The Girls’ Hockey team in action against Stanstead recently. Photo provided.
The definition of rivalry is “competition for the same objective or superiority in the same field.” When it comes to Northwood Girls Hockey and Stanstead College, every match is a battle for victory. The weekend of October 19th featured a two-game series between these teams, where tempers flared and nerves were high. The energy in the arena was palpable, with tension thick in the air. Both teams anticipated this showdown since their last match in the summer tournament. As skates met the ice, warm-ups served as the pulse of the venue, with the vibrant sounds of hockey and music filling the space.
These matches were meant to give us insight into what this team could look like as the year progresses and ending the weekend with a split 1-1 record suggests that the race for the trophy will continue fiercely. When I mention fighting for a right, I refer to it from Northwood’s standpoint. Two years prior, Northwood’s girls’ hockey team triumphed over Stanstead in the semifinals of the JWHL league championship, marking the first upset against them that season. The next year, we entered the season with that mindset, and encounters with Stanstead were consistently intense.
This year, every time we faced this team, the games went into overtime. There hasn’t yet been a definitive win this season, the games have always gone into a shootout or extra periods. The rivalry this team experiences is no trivial challenge. Expect high-level hockey, close scores, and intense gameplay. Anticipate enthusiastic fans who understand what these matches mean. Expect girls over 40 who prioritize the game of hockey over many other interests and prepare for some of the most intense play you’ve ever witnessed. This is a rivalry at its finest.
“They will continue to be one of the hardest teams we face, and we will be the same for them. This rivalry will only continue to grow,” said Sophia DeAnzeris ‘25, assistant captain of the Northwood girl’s hockey team.
