The Central Park Lady Hawks, whose home ice is Lasker Rink, took home the gold at the Empire State Winter Games in Lake Placid last month and are on their way to the national championships in Wisconsin at the end of the month.
The Lady Hawks are amateurs who have generally played high-level hockey before. They came together so they could keep playing competitively. Lasker allows them to practice for free and the coaches are volunteers, though they pay their own way for travel and other costs.
Leslie Case, an Upper West Sider whose daughter is in the junior Lady Hawks ice hockey program, said the Lady Hawks volunteer their time to coach the kids. She wrote about them on her blog:
“The Senior Lady Hawks are a team of college-educated woman new to the working environment of New York City. They have played college hockey at D1 and D3 schools, many of them Ivy. With no league for them to play in after graduation, these hockey players created an all female, competitive environment at Lasker Rink in Central Park, in which over 40 skilled players play organized hockey together.”
The younger Lady Hawks wrote supportive messages like the ones below to the team:
From March 26-30, the Lady Hawks are going to be playing in the USA Hockey National Championships in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They’re asking for financial support for their trip on their website, where they explain more about their goals and who they are.
“Boasting an undefeated and dominant romping of the Empire State teams, we’re ready to take on the premier women’s teams in the Nation with your support!”
GO LADY HAWKS!
Photos courtesy of Leslie Case.
wow!!!
Fabulous – Go girls!!
Karen (hockey lover, can’t skate, too old to try)
Thank you for your support westsiderag.com!
These amazing women truly appreciate it and are thrilled more people are learning about their achievement!!