Clifton Park Dynamo girls ice hockey 14U team preparing for nationals after first-ever state championship

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — The Clifton Park Dynamo hockey club has produced a number of high-level teams over the years. But there has never been a team on the girls’ side quite like this season’s 14U team.

The Dynamo set a lofty goal at the beginning of their season back in April 2023: to reach the state tournament. And they never deviated from that goal.

“As the season went on, and we kept getting in harder and harder games, it kept, like, seeming more and more real that it could happen,” said center Maddie Cummings, an eighth grader from Niskayuna. “And I think our confidence just grew more and more. We were just having fun playing games, and I think that’s where our confidence came from – just being with each other.”

But this group went above and beyond that goal. On March 10, the Dynamo knocked off Chazy Selects 4-0 to complete a perfect, five-game run through the New York State Amateur Hockey Association (NYSAHA) Girls Tier II, 14U tournament, and earn the first state championship in Dynamo girls history.

“We’ve worked for this for all season; honestly, for some us, our entire lives,” said left wing Caitlin Chapkosky, a freshman at Shenendehowa High School. “Just those last few moments were like, “We did it.” This was our goal, and we achieved it. It [was] an amazing feeling.”

“I got one of the best spots to watch,” added head coach Amanda Castignetti. “I got to sit on the bench; I got to see, you know, their highs, their lows and just the emotion. We scored I think first shift of that championship game, and it just went from there.

The Dynamo girls program started years back with just one 14U team, but has blossomed to five teams with over 100 players involved.

“We’ve all grown so much; the organization has grown so much, and it’s just awesome to see how…we can do it (win a championship),” said Chapkosky. “We’ve done it. I feel like it’s going to be a big inspiration for a lot of kids coming [up].”

The group was honored for their accomplishment Thursday at their home rink: Capital Arena in Clifton Park. But the journey is not complete just yet. They’ll head to Sioux Falls, South Dakota for the USA Hockey National Championships that run from April 3 to the 7th.

“I think we all have a really great attitude about going in [there],” said goalie Lila Marcincuk, a freshman at Niskayuna High School. “And we know that we’re gonna do really well, especially ’cause we did really good in states, and…hopefully we can just keep it up.”

Castignetti’s bunch earned a tough draw in the opening round. They’ll face a Minnesota team that won the national championship last year.

But win or lose, Castignetti is grateful her team simply has this opportunity to compete on a national stage.

“Most important message is just, “Have fun and enjoy the moment.” ‘Cause again, our goal was to win states, and, you know, going to nationals is…kind of like the icing on the top of the cake. So, we’re just very excited. They know how they can play. They’re excited to go show everyone what they can do.”

The team is also asking for donations to their trip. To make a contribution, head to this link .

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