The forthcoming winter season in New Jersey is set to witness the participation of 15 girls’ ice hockey teams, marking an increase from the 13 teams in the previous season and 11 in the preceding year. Among this growing trend, Trinity Hall stands as the sole all-girls high school in the Shore to join the emerging niche of girls’ ice hockey teams.
According to the head coach, Frankie Francese, the senior class at Trinity Hall boasts six talented hockey players, with only two of them having prior experience at the club level. The remaining four players joined the team as freshmen without prior experience in ice hockey. This unique blend of experience levels, combined with a demanding schedule of practices and games, presents an exciting opportunity rather than a hindrance for the Monarchs.
Trinity Hall, serving as the only all-girls high school in the Shore and a member of the Shore Conference since 2015, is pioneering the uncharted territory of girls’ ice hockey. Despite the challenges they face, the team’s unwavering commitment matches or exceeds that of any ice hockey program in the area. The girls diligently hold early morning practices at 6 a.m. every day, highlighting their exceptional dedication to the sport.
Eager to chart their success in the upcoming season, the Monarchs are optimistic about their competitive prospects. Their previous commendable performance in the state playoffs, which saw them triumphant in the opening round and narrowly losing to the eventual state champion, has further bolstered their hopes for the upcoming season.
However, the team faces the considerable task of replacing the offensive production of last year’s senior forward duo, who together accounted for 41 of the team’s 62 goals. Despite this challenge, Coach Francese is confident in the team’s potential to collectively contribute to goal-scoring, heralding a more distributed offensive strategy for the upcoming season.
On the defensive front, the Monarchs are shaping a sturdy foundation for their success. Sophomore goaltender Katie Cisar, with an impressive .923% save percentage in 17 games last season, promises to fortify the team’s defensive capabilities. Furthermore, the addition of freshman Sienna DeAngelis and a group of talented underclassmen on the roster signifies a hopeful aspect for the team’s overall performance.
The expansion and realignment within girls’ ice hockey to 15 teams have offered the Monarchs a favourable position. Competing in the Cohen Division, a mid-level division, will allow the team to test their mettle against appropriate competition while establishing their prowess in the sport. The coaching staff, in consultation with the players, is determined to define the team’s identity as they prepare for the upcoming challenges, with the first match against Princeton Day scheduled for December 8.
The girls of Trinity Hall, as the only girls’ hockey team in the Shore, are trailblazers in the realm of ice hockey. Their indomitable spirit and commitment exemplify their determination to leave an indelible mark in the ever-evolving landscape of girls’ ice hockey.