s Olympic Hockey team that clinched gold in Nagano in 1998.

During her collegiate years at Northeastern University, Looney, who proudly wore the captain’s “C” for the Huskies in her senior year, showcased exceptional skill, amassing 68 goals and 59 assists for a remarkable 127 points in just 106 games. Her pivotal role in the 1994 Beanpot Championship against Harvard, where she contributed a goal and two assists, played a crucial part in the Huskies’ triumphant 6-2 victory, earning her the coveted Beanpot MVP title.

Recognizing her outstanding contributions, Looney was named to the Beanpot’s 40th Anniversary All-Women’s team in 2018. Adding to her accolades, she was formally inducted into the Hall of Fame last week, just before the 2024 Championship game. Remarkably, her alma mater once again emerged victorious in the tournament, echoing the triumph she and the 1994 Huskies achieved three decades earlier.

In Summer of 2023, Looney assumed the role of General Manager for the Princeton Tiger Lilies, marking a new chapter in her illustrious career. Prior to this, she had distinguished herself as a coach at Lindenwood University, University of Vermont, the Buffalo Beauts (NWHL/PHF) and various coaching roles within the Team USA Women’s National Team programs. As one of the trailblazers of women’s hockey in the United States, Looney boasts an impressive resume, including 1 Olympic Gold (where she scored the game-winning goal in the 1998 Gold Medal Game), 1 Olympic Silver, 7 World Championship Silvers, and 1 World Championship Gold. Her legacy continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations in the sport.

About Princeton Tiger Lilies
Since 1992, Princeton Tiger Lilies has fielded competitive Tier I and Tier II teams at various age levels. PTL is committed to providing elite hockey training, education, mentorship, and resources. They invest in player development at all levels, tailoring their programs specifically to their athletes to help them achieve their goals.

Many of their coaches are women who played at the highest levels, including NCAA Division I, professional, and the national team. They are passionate about growing the game and sharing their knowledge and experience to develop our players into strong, confident leaders.

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

• 8:30 a.m. at Bucks County Ice #1 – #9 T2 Philadelphia Jr. Flyers (7), #40 T1 Carolina Jr. Hurricanes (1)
• 10:00 a.m. at Bucks County Ice #1 – #18 Valley Jr. Warriors (7), Syracuse Valley Eagles (1)
• 11:30 a.m. at Bucks County Ice #2 – Lovell Academy Lions (5), #28 Rochester Americans (0)
• 2:30 p.m. at Bucks County Ice #1 – Syracuse Valley Eagles (2), #40 Carolina Jr. Hurricanes (4)
• 4:00 p.m. at Bucks County Ice #1 – #18 Valley Jr. Warriors (5), #28 Rochester Jr. Americans (3)
• 7:45 a.m. at Revolution Ice Gardens #2 – #9 T2 Philadelphia Jr. Flyers (4), Syracuse Valley Eagles (0)
• 8:00 a.m. at Revolution Ice Gardens #1 – #28 Rochester Jr. Americans (4). #40 Carolina Jr. Hurricanes (3)
• 9:30 a.m. at Bucks County Ice #1 – #18 Valley Jr. Warriors (3), #9 T1 Philadelphia Jr. Flyers (4) – SO

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. 

• 12:40 p.m. at Revolution Ice Gardens #1 – #2 Lovell Academy Lions (5),  #40 Carolina Jr. Hurricanes (2)
• 2:00 p.m. at Revolution Ice Gardens #2 – #18 Valley Jr. Warriors (7),  #9 T2 Philadelphia Jr. Flyers (1)
• 3:00 p.m. at Bucks County Ice #1 – Syracuse Valley Eagles (0), #28 Rochester Jr. Americans (5)
• 6:00 p.m. at Bucks County Ice #1 – No. 2 Lovell Academy Lions (5), #9 T1 Philadelphia Jr. Flyers (4)

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

• 7:00 a.m. at Revolution Ice Gardens #1 – #18 Valley Jr. Warriors (7), #40 Carolina Jr. Canes (1)
• 8:30 a.m. at Revolution Ice Gardens #1 – #2 Lovell Academy Lions (11), Syracuse Valley Eagles (0)
• 10:00 a.m. at Revolution Ice Gardens #1 – #9 T2 Philadelphia Jr. Flyers (0), #28 Rochester J

Reposted by Black Bear Youth Hockey Foundation

In a significant stride towards fostering inclusivity in youth hockey, the Black Bear Youth Hockey Foundation proudly announces its scholarship recipients for the 2023-24 season, providing a total of $44,900 in financial aid to 64 deserving children. Established in 2020, the foundation aims to eliminate financial barriers hindering youth hockey participation, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to experience the camaraderie and life lessons that the sport offers. Through individual grants and sponsored programs, the foundation strives to ease the financial stress many families face in affording equipment and ice time. Youth hockey, known for cultivating friendships, teamwork, and accountability, becomes an accessible avenue for all, nurturing a lifelong passion for the sport.

Stories of Triumph and Dedication:

Michael Edelstein: A dedicated player on the Grundy Senators 12U hockey team, Michael Edelstein’s journey into hockey began at the age of three. Despite financial challenges, Michael’s single mom supports his passion, and the Black Bear Hockey Foundation scholarship serves as a crucial support, enabling him to continue thriving on the ice.

The Turpin Family: June, James, and Jackson Turpin of the Maryland Jr. Black Bears express their deep gratitude as recipients of the Black Bear Hockey Foundation scholarship. Despite facing financial strains due to their dad’s surgery, the scholarship has allowed them to persist in their love for hockey.

Noah Krasner: A devoted player for the Igloo Jaguars since the age of five, Noah Krasner considers hockey more than just a game—it’s his life. The scholarship, received last year, proved transformative as Noah moved to the 16u level, enhancing both his skills and maturity. Noah’s unwavering work ethic and commitment make him a deserving candidate for ongoing support.

Paulina Rucz: Overcoming the challenges of a rare heart defect, Paulina Rucz, a resilient player on the 16U Elite Islanders Girls team, has defied the odds. The scholarship, received last year, eased financial strain for her mother amid layoffs. Paulina’s remarkable achievements, including MVP and Top Scorer, reflect her dedication, and she looks forward to the continued support of the scholarship in pursuing her dreams in the National Women’s Hockey League.

On this Giving Tuesday, consider contributing to the Black Bear Youth Hockey Foundation to help future hockey players. Your donation can make a lasting impact, creating opportunities for aspiring athletes to engage in the transformative power of sport.

Scholarship Recipients
Michael Edelstein
Kamil Szumigraj
Shawn Gearl
Chase Clouser
Hunter Brown
Paulina Rucz
Isaiah Scanlon
Bryston Elgalady
Jean-Paul Dominguez
Alexander Udal
Ivan Shuminski
Chyna Taylor
Jack McKenzie
Jack Doran
Noah Krasner
Nicolette Gentile
Evan Elias
Gemma Graeff
Yahor Putau
Christian Blood
Leland Williams
David Dziomba
Richard G Volgraf (Jr.)
Frank Rosenberry
Xavier Jamison
Kele Aragon
Carlo Pietroboni
Ella Doran
Peyton Hull
Aidan Shine
Braydon Hammond
Ara Landskroener
Antons Podskocijs
Jackson Turpin
James Turpin
June Turpin
Jan Eschler
Brayden Lodise
Amelia Smith
Alexander Kuznikov
Ethan Kotecki
Austin Kotecki
Noah Kotecki
Liam Garten
Camerom Feeley
Avah Williams
Mark Gusev
Chloe Makinson
Draek Davis
Noah Desotti
Keegan Champagne
Preston Champagne
Javion Drupp