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Laxton, who said her twin daughters have experienced significant anger and sadness because of the circumstances, shared an overwhelming appreciation for the off-ice programming, which included an overhaul o f t h e o r g a n i z a t i o n 's s p o r t s p sy c h o l o g y efforts, headed up by mental conditioning coach Jim Winges. "In all honesty, [stress management] it has never been more important than it is now," said Winges, who also coaches the 14U team. "When the pandemic hit, we had two options; hide and throw our hands up. But when you think about it, that was never really an option. We really only had one choice, [which was] to meet this head on, and that's what we did." Coming together as a team on the ice, phys- ically, seemingly highlights just how success- ful this program has become in such a short time. Their teams are consistently competing for titles in the Mid Atlantic Women's Hockey Association titles but players are also taking the lessons learned on Long Island and mov- ing on to Division I programs. "Right now, it usually takes two and a half hours to get to the practice facility," says Derek Vockins, who commutes from Brooklyn with his daughter Sabine, who is in her fourth year in the program. "There a r e p r o g r a m s t h a t a r e m o r e c o nve n i e n t to where we live, but I drive that far for a reason." What started as one woman's vision to cre- ate something more for young girls on Long Island has quickly grown into something much bigger. During the best of times it has given each of these girls a sense of commu- nity as well as providing a roadmap for their future. But in the wake of what has been the season of disappointment and despair it has served as a lifeline that lifted spirits and let each player know they were not alone. They had each other and their extended hockey family to pull them through. "This program, honestly, has changed my life," Sukiel said. "I can honestly say that the last four years have been the best years of my life. What she [Alexis] did for us these last eight months has meant everything." P Michelle Bonner is a hockey mom and free- lance writer based in West Hartford, Conn. APRIL 2021 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 33 "I can honestly say that the last four years have been the best years of my life." — Carly Sukiel Minnesota's Top Hockey Camp for 32 years! • Boys & Girls • Mite-Bantam • Weeklong Full Day Camps • 3-Day Weekend Clinics • AAA Spring/Fall Teams • 5 Locations Train where the WILD train, TRIA Rink! Fun—Affordable—Group & Family Discounts GARRYHEBERT.COM (781) 771-1595 coach@garryhebert.com S C H O O L L O C A T I O N S Watch it now on garryhebert.com and be inspired! FOR UNPARALLELED IMPROVEMENT REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! Helsinki, Finland Braintree, Mass. Hingham, Mass. Foxboro, Mass. Kingston, Mass. Santa Rosa, Calif. Be moved by an unforgettable look into the life of a legendary coach whose leadership, talent and faith have left an indelible mark upon players all over the world! 2021 HOCKEY TRAINING PROGRAMS " P E A K P E R FO R M A N C E B E YO N D C O M P A R E " Internationally recognized as the leading expert of power skating and skill development among NHL pros, Olympians and youth of all ages. NEW VIDEO DOCU-SERIES! CONSIDERED THE BEST, BY THE BEST!