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.
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.
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.
Congratulations to the East winners:
Congratulations to the West winners:
Excitement is in the air as the National Girls Hockey League (NGHL) welcomes 15 new members to its prestigious ranks. With each new addition, the league continues to grow, making strides in promoting women’s hockey and providing a platform for talented players to showcase their skills. This season we extend a warm welcome to Biggby Coffee, Black Bears, Fort Erie Intl Academy, Philadelphia Jr Flyers, Rochester Jr Americans, San Diego Angles, Winchendon School, Krivo Hockey, Montgomery Youth Hockey, Danbury Hattricks, HTX Storm, Lake City White Caps, NYC Cyclones, Valley Jr Warriors, and Queen City Royals as they embark on their NGHL journey.
Let’s take a closer look at each team and their contributions to the league.
Biggby Coffee AAA Hockey (formerly known as Meijer AAA Hockey) is part of the West Michigan Elite Hockey Association, a Tier 1 affiliate in Michigan, and was started 15 years ago. It has made its purpose to develop and advance Michigan players to the highest level. Biggby AAA has placed over 100 boys and girls in Junior and college hockey respectively, making it one of the most successful youth hockey programs in Michigan.
2. Black Bears
The Tier I Girls Junior Program is where student-athletes across North America come together to live and play in a dynamic, supportive community. The program has a two-fold goal: to help student-athletes move on to NCAA Division I, Division III, and top academic ACHA programs, while also providing them with the education, communication, and confidence-building tools they need to succeed on this journey.
Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA) is a beautiful Canadian 6-12 private boarding school, located minutes from the USA and Niagara Falls. FEIA is home to a rich and diverse student body seeking academic and athletic excellence and prides itself on its certified teachers, world-class facilities, elite athletics, and inclusive ethos.
f you plan on playing College, USHL, or any higher level of play, the Jr. Flyers teams are the place to be. The nationally recognized Jr. Flyers Program has a rich hockey history, they bring a sense of tradition and passion to the league.
The Jr Americans showcase some of the most promising young talents in girls’ hockey. Their commitment to player development and sportsmanship aligns perfectly with the NGHL’s core values.
The San Diego Angels are a nationally competitive, non-profit girls’ ice hockey organization focused on developing strong players, good citizens, and great students. The club’s goal is to prepare all of our players for the next level, whatever that may be (NCAA or otherwise). The club demands a positive environment for all of our families and have an expectation for a high commitment level.
At The Winchendon School, the student-athletes find success on and off the ice as well-rounded, confident, and self-reliant young adults prepared for the rigors of college academics and athletics.
8. Krivo Hockey
Krivo School of Hockey is a premier destination for players of all ages and skill levels seeking an exceptional learning experience. With an unwavering focus on pure skill development, the hockey school, camps, and private sessions offer unparalleled challenges and growth.
MYHA is the largest ice hockey club in the Washington DC area and one of the largest ice hockey Clubs on the East Coast. MYHA aims to offer young female hockey players opportunities to compete at the level that is commensurate with their development and desired commitment as a hockey player, from beginner to college-bound, in a community that fosters camaraderie, a lifetime love of the game, and outstanding sportsmanship. MYHA and its board are committed to growing the club in order to offer the breadth of programs needed to achieve its mission.
Danbury Elite Girls Hattrick provides opportunities for girls of all levels to participate in the exciting and challenging sport of hockey. Hockey requires not only skill and strength, but also strategic thinking and the ability to work effectively as part of a team, and their organization is dedicated to helping girls develop these qualities while improving their fitness, strength, and coordination. With the phenomenal growth of girls’ hockey in recent years, Danbury understands the importance of providing a supportive and social environment where girls can thrive both on and off the ice.
11. HTX Storm
The Houston Girls Hockey Association (HGHA) / HTX Storm was formed in 2021 as the only girls’ hockey organization in Houston, Texas. The HGHA is intently focused on development in a fun and safe environment, creating a positive culture that breeds enthusiasm for the sport, and providing pathways for all girls to pursue their hockey dreams.
The Lake City Whitecaps are part of the Wisconsin Amateur Hockey Association and serve as the girl’s 14U program under Sauk Prairie Youth Hockey. Their girls’ program started in 2017 and has quickly grown to become one of the largest in the state. They look forward to competitive play and a great season with the NGHL.
13. NYC Cyclones
The NYC Cyclones are New York City’s premier youth hockey organization. Cyclones teams compete in tournaments and college/prep school showcases across the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic areas, and beyond depending on a team’s level of play. Our Girls’ teams have participated in New York State and National Championships with our 2022-23 Girls 19U Tier II semi-finalist in the National Championships.
The Queen City Royals Hockey Program creates a positive environment where young athletes build confidence through the game of hockey. They foster a culture where the demands are physical, mental, and at times emotional. They hold their athletes accountable to their coaches, teammates, and ultimately themselves as they develop hockey players to be the best they can be on the ice and within the community.
The Valley Junior Warriors program is dedicated to providing a highly competitive and supportive environment where players of all age groups can maximize the development of their individual athletic skills. The program is able to accomplish this by offering one of the most comprehensive developmental programs in the Northeast. It is managed by a proven and experienced coaching staff that includes former professional and top collegiate players, as well as current NHL scouts.
As the National Girls Hockey League opens its arms to 15 new teams, the future of girls’ hockey looks brighter than ever. Each team brings a unique set of skills, values, and perspectives, enriching the league’s diversity. We look forward to an exhilarating season of competitive hockey, team spirit, and unforgettable moments. To the new members of the NGHL, we say, “Welcome aboard, and may you thrive and make history in this incredible journey!” Let’s drop the puck and get this thrilling season started!