The Pittsburgh Pens Elite girls 14u hockey team was firing on all cylinders at the Premier Ice Prospects Motor City Girls Fest tournament in Detroit, MI with the team showcasing their skill, speed, and dominance.  With a perfect 6-0 record, the team swept the competition, scoring 22 goals and allowing 0 goals against.   Goaltenders Makrogiannis (#27) and Nevo (#55) secured 3 shutouts each and were fronted by a five-player solid defensive core.

With 10 different states represented in the 14u Tier 1 division, the tournament 16-team field was comprised of four divisions that squared off in round-robin play.   In their first game against Belle Tire, the Pens Elite came out strong, taking control of the game from the start and securing a 2-0 victory.  They next faced the Connecticut Jr Rangers, who were no match for the Pens Elite, as the team dominated with a 6-0 win.  The Pens Elite continued their winning streak on Saturday with a nail-biter 1-0 victory against the Madison Capitals of WI, followed by a 7-0 win against the Rochester Jr Americans.

With a perfect 4-0 record in the round-robin games, the Pens Elite secured a spot in the semi-final where they took on the Philadelphia Jr Flyers.  The Jr Flyers, a familiar opponent, were well prepared and played a physical game, but the Pens Elite's teamwork and speed proved to be the difference as they came out on top with a 2-0 win.  In the Championship game, the Pens Elite faced an undefeated Chicago Mission team, who were looking to upset the dominant Pens Elite.  However, the Pens Elite had other plans and with a complete team effort, they took control of the game, ultimately securing a 4-0 win and the tournament Championship.

The tournament win improved the Pens Elite 14u record to 43-4-2, maintaining their 3rd place ranking in the 14u Tier 1 MyHockey Rankings.  The team's dominant success in the tournament is a direct reflection of the hours of training, effort, and discipline that each player has invested in this season.  The girls' hard work and dedication were not only evident on the ice, but also through the support they received from their families and parents.  The successful performance of the Pens Elite team at the tournament was a testament to the power of teamwork and the kind of support that this team has thrived on.

MVP of the Championship game, Raypholtz (#77), shared her thoughts on the team's achievement, stating “I don’t know what I would do without this team.  I have grown an individual relationship with each player, and the team has grown to be my second home.  We push each other to be the best players and people we can be.  Practice is always the highlight of my week. We have a great group of parents that support us and contribute so much for the team.  We are very lucky to have them.  I love being part of such a loving and open group of people."

Kirsch (#82) added, "Being a part of this talented and successful team has been amazing.  Our parents' support and coach's preparation have been instrumental in our success.  Our roster is filled with great talent and we are surrounded by a very supportive hockey family.  I am proud to be a part of this team and the Pens Elite organization.”

The talented rostered is made up of 18 players with a balanced mix of 2008 and 2009 birth years (#97 Garner, #31 Hervert, #9 Howe, #82 Kirsch, #38 Ligda, #28 Lundy, #27 Makrogiannis, #30 McCarthy, #17 Mertens, #58 Monaco, #55 Nevo, #20 Pilarski, #77 Raypholtz, #11 Relyea, #25 Suisham, #23 Tarasovich, #64 Webster, and #22 Whitehead).  Each brings their own unique skills and strengths to the ice.  The depth and diversity of the roster have allowed the team to adjust their strategy and play to their strengths, leading to their dominant performance at the Premier Ice Prospects Motor City Girls Fest tournament and throughout the season. 

The Pittsburgh Pens Elite girls 14u team has already set their sights on the next challenge, traveling to Canada to participate in the Durham West Girls Hockey Bolts and Hearts tournament February 17-19.  They will be facing off against the Durham West Lightning U15 team, ranked 3rd in the Canada Girls U15 Tier 1 MyHockey Rankings with a 43-6-5 record.  This match-up will be a true showcase of talent and a thrilling battle between two of the best girls' 14u hockey teams in North America.  The Feb 17th scheduled game promises to be a competitive challenge for both teams.

Congratulations to the 14u Pens Elite girls hockey team on another outstanding performance in the Premier Ice Prospects tournament.