From an ice rink in Vacaville to the USA Hockey Nationals in Virginia, the Golden State Elite 16U AA Women hockey staff is about to show {that a} staff from Northern California can dangle with the very best.
After profitable the Pacific Women Hockey League, the Eagles acquired an at-large bid to the nationals match, which options 28 groups from everywhere in the nation. The Eagles will face Premier Prep Orange, a Minnesota-based staff, within the first spherical Wednesday.
“We’re a bunch of California girls just going out there and seeing what we can do against, what is supposed to be, some of the better states at hockey,” Head coach Tony Manino III mentioned.
Golden State Elite is a youth hockey program for Northern California gamers from ages 12-18. It was based in 2012 by three completely different hockey golf equipment: the Vacaville Jets, Cupertino Cougars and San Francisco Sabercats.
The women program began in 2023 and has seen instantaneous success, profitable state titles in back-to-back years.
“It’s kind of been a male dominated sport, especially around Vacaville,” Manino mentioned. “Ever since we put this team together we’ve seen a huge influx of girls coming from all over.”
The 16UU AA women staff consists of 15- and 16-year-old gamers from cities so far as Fresno to the better Sacramento space. Although the staff is unfold throughout California, they apply 3 times every week on the Vacaville Ice Sports activities facility.
Manino attributed the inflow of women hockey gamers at GSE to the shortage of alternatives for ladies within the sport.
“There’s not a whole lot of girl opportunities so being able to play on a team of all girls and not have that co-ed environment is pretty awesome,” Manino mentioned. “I think that a lot of the girls kind of embrace that more.”
Manino mentioned the staff’s success is a direct results of their dedication.
“A lot of the girls have goals and visions of playing hockey when they’re out of their high school ages,” Manino mentioned. “ I think this has been a huge part of their development. Not only coming to a team that has success, but being able to put up some banners and win some championships.”
Manino added that the Eagles are desperate to compete on a nationwide stage.
“It’s something that we’re not taking for granted,” Manino mentioned. “We’re really trying to put our best foot forward and see how we can compete.”
GSE has began a GoFundMe to assist offset the staff’s journey prices to Virginia. To donate, go to this hyperlink.
Initially Revealed: April 2, 2025 at 5:52 AM PDT
