From an ice rink in Vacaville to the USA Hockey Nationals in Virginia, the Golden State Elite 16U AA Girls hockey team is set to prove that a team from Northern California can hang with the best.
After winning the Pacific Girls Hockey League, the Eagles received an at-large bid to the nationals tournament, which features 28 teams from all over the country. The Eagles will face Premier Prep Orange, a Minnesota-based team, in the first round Wednesday.
“We’re a bunch of California girls just going out there and seeing what we can do against, what is supposed to be, some of the better states at hockey,” Head coach Tony Manino III said.
Golden State Elite is a youth hockey program for Northern California players from ages 12-18. It was founded in 2012 by three different hockey clubs: the Vacaville Jets, Cupertino Cougars and San Francisco Sabercats.
The girls program started in 2023 and has seen instant success, winning state titles in back-to-back years.
“It’s kind of been a male dominated sport, especially around Vacaville,” Manino said. “Ever since we put this team together we’ve seen a huge influx of girls coming from all over.”
The 16UU AA girls team consists of 15- and 16-year-old players from cities as far as Fresno to the greater Sacramento area. Though the team is spread across California, they practice three times a week at the Vacaville Ice Sports facility.
Manino attributed the influx of girls hockey players at GSE to the lack of opportunities for girls in the sport.
“There’s not a whole lot of girl opportunities so being able to play on a team of all girls and not have that co-ed environment is pretty awesome,” Manino said. “I think that a lot of the girls kind of embrace that more.”
Manino said the team’s success is a direct result of their determination.
“A lot of the girls have goals and visions of playing hockey when they’re out of their high school ages,” Manino said. “ I think this has been a huge part of their development. Not only coming to a team that has success, but being able to put up some banners and win some championships.”
Manino added that the Eagles are eager to compete on a national stage.
“It’s something that we’re not taking for granted,” Manino said. “We’re really trying to put our best foot forward and see how we can compete.”
GSE has started a GoFundMe to help offset the team’s travel costs to Virginia. To donate, visit this link.