She is No.11 on the ice but No.1 in the hearts of her teammates, coaches, friends, and players she coaches. Lanni Crozier has been playing hockey since the fourth grade, playing for teams such as the Ice Dogs and Lady Patriots, and started playing on her current team, Pennridge Girls Ice Hockey, in the seventh grade. Last year, she received the title of captain. Lanni plays as a forward or center on the ice.
So far this year, she has played three games and has received a point from each. Her first point came from an assist to Maura Boyle against Lower Merion. Her second point came from another assist to Maura Boyle in Pennridge’s win against West Chester East. The third point Crozier received was from the one goal scored by Pennridge in their loss against Conestoga.
This isn’t the only year that she has made many contributions to the team as last year she was selected, along with her teammates Molly Hawkins and Abby Postorino, to represent Pennridge Girls Ice Hockey at the 2024 Intercounty Scholastic Hockey League All-Star Game. Not only is Crozier a team player by racking up points, but she also is a valuable teammate and figure in the league. In addition to being an All-Star, Crozier won the Good Citizenship Award from the Union League of Philadelphia. This award is given to those who are school or community leaders, possess strength of character, promote citizenship, or have other similar leadership characteristics. Julia Kuhns, a teammate of Crozier, states, “Lanni is very outgoing, and she makes everyone feel included at school and practice. She is also very welcoming to new people, and she makes everyone feel comfortable”.
At home, Crozier spends time with her family and three dogs. Crozier is an employee at Ow Wow Cow in Chalfont. She is involved in mini-THON at Pennridge High School and holds the title of overall head. In previous years, she has held the titles of secretary and spirit or creative head. Crozier played tennis for the Pennridge Women’s Tennis team in her freshman and sophomore years. Crozier is also a defensive player on the Class of 2025’s powderpuff team that recently achieved a three-peat this past October. Joseph D’Aiuto, head coach of the Pennridge Women’s Tennis team and the defensive coach for the Class of 2025’s powderpuff team, commented, “She is my starter. She holds the defensive line together as far as being right up the gut. She is a smart player who always puts herself first. She gives 100 percent to her task and asks good questions. She doesn’t back down and accepts challenges.”
Although Crozier would consider hockey her primary sport, she was not afraid to take on the challenge of something new. D’Aiuto recalls recruiting her for the tennis team in middle school. “She came up and asked how difficult it would be to learn tennis as a hockey player, and although she only played for two years, she was extremely coachable during that time and always had a positive attitude,” D’Aiuto added. Another obstacle Crozier faced this year was in the championship game for Powderpuff. Crozier’s shirt had been ripped to shreds by the other team’s defensive line. Although saddened by the situation, Crozier persevered, found a replacement shirt, and went back onto the field. A short while later, Crozier celebrated a victory over that same team who tore her clothes.
A recent addition to Crozier’s resume is being a coach for Philadelphia Blind Hockey. She joined the staff after Pennridge Girls Ice Hockey had a practice with the team. Crozier noted, “After the one practice my team helped out, I realized I really liked working with the kids.” One of Crozier’s proudest moments on the team was when a girl specifically asked for her help and did not want anybody else’s. Crozier stated, “She only requests Mrs. Lanni when someone touches her on the ice.” Along with coaching, Crozier attends other events in support of the team. Recently, she participated in the PHL Blind Hockey Tournament in October to raise money for the team and raise awareness about what they do. Flyers alumni, coaches, Flyers staff, and various high school players were also showcased at the event. Over $11,000 was raised from the night.
Crozier plans to finish out her high school career at the end of the year and currently does not have any plans to continue playing after that. However, she does plan to continue coaching.
