Recently, the girls traveled to Buffalo to compete in the PIP Showcase, where they faced tough competition, including Bishop Kearney Selects, Gilmour Academy, Ontario Hockey Academy, and Pens Elite, finishing the weekend with a 3-1 record. Outside the rink, the team made the most of their time together by adding some fun to the trip, exploring Niagara Falls, bonding off the ice, and creating memories that went far beyond just hockey.
Photo by Coach Franny Gerardi.
“It was my first time ever at Niagara Falls. It was beautiful and was even better, I got to experience it with my team,” Reese Combe ’26 said.
“For our team, it was many’s first time visiting Niagara, while others had been many times before,” said Emma Hagens ’28. “I used to come here every year with my parents at the New York States tournament, it’s definitely one of my favorite places to see, and I’ll definitely be coming back many more times,” she added.
Along with being a beautiful site, the time at the Falls also helped the team come together and continue building their connection. “This was great for the team, we were all laughing, making TikToks, and just enjoying each other’s company. Being from Arizona, Niagara Falls was always something I had wanted to see, and I am glad I finally did,” Kenna Gillis ’27 said.
Along with visiting Niagara Falls, the girls also did an escape room. “We were split into two teams of ten and put into two different rooms. I loved it, even though I think my team should’ve won,” said Lily Pratt ’26. After an hour of both teams working hard to try to escape, “Team Franny” came in first. After their fun day, they went to rest at the hotel, before getting ready for what was most important that weekend: playing hockey.
