The Utah Lady Grizzlies achieved a significant milestone in girls youth hockey by winning two championships at the USA Hockey Rocky Mountain District Championships in Denver. Both the program's 14U Tier 2 and 16U Tier 2 teams secured victories, earning berths to the 2026 USA Hockey Girls National Championships. This dual success represents a notable achievement for Utah-based athletes competing against top teams from Colorado, Texas, and Arizona.
The 14U Tier 2 team completed an undefeated four-game run to capture the district title. The team demonstrated balanced performance throughout the tournament, generating 23 goals while allowing only 8. Key offensive contributors included Kathryn Damon, Eloise Linville, and Aly Mossberg, while strong team defense and goaltending helped control the pace of games. Head Coach Bryan Bylsma noted the team's consistent focus on fundamental play and mutual support across all zones as key factors in their success.
The 16U Tier 2 team's championship run featured dramatic moments, with three of their four games extending to overtime. Their resilience was particularly evident in the championship game against the Dallas Stars. After falling behind 3–2 late in the third period, the Lady Grizzlies pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker. Kassidy Allsman scored with just 33 seconds remaining to force overtime, where Gianna Monestere delivered the game-winning goal. Team captain Nora McCarty anchored the defensive effort, while goaltenders Jaylee Gomez and Alette Harker provided crucial performances throughout the tightly contested tournament.
ULG Director of Hockey and 16U Tier 2 Head Coach Rob Johnson emphasized the team's perseverance, noting that playing three overtime games in a four-game tournament demonstrated the competitive intensity of the district championships. The players' continued belief in each other and willingness to battle through challenging situations proved essential to their championship victory.
Both teams will now represent the Rocky Mountain District and Utah at the USA Hockey Girls National Championships. The 14U Tier 2 team will compete March 25–29 in Rochester, Michigan, while the 16U Tier 2 team will compete during the same dates in St. Louis, Missouri. These national tournaments will feature top Tier 2 programs from across the country, providing Utah athletes with exposure to high-level national competition.
This dual championship achievement holds importance beyond individual team success. It signals the continued growth and development of girls youth hockey in Utah, demonstrating that athletes from the state can compete effectively at the district level and advance to national tournaments. The Lady Grizzlies organization has played a pioneering role in developing girls hockey opportunities in Utah, as detailed on their official website at https://www.utahladygrizzlies.org/. Their success provides tangible evidence of the increasing competitive opportunities available to young female athletes in the state, potentially inspiring greater participation and investment in girls hockey programs.
The advancement to national championships represents both an accomplishment for the current athletes and a benchmark for future Utah teams. As girls hockey continues to expand nationally, successful performances at district and national levels help establish Utah as a developing hockey market capable of producing competitive teams. This could lead to increased recognition for Utah athletes, enhanced development opportunities, and greater visibility for girls hockey programs throughout the Rocky Mountain region.
