This past weekend, hockey fans witnessed an exhilarating showcase at the 19U Smashville Girls Hockey Showcase, where the Stars demonstrated resilience, skill, and determination throughout their journey to championship glory. Although they faced challenges, including a significant portion of the team battling the flu, their tenacity ensured they emerged victorious in the tournament.
In the round-robin stage, the Stars played four gripping games, finishing with a 2-2 record. The team's journey began with a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Rome, only to be met with a tough 5-0 loss against Nashville. However, the Stars regrouped on Saturday, showcasing their mettle with a commanding 6-2 win over Connecticut. The day concluded with another close match against Grand Rapids, ending in a narrow 2-1 loss that set the stage for an intense rematch.
Sunday brought renewed hope as the Stars faced Grand Rapids once again in the playoff round. This time, they emerged victorious, securing a dramatic 4-3 shootout win that granted them a spot in the finals. The championship clash against Rome began with a shaky start as the Stars found themselves down 2-0. However, their incredible teamwork shone through as they rallied back with three unanswered goals, ultimately sealing a 4-2 victory thanks to an insurance empty netter. The win not only solidified their championship status but also showcased the grit and perseverance that the Stars embody.
Key players stood out during the tournament, each contributing their unique strengths to forge the team's path to victory. Mackenna Krushelniski proved a formidable force in front of the net, making life difficult for opponents. Aria Pare’s consistently strong point shots created chaos in front of goal, while Emmerson Fischer displayed strong zone defense and executed precision stretch passes to set up key goals. Julia Lulić controlled play with poise, contributing a clutch semi-final goal and accumulating 3 points during the tournament.
Avery Allsop was relentless on the puck, consistently forcing turnovers and displaying aggressive play. Marina Veselinovic contributed significantly with a powerful shot that not only scored 2 goals but also gave her team crucial momentum. Maëlle Dufour was a workhorse on the ice, delivering the game-winning goal against Connecticut and showcasing her skills at both ends of the rink.
Charlotte Wright’s sharp hockey IQ and relentless pursuit of the puck created numerous turnovers in the offensive zone, while Stella Barreto electrified the crowd with a dazzling coast-to-coast goal that left fans on the edge of their seats. In goal, Gracie Copia demonstrated remarkable resilience, making 49 saves throughout the tournament, including a critical performance in the championship matchup.
The leadership within the team was evident; Coach Diane and her staff prepared the players to meet each challenge with calm poise, demonstrating their commitment to development and teamwork. Players like Marla Amaral showcased physical dominance along the boards and around the net, while Payton Insley made significant contributions both defensively and on the power play.
Ryann Walton excelled in goal, securing a 3-0 record with an impressive 6 goals allowed on 69 shots. Her standout performance included critical saves during the semi-final shootout, paving the way to the championship. Lilah St. Denis proved invaluable with her impressive offensive prowess, generating goals and critical plays at pivotal moments including the game-winning shootout goal in the semifinals.
The Stars also saw standout performances from players like Sierra Johnson, who was a model of consistency, leading by example with a stellar 2-way play despite battling respiratory issues. The contributions of returning player Taylor Della Valle, who demonstrated no ill effects from an upper body injury made a significant impact with 4 goals including 2 in the finals while adding 2 assists. Ella Chan was a force to be reckoned with all weekend, commanding a 200-foot game, leading the team producing 8 points, scoring 5 goals including the game winner in the championship.
Off the ice, the team enjoyed Nashville's vibrant atmosphere with a visit to lower Broadway, indulging in live music, line dancing lessons, and fabulous Southern cuisine—proving that a trip to Nashville wouldn't be complete without a taste of its rich culture and nightlife.
As the Stars return home to continue league play and gear up for the next tournament in January, they bring back a unique trophy - a branded guitar that is now inclusive of the entire teams signatures, and with that there’s much anticipation. Their sights are set high, with aspirations to elevate their game further. Congratulations to Coach Diane and her staff on this remarkable victory; your dedication to these ladies and their development is admirable and inspiring.
It’s time to tune up and strum this guitar…the future looks bright for the Stars!
