The next generation of local girls hockey players in the area has earned the chance to compete on the national stage.
The Tompkins Girls Hockey Association (TGHA) 14U reached the finals of the New York State Championships and have qualified for the 2026 Chipotle-USA Hockey National Championships, which will take place from March 26-29 in Rochester, Michigan. This marks the first time in TGHA history that one of their Tier 2 has advanced to nationals.
The state championships from March 6-8 at the Utica University Nexus Center. The Ithaca Shooting Stars went 2-1 in conference play, falling to the nationally-ranked Canton Blades before bouncing back to beat the NY Islanders 6-4 and the Saugerties Fillies 2-1. That set up a date with the Mamaroneck Stateline in the semifinals. Tied 2-2 in regulation, the Stars scored on a five-on-three power play to punch its ticket to the championship and secure a spot at nationals. While they fell to the Blades once more in the final, the Stars are battle-tested and more than ready to face some of the top teams in the country.
A GoFundMe has been created to help support the Stars. Donations can also be made on the TGHA website by clicking the “Support TGHA!” button on the home page. Contributions go directly to travel, accommodations, and tournament costs.
