abass@northstarreporter.com
For the first time in its history, female students from North Attleborough High School are playing in the Hockomock Hockey League.
Junior Ava O’ Dwyer, Sophomore Brittany Nordbeck, and Freshman Alana Rice made their debut on Dec. 12 as the newest members of the Hockomock Stars Girl Hockey team. All three were excited to be part of the team, despite losing the team’s first game to the Walpole Timberwolves by a score of 11-1.
“It’s only the first game,” O’Dwyer said as she left the rink. “We’ll get them next time. They played well.”
Of the three, Nordbeck saw the most action in the Foxboro Sports Center ice rink—playing in the center position during the third period. O’Dwyer also played during the third period and was often seen near her friend Nordbeck.
Rice, who plays defense, was the only North Attleborough member who didn’t play that night but is expected to be active when the Stars compete against Dennis-Yarmouth on Dec 14.
When they were not in the rink, the three were often sitting close together, cheering on their fellow teammates and talking strategy with Coach Jamie Mullen.
North Attleborough High School Athletic Director Kurt Kummer said the three students participated in tryouts before joining the Stars. He said their dedication and love for the sport shows that they earned the privilege to play in the league.
“It feels great that the kids who want to get to play finally get a chance,” Kummer said. “These students want to play hockey, and they are going to play.”
The Hockomock Stars is a team that comprises female athletes throughout towns within the Hockomock League. Kummer said North Attleborough had been trying for years to have students be a part of the girl’s hockey league, making the debut of these three students a historic moment.
“For the last five years we have been trying to get our girls to play hockey,” he said. “So, this is a big deal.”
