Allisa warren (36) takes a shot at goalie Keely Connor. (Submitted photo)
JULIA SOTTILE
Intern
WESTFIELD – While girl’s hockey teams are becoming more and more popular in the east, there have been very few opportunities for girls going into high school to develop as hockey players – until now.
A new team has developed out of the Whip City, known as the Western Massachusetts Blizzard.
“The team was born out of an observation by a set of parents who had daughters playing hockey…Girls in Western Mass. do not have many options so we thought we would take a crack at creating a team” said Tim Connor, founder of the team.
He continues, “The coaching staff was developed with the highest level of hockey experience and travel hockey experience. Head Coach Rick Vadnais is a Level 5 coach and has assembled a very strong coaching staff with positional experts.”
Those involved in the development of this team hope to give girls from ages 12-14 the opportunity to continue playing hockey without having to play in boys’ leagues.
The intended result is to keep players from losing interest, give them the best possible preparation for high school hockey, and allow girls the chance to excel in the sport.
Coach Richard Vadnais states that the strength of male players is incomparable and that girls playing against them have a greater risk for injury.
He divulges that they also hope to develop teams for every age group of girls in the next couple of years as demand is growing: “Girls hockey is getting huge right now.”
A GoFundMe site created to raise money for the team has received over $1,000 in donations despite being posted only a month ago.
Fundraising will be a key tool in the development of the Blizzard team. Sponsorships and donations are encouraged by all involved.
To contribute to the team, visit their GoFundMe campaign sit or the official website.
The description with the campaign, written by Tim Connor’s wife, Victoria Kelleher, explains that the Western Mass Blizzard team was organized with the goals of giving local girls “an opportunity to play in a developmentally appropriate environment. Historically, girls age 13 and 14 who played hockey all their lives had limited options besides playing in a co-ed checking league or quitting the game.”
Connor and many parents of hockey playing girls find that this sport is a particularly beneficial sport for teaching young girls confidence and toughness.
The Western Mass Blizzard team tryouts are on April 1 at 7 p.m., as well as April 3 at 6 p.m. Players hoping to make the team must attend both nights. Tryouts will be held at the Amelia Park Ice Arena in Westfield.
For more information on what players must bring to tryouts, visit the team website at: http://westernmassblizzard.com. Girls must be born between 2000 and 2002 to be eligible.
