Girls Hockey Team Hosts Newport Whalers | News | Portsmouth Abbey School, Rhode Island

Brooke Marston ’27 skated with the Newport Whalers as she was growing up. She always had to play on co-ed teams, because at the time, there were not enough girls to make an all-girls team. She still remembers a special event where her team got to skate with the Salve Women’s Ice Hockey team. She says it was inspiring, offering her role models to look up to while playing the game she loves. This fall, she decided she wanted to provide that same inspiring, encouraging experience for young players.

Brooke worked with her parents, Newport Whalers Director Jill May, and Abbey staff to put together an event on October 23. Young girls from the Newport Whalers came to the Abbey rink where they were greeted by members of the varsity ice hockey team.

Brooke says that each girl was paired up with an “Abbey Buddy,” who stayed with them throughout the hour on the ice. Brooke, Megan O’Connor ’25 and Anna Hutton ’27 ran the group through some drills.

“The smiles would not leave the girls’ faces,” Brooke says, “especially after they scored a goal assisted by their ‘Abbey Buddy.’ One of the players gave Kendra Michaels ’28 a huge hug after she scored a goal.”

Brooke says the Newport Whalers told her they had a great time, and asked when they could skate together again.

“I’m so happy that our team was so excited to do this,” Brooke says. “We feel really good about spending time with younger players, and it also helped our team bond together.”