Dorchester Youth Hockey will host a Girls Hockey Night this Friday night (March 1) from 7 to 8:30 at Devine Rink on Morrissey Boulevard n Neponset. Coaches Katie Nolan, Patrice Geurard, Lily Galvin, and Maisie Whalen (shown above) said they are inviting former players, current players, and players interested in joining the program, making the event function as a reunion and an open house in one.

Whalen said the night is part of an effort to highlight the program, which had disbanded for several years. Previously, when the four coaches played, it had been a powerhouse – winning two state championships and competing at high levels every year.

The coaches returned in 2020 to help rebuild the program, volunteering their time to mentor and coach the girls from U10 levels up.

“We want to build that idea that this girls hockey program is one that is open to anyone who is interested in playing, and also that it’s a place where former players can always come back and get a warm welcome,” said Whalen.

“We have a great story in the past and present,” she added, “and I don’t think we tell it enough, and so a lot of people aren’t aware…There are also a lot of barriers people might see with hockey, but we want to let them know it’s doable – and let our current and former players attest to that as well.”

The event will feature a presentation and pizza party about the program, and coaches will be there to answer questions from players and parents who might be interested in signing up. An on-ice time will also be provided. Full hockey equipment is required for that part of the event.