This year Sacred Heart Academy decided to join forces with West Haven High School and create a co-op girls ice hockey team! SHA has never offered ice hockey before, while WHHS has had a team for quite some time now. Nine SHA girls, some who have played hockey before and some who have not, suited up to join this brand new team. Kyleen Crowe ’19, Zoe DeFalco ’19, Francesca Crisuolo ’19, Grace Plunkett ’19, Emily Ross ’19, Sydney Maracrelli ’17, Emily Fowler ’17, Olivia Ross ’17, and Lindsey Gerzabek ’16 are all members of the team this year. Lindsey Gerzabek was voted captain along with senior Alycia Sandella, and junior Gabi Prisco, both of whom are from West Haven. Erin Blake, who graduated from Albertus Magnus College where she played Varsity Soccer, is now the head coach of the team. She was recently awarded Coach of the Year in Division II girls ice hockey in CT.
The team has had a successful season with their current record at 9-9-2. They are the number two team in their division, just below a co-op team of Amity, North Haven, and Cheshire. They made it to the SCCs after winning the semi-finals game on Monday, February 22nd, at 6pm, at their home rink, Edward L. Bennett in West Haven. They defeated Hand 2-0 and moved onto the finals, making history in West Haven girl’s hockey. The final game was very close and the two teams were evenly matched. Gabi Prisco scored the first goal of the game for WH/SHA, but Hand came back with a quick goal and the game was tied 1-1. Unfortunately, in the third period, WH/SHA got two penalties, so the game was five versus three players with Hand scoring their second goal. The game ended 2-1, and sadly, the girls did not come out on top. We are still so proud of all they have accomplished this amazing season!
Overall, the addition of the hockey team has been a positive experience for all. Those Sacred Heart girls who played really enjoyed it and plan on playing next year. The girls from both schools have bonded well, and are excited for the next season. Captain Lindsey Gerzabek reflects on the season saying, “We have worked really hard this season and it has paid off. I think all the girls had a good time, including myself. I am going to miss it next year!” We are so proud of our brand new team and can’t wait to see what the future holds for them!