Before the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School varsity girls hockey game last week at Falmouth, players switched from forward to defense and vice versa right before the game. While this would usually intimidate teams, the girls found it an exciting challenge, according to co-captain Katherine Chvatal.
“I feel like if our team had other people on it, making a change like that so suddenly would have maybe not worked out very well,” Chvatal said. “But since everyone here is so used to everybody, I think switching things up is actually being beneficial to us.”
This echoes the mentality of the team this year, which emphasizes building organic team chemistry.
The team ended up tieing the game against Falmouth, coming back from two goals down. Currently, they are 10-7-1 with two games left in the regular season this week.
A big part of the success can be attributed to new head coach Mallory Watts.
Ms. Watts hails from Michigan, where she grew up on the ice and played hockey collegiately at Manhattanville College.
Ms. Watts moved to the Vineyard in 2018, looking to grow roots on the Island as a farmer. She runs Milkweed Farm in Chilmark, and at first hadn’t thought hockey would reenter her life. Though she grew up coaching the sport, along with lacrosse, she hadn’t stepped foot in a rink for a few years. Then in 2021, she was asked to be the girls assistant coach. She took over the top spot this season.
Ms. Watts said her main goal has been to instill a sense of fun in the game.
“High tempo, really positive and fun environment is what we’re all about,” she said. “At the end of the day, we want to make sure that we’re helping mold them into good people and good kids. We want to make sure that the girls are having a good season, having fun and enjoying coming to the rink and making this their safe place.”
Co-captain Eleanor Mone said that due to the varying experience levels and ages on the team, a key component this season has been building strong connections among the teammates.
“Because none of us really knew each other on a personal level, we spent so much time in the beginning of the season and throughout the season, getting to know each other,” she said.
The competition and hunger to win is present, but within the team, being supportive friends comes first.
“Obviously we want to get better, but you’re not trying to do better than the other people on your team,” co-assistant captain Grace Cotton said. “I feel like being less competitive within the team is helping us be more competitive.”
A new tradition this year is having team dinners after practice every Friday in the locker room, rather than at someone’s home. These dinners have also contributed to the team’s chemistry, according to co-assistant captain Annabelle Metell.
“Everybody helps set up. Everybody helps clean up. We have a lot of fun with team dinners. Nobody’s ever rushing to get out,” Metell said.
“No matter if it’s at practice or a game, someone’s always cheering you on,” she added.
Ms. Watts said she is proud of how the team has improved throughout the season on and off the ice.
“Everyone is really buying into the idea of playing for each other,” she said. “In the beginning of the year, I was emphasizing to improve, not prove. That has been the backbone of the year.”
The rink feels like home for both the players and coaches.
“I learn a lot from the girls,” Ms. Watts said. “If I’m having a bad day, they make me laugh. Being on a team has always felt like a family to me.”
The girls hockey teams has two games this week to finish out the regular season. They play Marshfield away on Wedneday, and Norwood at home on Thursday. Puck drops on Thursday at 2:30 p.m.
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