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01/26/2022 11:00 PMCassie Ward is in her first season with the Guilford girls’ ice hockey team, and she feels ecstatic to finally be playing at the high school level. A freshman at Guilford, Cassie has been contributing at both forward and on defense for the Grizzlies this winter.
Cassie learned how to skate when she was 3 and then started playing hockey at age 9. Cassie can play anywhere on the ice, but prefers to suit up as a forward when she gets the opportunity.
“My brother plays hockey and, one year, I decided I wanted to give it a shot, too. In the past, I’ve played forward, but this year, due to a shortage of players, I’ve played defense in addition to forward,” says Cassie. “I love everything there is about hockey, especially skating and competing. Hockey gets so competitive, which is what makes it so fun.”
Cassie also enjoys playing hockey because the sport gives her the ability to connect with new people. The freshman has already made several friends as a member of the Guilford girls’ hockey squad.
“I love the team environment of hockey,” Cassie says. “Hockey teams spend so much time together that you end up becoming close with your teammates and making lifelong friendships.”
Head Coach Rick Binkowski says that Cassie has made an immediate impact on an already successful Grizzlies’ program. Binkowski coached Cassie’s brother Mitchell for several seasons, so he’s known the Ward family for a few years. While Binkowski never saw Cassie play during that time, he was blown away when he saw her take the ice for Guilford.
“I was very happy to see the skills, the strength, and the speed that Cassie has as a freshman. She has a great work ethic and a good attitude,” says Binkowski. “Cassie works very hard and always shows up ready to compete. The thing I’m most happy about is that Cassie really is a forward, but has played mainly defense for us so far this season.”
The Grizzlies were unable to play a game for about a month due to their roster being depleted. Cassie had to move from forward to defense as a result, but she’s made the most of the change, and Binkowski has been pleased with her performance.
“We have a very short bench this year and we are especially lacking defenders. Even though Cassie is not familiar with the position, she plays with confidence and has done an excellent job for us on the blue line this season,” Binkowski says. “I expect many great things from her during her high school career.”
Cassie feels grateful to have the chance to play for Coach Binkowski’s squad as a freshman. Cassie says that she’s learning a lot by competing for the Grizzlies.
“I’m so thankful that Coach Binkowski puts a lot of trust in me and gives me a lot of playing time as I am learning new positions at the high school level,” Cassie says. “At practice, he provides me with the opportunity to compete and work with our top players, which greatly improves my game.”
With Guilford recently returning to the ice, Cassie has high hopes for her team as it enters the latter half of the season. Cassie is looking for Guilford to make up for lost time by finishing strong and going on a deep run in the SCC Tournament.
“I really hope this year, we get the chance to go far in the SCC playoffs,” says Cassie. “I also want to help my teammates who are new to hockey grow to love the game like I do.”