BY RANDY SCHULTZ –
Prior the start of their opening game of the girls varsity high school hockey season Monday afternoon at Hyde Park Ice Arena, the Niagara County varsity girl’s hockey team recognized their seniors, as well as last year’s award winners.
NC head coach Greg Grosskopf presented the awards for last season to open the brief pre-game ceremony. He was assisted by assistant coaches Mike Dunlop and Shawn Latini.
Originally schedule for last spring, the end of the season awards ceremony was postponed due to the pandemic.
“Most Improved Player” went to Mara Beiter (a 10th grader from Starpoint HS), who plays the blue line for NC.
“Mara made a big transition last season for us moving from the forward position to defense,” said Grosskopf.
The “Unsung Hero” was awarded to Skylar Berube, an 11th grader from Starpoint, who plays defense.
“Coaches Award” went to Kayla Persinger, another 11th grader, from Lewiston-Porter, who also plays defense.
There were two Most Valuable Player Awards given out. The first was categorized at the MVP from Starpoint. That went to forward Natalie O’Brien, a senior from Starpoint.
The second MVP award was given to the most valuable player for the team. To nobody’s surprise, it was presented to O’Brien.
Four seniors were also recognized. The first was MacKenzie Green, who played for the NC team in their first two seasons of play. Known to her teammates as “Scooter,” the Niagara Wheatfield senior is a manager on the team this season.
The second senior presented was forward Katelyn Churakus from Lewiston-Porter.
“Katelyn joined us last season and was a coaches dream,” added Grosskopf.
The third senior to be recognized was Amanda Jackson of Niagara Wheatfield, who plays defense.
“Amanda played for us last year and was a captain on the team,” said Grosskopf. “She is a captain again this year and is planning on attending Buffalo State College next year.”
The fourth, and final, senior recognized was Natalie O’Brien, a forward from Starpoint.
“Natalie was a captain on last years team and is again a captain this season,” remarked the Niagara County head coach. “She will be heading to SUNY Cortland next year to attend Cortland State.
“All of these seniors will be missed and we appreciate all of your contributions to our Niagara County girl’s varsity hockey team.”
(Janet Schultz Photo of O’Brien Family on Sr. Night)
