The Women’s Ice Hockey Team based in Bay Area is making a way to the National Tournament – The Mercury News

From a ice rink to Vacaville to the Nationals of Hockey in the United States in Virginia, the female hockey team Golden State Elite 16U AA should prove that a team in northern California can hang with the best.

After winning the Pacific female hockey league, the Eagles received an offer before the national tournament, which includes 28 teams from all over the country. The Eagles will face the first first prep Orange, a team based in Minnesota, in the first round on Wednesday.

“We are a group of girls from California who come out and see what we can do, which is supposed to be, some of the best states of hockey,” said head coach Tony Manino III.

Golden State Elite is a hockey program for young people for Northern California players aged 12 to 18. It was founded in 2012 by three different hockey clubs: the Vacaville Jets, Cupertino Cougars and San Francisco Sabercats.

The girls’ program began in 2023 and was an instant success, winning state titles in the years consecutive years.

“It is sort of a sport dominated by men, especially around Vacaville,” said Manino. “Since we assembled this team, we have seen a huge influx of girls from everywhere.”

The 16uu AA women’s team consists of players aged 15 and 16 to Fresno in the Grand Sacramento region. Although the team is divided into California, it trains three times a week in the Vacaville ice sports center.

Manino allocated the influx of hockey players for girls to GSE to the lack of opportunities for girls in sport.

“There are not many girls’ opportunities, so being able to play in a team of all girls and not having this mixed environment is quite great,” said Manino. “I think many girls kiss him more.”

Manino said that the team’s success is the direct result of their determination.

“Many girls have goals and visions of playing hockey when they are out of their high school,” said Manino. “I think it was a large part of their development. Not only has come to a team that is successful, but also able to set up banners and win certain championships.”

Manino added that the Eagles are impatient to compete on a national scene.

“This is something that we don’t care about granted,” said Manino. “We really try to put our best foot forward and see how we can compete.”

GSE launched a gofundme to help compensate for the team’s travel costs in Virginia. To make a donation, visit this link.

Originally published: April 2, 2025 at 5 h 52 pdt