For the Wilmington Nighthawks, Hockey is for Everyone

At the EJEPL, that motto ‘hockey is for everyone’ isn’t just talk — it’s happening on the ice. The Wilmington Nighthawks 14U Silver 2 team features female goaltender Hadley Day (#47), who’s been a steady presence in net, starting every one of their 13 games. Day has spent her hockey career between the pipes and has been reliable, experienced, and a true backbone for the team. Female teammate Kadin Massey (#13) sometimes shares the net with Day, but when she is not playing between the pipes, she skates primarily on the top defensive pairing and is often tasked with shutting down the opponents number one line. Massey uses her speed and stickwork to her advantage and is fearless on the ice. Day and Massey are part of the Wilmington Nighthawks Youth Hockey organization, which is dedicated to fostering a love for hockey while promoting teamwork, sportsmanship and personal development in a positive and supportive environment. And they are doing just that by supporting a co-ed environment and ensuring anyone who wants a spot on the ice, gets a chance to play.

The Nighthawks are going all in to support every team in the organization — they’ve put on major fundraising efforts to help lower costs, expand opportunities, and “offer more” for all players. Their biggest event this year was a ‘Guest Bartending’ night at BBC Tavern in Greenville, DE. According to President Griffin Helm, “Offering more means being able to organize power skating, having skills instructions come in & offering better equipment to families. My goal as a President has always been to find ways to offer more while finding a way to limit the cost to the parents. These types of events allow us to do exactly that. The stronger and more connected we are with our community the more successful we will be as an organization.”

The Wilmington Nighthawks are building an inclusive organization rooted in the belief that hockey is for everyone. Their emphasis on character, teamwork, and personal development helps each player become their best self — on and off the ice - a mission that perfectly aligns with the goals of the EJEPL.