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02/08/2017 11:00 PMSkates, sticks, and pucks run in Jackie Howlett’s family. With a brother and some cousins who all play ice hockey, the rink is essentially another home for Jackie and her family members. Jackie didn’t wait long to start gliding coast to coast along the ice. She began playing the fast-paced sport when she was in 2nd grade and hasn’t put down the stick since.
Jackie is now a sophomore at North Haven High School and competes for the Amity-North Haven-Cheshire girls’ ice hockey team, which is also known as the Blades. Last year, the Blades won the Southern Connecticut Conference Division II Tournament title, and they have hopes of repeating as champions this season. Currently, the squad holds a winning record of 8-5.
“My goal and the team’s goal is definitely to go back to the SCC championship, as well as improve our record from our previous year,” says Jackie.
Jackie is a committed athlete with both the Blades and during the offseason. Jackie focuses on her conditioning by running consistently. She also develops her craft by participating with her Junior Wolfpack hockey team. A few of Jackie’s high school teammates play for the Wolfpack and this helps the girls build their chemistry for the high school campaign.
Jackie also plays field hockey at North Haven and that’s another way for her to stay in shape. Although the playing surfaces are vastly different, there are similarities between the two sports, one of which is how participants must always know where the next pass is going. Jackie’s experience with North Haven field hockey sharpens her awareness on the ice and gives her an advantage when it comes to putting her passes in the right spot.
One person who’s seen Jackie’s passing prowess is Blades’ Head Coach John Peschell, who credits Jackie for her strong play on defense, along with how she leads through both actions and words.
“She has turned into one of our top defensive players. She is one of our leaders of the defensive four,” says Peschell says. “She is outspoken at times and, most importantly, she leads by example through her play and effort.”
Not only does Jackie play a pivotal role on the defensive side of the ice, but she also contributes to the Blades’ offensive attack. Jackie is currently tied for second on the team in scoring with her three goals and six assists this year.
“It is no doubt defense has led to our victories this season,” Coach Peschell adds. “However, through the momentum and shifts of the game, Jackie has played offense, as well. She has one of the best shots on the team.”
Jackie says that her teammates’ support helps her take on her role as one of the leaders of the squad. Even though she’s only a sophomore, Jackie knows what her team needs to work on and where she can provide assistance.
“As one of the leaders of my team, it is important to stay positive,” Jackie says. “No matter what, keep your cool and don’t get frustrated in tough situations.”
Jackie’s made huge contributions to the Blades through the past two seasons and, with two years still remaining in her high school career, you can expect that she’ll continue getting better from here. Coach Peschell says that he anticipates nothing but great things for Jackie.
“I expect Jackie to continue to be a team leader and become one of our strongest overall players,” says Peschell. “It is a pleasure to have Jackie as a member of this team. She is always smiling, she always, always gives her 100 percent, and she just loves to play the game.”