Skating onto the ice requires determination and passion. In a sport dominated by boys, Riley Mazdra (9) takes the challenge to face the sport she loves.
“I really like playing hockey. I started skating when I was 10 and then I got introduced into girls hockey, so then I learned to play for them. I actually got on an actual team at like 11,” Mazdra said.
Mazdra is the only girl on the OHS JV Black hockey team, and with that come some disadvantages.
“The boys have been playing together for a long time, so I’m not really talked to, but sometimes I am. I also have to get ready in a different locker room. And a lot happens in their locker room, so it’s like I’m kinda left out but not really,” Mazdra said.
However, there are some positives to it as well.
“I think I do a lot better with the boys, and I think that’s because they’re more fast-paced and I’m trying to keep up. They challenge me,” Mazdra said.
Mazdra is not the first female in her family to play hockey, though.
“Me and my sister started at the same time, so we played on the same team and group the first year. So that was really fun. I got to experience it with her, and then she started playing high school first. So I guess just seeing her play in games made me want to do that. My family and I always went to Blues games. When my dad saw that there was a girls’ team, my dad asked me and my sister if we wanted to try out for hockey, so we did that together,” Mazdra said. “I really look up to my sister. She’s been the best influence on me.”
Even though Mazdra continues to be the only girl on her high school JV hockey team, she is still inspired and ready to play the game.
“A thing I really love about hockey is the support everyone gets after a play or a game, even if they make a mistake or even just everyone cheering on each other,” Mazdra said. “Just the way I see everyone having fun on the bench as well as the ice.”
Shayla • Dec 9, 2024 at 8:51 am
I love this!!! This is great.