MICH. – The New England Junior Falcons U16 girls’ ice hockey team’s national run finally came to an end, resulting in medal-worthy accolades.
The Falcons, who are comprised of local female ice hockey players Lexi Levere, Brittany Kowalski, Katie Neilsen, and Madison and Mackenzie Pelletier, and others lost a heartbreaker to the top-seeded East Coast Wizards in the USA Hockey National Championship U16 semifinals 5-4.
Junior Falcons’ Madison and Mackenzie Pelletier, Brittany Kowalski, Lexi Levere, and Katie Neilsen, fueled the team’s recent national run to a top three finish among U16 girls’ ice hockey teams. (Submitted photo)
New England jumped out a two-goal lead against the Wizards but failed to hold off a powerful offensive surge from a very seasoned opponent. The Falcons let up the game-winner late in the third period.
Brenna Hoar led New England with two goals. Katie Joyal and Madison Pelletier (assist) each had one. Mackenzie Pelletier recorded two assists. Falcons’ goalie Lexi Levere finished with 16 saves (all in the first half).
Still, New England received a bronze medal, finishing in the top three among a 12-team national field.
“The girls had a great run,” Junior Falcons coach Dave Pelletier said.
The East Coast Wizards went on to win the gold, defeating Alaska in the finals, 2-1.
New England’s tournament run began with wins over the New Jersey Junior Titans (a 3-1 victory) and Highland Park, Illinois (8-1 rout), and a 3-2 overtime loss to Steel City Selects (Pitts.).
The Falcons journey continued with a thrilling 2-1 OT win against Ann Arbor (Mich.), setting up the semifinal.
In the quarterfinal victory, Taylor Markstein delivered the game-winner for New England off a pass from Tess Bonavita. Madison Pelletier set up Hoar for the team’s first goal.
NEW ENGLAND U16 JUNIOR FALCONS
