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03/19/2014 12:00 AMFreshman center Tina Paolillo was a pivotal player for Branford-East Haven-North Branford girls' ice hockey this season, helping the team win the SCC Division II crown with a 4-0 win over Notre Dame-Fairfield/Milford.
"We came from three different towns so it was a lot of fun getting to know new people, especially since our towns are usually rivals. It was fun getting to know them and it was different for us," says Tina, an East Haven resident. "We came into this not knowing how the team was going to be so we all just had high hopes. We really just focused on getting to the championship and I was really proud of us for getting there and winning it. It was a great experience."
Tina scored the first two goals in that conference-clinching victory, which was nothing new as the forward led the squad in both goals (25) and assists (12) this season.
"I kind of just go out there and do what I can for the team. I try and help us win. I just focus on the game and try to help my teammates out by trying to score," says Tina. "My coaches are always helping me get through the game and I just focus on that, not on points as much."
Focusing solely on playing hockey helped Tina average more than two points per game for her team and that certainly could have been expected from a player with her speed and skills.
"She's just a phenomenal stick handler and she has tremendous speed on the ice. I think at times it's not just myself and the fans that get caught up watching her dangle around people," says Head Coach Lauren Wiggins. "Sometimes some of her teammates get caught up in that, as well, and I've had to tell them to go to the net and not just watch her."
Tina's skill on the ice is something she's been developing since she was seven years old. She grew up in a hockey family with three brothers who played-including Vin, who is a member of the boys' squad and her twin-and Tina knew she needed to better her ability just to keep up.
"Playing with boys is a lot different than playing with girls so having that background of playing with boys gave me a different view on the ice," says Tina. "So that kind of got me going."
Tina's hard work has resulted in national recognition as she was selected as one of the top six forwards in all of New England this summer.
"That allowed me to go to national camp in Minnesota so I went there for a week and that helped me a lot with my skill," says Tina. "That was a big accomplishment for me."
Tina loves the gritty aspect of hockey. Most of the time, playmakers tend to shy away from contact, but Tina has no issue sticking her nose right in the middle of things. Tina's skill goes well beyond her years, which allows Coach Wiggins to put her on the ice in all situations and helps the freshman's confidence grow.
"If she put me out there, I just tried my best to do what I had to do and do it for the team," says Tina. "It's exciting and nice to know that they trust me enough to go out there along with the other girls on the ice. That gives us a boost of confidence to go out there and do our best."