The girls varsity ice hockey team at Grosse Pointe North is undergoing significant changes in its roster and coaching staff following the departure of three out of 11 players after the 2023-24 season. The team is determined to enhance its lineup and maintain a high level of competition for the upcoming seasons.
Transition is the focus for North’s team, as both players and coaching staff are undergoing substantial changes. Head coach Casey Quick, who had a successful seven-year tenure with the team, has decided to step down in order to devote more time to his family. Quick’s leadership saw the development of several college hockey players, including Bella Welke, Hannah Martin, Claire Murphy, and Erin Murphy at University of Michigan Dearborn, as well as Gabby Brumme and Olivia Palacio at Adrian College.
To succeed Quick, North’s team has appointed Taylor Shaheen as the new head coach. Shaheen, who previously served as the team’s assistant coach for two years, brings a wealth of experience to the role. She played for the North team during her high school years, followed by a stint with the Michigan State University team, and subsequently, her role as assistant coach for the Grosse Pointe South girls varsity ice hockey team.
“I’ll offer a fresh perspective as both a former player and a female coach,” Shaheen commented. “I am also eager to assist players in navigating the college recruiting process and am looking forward to an exciting season ahead.”
Looking towards the next season, Shaheen has set her sights on boosting the overall spirit surrounding North’s hockey program, both within the team and in the stands. The team’s ESH Ice Arena locker room is currently undergoing renovations, which will provide players with a revitalized space. Additionally, the team has a series of events lined up for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
“We will be hosting multiple North hockey nights at ESH Ice Arena, where the boys and girls teams will play back to back, with the aim of fostering a stronger sense of school spirit at the rink,” Shaheen announced. “We are scheduled to compete in the Liggett tournament, the Traverse City tournament, as well as the league showcase, and will participate in their skills competition.”
Shaheen has expressed apprehension regarding the team’s numbers, as there were no freshmen on the 2023-24 roster, leaving only eight returning players from the previous season. She is currently focused on recruiting new talent to bolster the sophomore and freshman classes this year.
“If we do not attract more interested skaters in the coming years, it will be challenging to compete with such a limited bench,” Shaheen revealed. “The game of hockey is structured to be played in short bursts with quick shifts. Consequently, we require more players to strengthen our roster.”
Team captain Josie Cueter echoed Shaheen’s concerns, highlighting the importance of recruiting new players and the team’s ongoing efforts in this regard.
“It is often tough to maintain stamina during challenging games against larger teams with more extensive rosters,” Cueter shared. “This season, we are working tirelessly to expand our roster. Many of the girls on the team are inviting their friends to try out the sport. We are also leveraging social media to promote upcoming skating sessions and team activities. Our objective is to increase the number of players on the roster, irrespective of their previous experience in skating.”
On June 15, the team conducted an interest skate with the aim of attracting new players. Open to individuals at all skill levels, the event catered to both seasoned and inexperienced skaters. It proved to be a resounding success and generated a lot of interest.
“We had a fantastic turnout, with a larger number of participants than I had initially expected,” Cueter remarked. “Some had prior experience with hockey, while others had never set foot on the ice. The skate turned out to be enjoyable for both returning and new players, and we are keen to see who will return for our second interest skate on July 10.”
The team has scheduled a second interest skate, which will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, at Liggett’s McCann Arena. All girls from rising sixth graders to high school seniors are encouraged to attend. The session will include snacks and a Q&A session thereafter. Moreover, the team is prepared to provide gear to new players for the event.
To register for the July 10 interest skate, simply scan the QR code and complete the registration form.
With these exciting changes on the horizon, Grosse Pointe North’s girls varsity ice hockey team is primed and ready to embark on a new chapter. The future holds promise, and the team is eager to welcome fresh faces as they prepare for the upcoming season.