2024-25 NJC GIRLS AWARDS
2024-25 NJC GIRLS AWARDS
THE NEW JERSEY COLONIALS ANNOUNCE HONORS FOR GIRLS TEAMS
The New Jersey Colonials announce the award recipients for each team in the Girls Tier 1 and Tier 2 programs.
Ashley Chevestick, 19U Major – Girls Charette Award Winner
The “Charette Award,” goes to the outstanding Boys and Girls graduating senior. George Charette was a founder of the Morris County Youth Hockey League and coached for the New Jersey Colonials for many years.
“The “Charette Award,” goes to the outstanding Girls graduating senior. Ashley Chevestick is the perfect fit for this award. Ashley has been with the Colonials for 4 seasons. Watching Ashley turn into a mature, respectful young woman has been nothing but a delight. We have gotten to watch Ashley become a fantastic leader this season, both on and off the ice. While the hockey season is a grind, Ashely always showed up ready to work hard and willing to improve and learn. Through the rain, snow and sunshine, her dedication and commitment to the team has been unwavering. The 19U staff is very proud of all that you have accomplished in your youth career, and we look forward to what’s in store next!“– Coach Kristin Barbara
Morgan Reis, 19U Minor – Girls Charette Finalist
“Morgan has always been a leader with or without a letter on her jersey. She is someone who her teammates look up to on and off the ice. Her commitment to pushing herself and teammates has always been one of her strongest attributes as a player. Her leadership is valued by her teammates and coaching staff. As she heads off to her next chapter in life, there is no doubt that the characteristics she possesses now will set her up for long term success!“– Coach Kayla Meneghin
The Donna Guariglia Achievement Award (Girls) goes to players demonstrating the values shown by former Colonial, Donna Guariglia: A strong system of values; hard work; determination; team spirit; good sportsmanship and self-discipline were selected by their coaches.
Donna Guariglia was a driving force in bringing Girls/Women’s hockey to the New Jersey Colonials. She grew up in a hockey family, spent a lifetime actively involved as a player, parent and advocate. Donna currently sits on the Board of Directors for USA Hockey. She served as the President of MAWHA and USA Hockey Section Director for Girls’/ Women’s Hockey.
19U Major – Kitty Williams
“The Donna Guariglia Achievement Award is awarded to a player that shows a strong system of values; hard work; determination; team spirit; good sportsmanship and self-discipline. Kitty resembles all of these qualities every single day. She leads by example and does whatever it takes to show up and compete at every practice, game and in the gym. Her leadership and hard-working mentality had a huge impact on the team this season, and the Colonials program. Kitty has been an unbelievable student-athlete in her youth career, she has been a trustworthy leader every season with the Colonials and deserves every bit of recognition she gets. The 19U Major staff is very proud of you Kitty, and we look forward watching your career at Princeton!”– Coach Kristen Barbara
19U Minor – Brooke Gundlach
“Brooke has been an honor to coach this season. She personifies the qualities that the Donna Guariglia Achievement Award represents. Brooke’s hard work, determination, sportsmanship and tenacity reflects on how deserving she is. She is truly valued and respected by her teammates for her qualities of what it means to be a team player. As one of the youngest on the team she exceeds all expectations on what this award means!“ – Coach Kayla Meneghin
16U Major – Cassidy Dailey
“Cassidy is a team leader who demonstrates the qualities of the Donna Guariglia Award. As the youngest player on the team, she rose to the occasion and brought compete and passion to every workout, practice and game. She continues to set a high standard for others to follow. Her ability to lead by example and her commitment to her teammates makes her an integral part of the team’s success this season. It has been a pleasure coaching her this season.“ – Coach Emily Janiga
16U Minor – Sarina Sherman
“Sarina is a team leader who exemplifies what it means to be resilient. She’s determined to become not only a better hockey player but an advocate for change. Earlier this year she invited her hockey team to support her in an annual walk to support finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Sarina manages her T1D never letting it get in the way of her ability to contribute to the team. Her attitude of and respect for officials, coaches, and her teammates makes her stand out as a role model. I have no doubt her commitment to learning, playing, and growing girls hockey is just getting started. Thank you Sarina!“ – Coach Molly Berger
14U Major – Kallen Peterson
“Kallen’s unwavering dedication to her teammates and the Colonials organization is a true reflection of her character on and off the ice. Kallen consistently demonstrates hard work, self-discipline, a positive team spirit and is a true student of the game. She also leads by example, always putting the team’s success above her own. Kallen’s strong system of values and commitment to sportsmanship makes her an ideal candidate to embody the qualities of this award.” – Coach Brooke Avery
14U Minor – Keri Michaels
“Keri, aka “Mikey”, is the ultimate competitor and teammate. If you need someone to make a play to get the team going, Mikey is the first in line. She is as tough as they come but also the teammate who will lend a listening ear. Mikey is always looking out for her teammates and every decision she makes is to better the girls around her. Mikey looks for constructive criticism from her coaches as she is constantly striving to be better than she was the day before. Mikey is the support you want in the locker room and the fierce leader you want on the ice.“ – Coach Gina D’Arnone
12U Major – Elena Wilska
“Elena is quiet with her words, but loud with her actions. On a daily basis, Elena is always pushing others to work hard. In games, she shows respect to opponents, referees and teammates. While being one of our most physical players, she very rarely takes penalties. When others start to falter in tough games or situations, Elena keeps pushing hard. Elena gets along with all teammates and is an outstanding representative of the Colonials. She exemplifies Donna Guariglia’s passion, hard work, team spirit, values, sportsmanship and self-discipline. Elena is a perfect candidate for the award.“ – Coach Todd Drevitch
12U Minor – Lilly Lacz
“Lilly has been a cornerstone of our defense all season, bringing unmatched game sense and reliability in the defensive zone. Her ability to anticipate plays and shut down opponents has been vital to the team’s success. With a quiet confidence, she leads by example, earning the respect of her teammates through her steady presence and determination. No matter the game situation, Lilly is our go-to player, always stepping up when the team needs her most. Beyond her skill on the ice, she is an incredible teammate—and undeniably the fastest at getting changed in the locker room.“ – Coach Meghan Cassidy
10U Major – Everly Hogan
“Everly is an excellent teammate and a versatile player. She transitioned from offense to defense at the start of the season and adapted well, becoming one of our most dependable on defense. Everly is very coachable and is a pleasure to work with on the ice. She supports her teammates both on and off the ice and always brings a positive attitude!“ – Coach Caeleigh Calvert
10U Minor – Karoline Jaeckle
“Karoline brings her best every time she hits the ice. She’s a great teammate who always shows respect to her coaches and fellow players. She may not be the loudest person on the team, but she lets her play do the talking. Her hard work and positive attitude make her a key part of the 10U minor team.” – Coach Jeff Dugan
8U Red – Grace DaSilva
“Grace is an incredible player. She has one of the best shots on the team but transitioned through this year to be a formidable shut down goalie for us. She always wants to do and be what will help the team the best. She is an all-around teammate who will do some great things as she moves up to 10U.” – Coach Nicole Zajac
8U White – Malu Mayland
“Malu is a very supportive teammate and gives her best effort, regardless of what position she plays. She is always happy and excited to play and is very coachable.” – Coach Caeleigh Calvert