TRAVERSE CITY — The Bay Reps girls hockey team qualified for the 2026 USA Hockey High School Girls National Championship that takes place March 18–22 in Plymouth, Minnesota.
The Reps secured their place following an undefeated season in the Michigan Girl High School Hockey League, qualifying for nationals a second time in the program’s three-year history.
“It’s really exciting,” said Elk Rapids senior Brynne Schulte, one of the team’s captains. “It’s such a cool opportunity for such a small team in northern Michigan. It’s a good opportunity to show what we’ve built and continue to build.”
The event has two divisions, but the schedule has not yet been released because some states haven’t finished their tournaments yet.
The Reps could be in the 1B division, because other states such as Minnesota and Wisconsin allow for “select” teams — or all-star rosters picked from squads all over the state — whereas Michigan does not.
“It’s super impressive and exciting for the program that we’re going for a second time,” Reps second-year coach Erin O’Connor said. “We have a lot of veterans, which has been extremely helpful, especially for the newer kids.”
The Reps earned a spot in nationals by winning the MGHSHL with a 9-0 record and are 12-2 overall.
“A lot of the girls who helped build the program are going,” Schulte said. “We have 14 seniors. It’s a great way to finish what we started and leave a legacy for girls to pick up in the future.”
The Reps went to nationals two years ago in the team’s inaugural season, but didn’t apply last year because the dates fell during many area schools’ spring break.
“We’ve really tried to be an encompassing place that girls who want to play hockey can have a place of their own,” said Reps board member Stacey Feeley.
The Reps added Grand Traverse Academy, Gaylord and Gaylord St. Mary to its co-operative program this year. The team doesn’t currently have any players from the Blue Devils or Snowbirds, but graduating 14 seniors out of 21 players opens up a large chunk of next year’s roster.
The Reps team consists of players from Traverse City Central (senior Taryn Beamish, senior Regan Feeley, junior Peace Hawley Joppich and senior Harper Moore), Traverse City West (senior Sarah Budd, senior Gillian Hysell, sophomore Grayson Hysell and senior Lizzie Vollbrecht), Traverse City St. Francis (senior Paisleigh Upshaw and junior Piper Wilson), Grand Traverse Academy (junior Ocean Pflum), Cadillac (senior Brooklyn Cooper, senior Sara Outman, sophomore Sophia Outman and senior Lydia Owens), Petoskey (freshman Ellie Boyce), Elk Rapids (senior Gillian Evina, senior Julie Hawkins and Schulte) and Mancelona (senior Leah Brown and freshman Reagan Mick).
Regan Feeley, Schulte and Owens are team captains. Beamish is committed to play at Davenport University.
“The team is really looking forward to it and looking forward to good competition,” said Owens, a defenseman. “It’ll be really good to prove we belong there.”
Whereas some states are bringing all-star teams, the Reps are a team that’s been playing together all season.
“Part of it is an advantage (for them), getting to pick players from all over the state,” Owens said. “But we have a level of playing together and being family. For them, it’ll be harder to connect.”
Sara Outman leads the team in scoring, with 20 goals and 26 points over 10 games. Evina is second with 16 points, Beamish and Vollbrecht 14 each and Owens 10.
The Reps are hosting a showcase tournament this weekend, featuring teams from around the state, plus several college club squads. The Reps play Grosse Pointe South at Centre Ice Arena on Saturday, then Livonia on Sunday.
“Earning the opportunity to compete at Nationals is an incredible achievement for these athletes and our organization,” Stacey Feeley said. “These girls have worked tirelessly, and now they’ll have the chance to represent their high schools and Northern Michigan on a national stage.”
The team is hoping to raise $20,000 to fund the trip, paying for tournament fees, travel hosts, hotels and food for players and coaches for the five-day event.
Those wishing to donate can do so at https://BayRepsGirlsHockey.betterworld.org/donate or email Stacey Feeley at bayrepsgirlshockey@gmail.com for more information.