The Houston Girls Hockey Association’s (HTX Storm) 10U team brought home the organization’s first trophy – a second place finalist award from the Texas Turkey Shoot tournament over Thanksgiving weekend in Dallas. The youth tournament, organized by Dallas Stars Tournaments, caters to recreation level players and tournament teams. 60 teams participated in the tournament, and 52 of the teams were boysteams. Three of the HTX Storm’s girls’ tournament teams competed in the coed divisions over the weekend, at the 10U, 12U and 14U levels, with the program overall going 7-7. The 10U HTX Storm team won an elimination semi-final game, but lost 5-3 in the final game against tough competition.
“I could not be more proud of the HTX Storm’s 10U team,” said Eric Kimmel, father of a 10U player. “They were the true epitome of what a team is. They gelled both on and off the ice like nothing I’ve seen before in all my years in sports.”
The Program’s 12U and 14U teams played strong games against tough boys competition and finished 9th and 4th in their respective divisions. All three teams also enjoyed the Dallas Stars NHL Team victory against the Colorado Avalanche at American Airlines Center in Dallas during the event. Attending an NHL game was first time experience for many of the kids – and all the girls represented Houston in their HTX Storm game sweaters in the arena.
With their first trophy on the shelf, the HTX Storm is looking to grow the program by offering a girls’ “Try Hockey for Free” event at the Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center on December 12th at 1:30 pm. Girls will have the opportunity to hit the ice with HTX Storm players in a fun, low pressure environment. Basic skating awareness is needed, and a bicycle helmet and warm clothing is recommended. Sign up is available in advance at the HTX Storm website. The event will include several HTX Storm coaches on the ice, and team officials to answer questions about Girls Hockey in Texas.
“Watching my kids grow through ice hockey has been incredible,” said Rania Maalouf, mother to two HTX Storm players. “Playing ice hockey has helped them to grow their confidence, and given us a close community here in the city.”
More information about this event can be found on the organization’s website, www.htxstorm.com, including ways to support through monetary donations, volunteer opportunities, and contact information.
Signups for Try Hockey Free event can be found at https://htxstorm.sportngin.com/register/form/786115475.
Interested parties can sign up for the mailing list: https://htxstorm.sportngin.com/register/form/855323276.