WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Longmeadow hockey jersey fits Northampton sophomore Brigitte Goeler-Slough and senior Lauren Munster.
It’s not just because it’s a girls jersey.
Both of them played for Easthampton’s boys team last year.
“I had a little bit of a worse experience last year with high school hockey,” said Goeler-Slough, as Munster agreed with her teammates assessment.
This year they were given an opportunity to play for the Lancers girls team. They couldn’t be happier.
“We both made so many friends,” Munster said. “The girls are so nice and so welcoming.”
Longmeadow hosted its first ever state Division 2 tournament game Tuesday at Olympia Ice Center. The Lancers beat Falmouth 3-2 in overtime on a goal from Katelyn Joyal after overcoming a 2-0 deficit. Munster notched an assist in the game.
“There’s nothing like winning in overtime,” Goeler-Slough said. “It’s pure joy.”
Northampton athletic director Kara Dupre presented the opportunity to play for Longmeadow’s girls team rather than Easthampton’s boys team after Longmeadow athletic director Michael Capotosto reached out to his colleagues asking if they had any girls who wanted to play hockey. Dupre took the idea to Northampton’s school committee, which supported it.
“It’s a financial risk to take. They pay their user fee, and we pay the rest,” Dupre said. “Hockey’s expensive. Their user fee doesn’t pay for all of it.”
An anonymous donation helped Northampton cover additional costs like transportation, equipment and ice time.
“It shows the community was in support of this,” Dupre said.
The Blue Devils made quick impacts on Longmeadow’s team.
Goeler-Slough led Longmeadow in scoring during the regular season with 14 goals and five assists. She played goalie last year for Easthampton.
“I’m more comfortable skating out there,” she said. “I had a lot more fun this year playing a position I love.”
Munster has shifted all over the lineup but contributed five goals and eight assists.
“They’re not vocal leaders, but their actions and their positive vibe, they fit right in on day one,” Longmeadow coach Dave Pelletier said. “It’s a pleasure to have them.”
Being from a different school hasn’t alienated the Northampton players.
“It bonds us more being from different schools. It forces you to have interactions with people you don’t know and talk about other things besides school,” Munster said. “They welcomed us so much, more than I expected. This is the best year I’ve had in my life.”
It’s not over yet.
Kyle Grabowski can be reached at kgrabowski@gazettenet.com.