Ice Hockey might not be the first sport that comes to mind when you think of school sports, but that doesn’t make them any less competitive. 

The Pennridge Girl’s Ice Hockey team is very new, being created in 2019 by Grace Rabago and Isabella Leopold with help from head coach Mike Postorino. The team only has one season under their belt going into this season; however, they have started off strong. They have placed themselves in the higher ‘National Conference’ in the Inter-County Scholastic Hockey League, or ICSHL. 

Between the National and American Conferences, there are 14 total girls teams, seven in each with Pennridge ranking fourth, which is respectable being it is only their second season. They are currently 3-5-1-1 with one game left in the season on March 26, against Downingtown West who are currently 4-4-0-1. 

Head coach Mike Postorino and assistant coaches Mike Hawkins, Jeff Crozier, and John Rabago are extremely passionate about the team and the game along with the coaches having players on the team. Postorino has said he loves coaching the girls, adding that, “These girls are willing to do whatever is asked of them and then some.”

The team atmosphere and team chemistry are second to none. All the players have made fond memories of the team whether it be team bonding outside of the rink or like goalie Isabella Leopold, “playing games with everyone and our first win of the season!”

While the team is very competitive, they are also open to new players; no experience needed. Three of the 14 players currently on the team had little to no prior experience, and the team has been extremely accommodating. The league also allows three non-conforming players: players who are from another school to play on the team. This year, the league has also allowed those currently in 8th grade to play in the league due to Covid. 

Covid has added some disruptions to the season including limited attendance of games and practices as well as the shutdown of some rinks. Despite this, the team and the league have persevered through the challenges and been able to get their entire season in.

They play home games and have practices every Wednesday at Hatfield Ice in Colmar and their season runs from January through March. 

As for the future, the team is certainly moving in the right direction. For a fairly new team, competitiveness and passion are on par for a conference leader. The coaches as well as the team are excited for next season and for what’s ahead.