Wins were handed out all weekend for Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education students who traveled to attend the 2026 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four and toured three different universities from March 20 – 23.
Fifteen Snider girls in grades 8-11 were selected for the trip to watch high level women’s college ice hockey teams — Wisconsin, Ohio State, Penn State, and Northeastern — compete for the NCAA championship. Snider student-athletes watched history be made as Wisconsin secured a 3-2 win against Ohio State at Pegula Ice Arena.
In addition to the games, Snider girls visited several colleges throughout the trip, starting with Dickinson College on Friday before the semi-finals games. Upon arriving to Dickinson, Snider student-athletes participated in an introductory Q&A session before the tour. Throughout the day, Snider girls visited different parts of campus while taking in the college experience.
On Saturday morning, the Snider girls participated in a USA Hockey-led on-ice clinic, where they worked through drills with experienced coaches. After participating in the clinic, student-athletes attended the Patty Kazmaier Award ceremony, which was awarded to Olympic MVP Caroline Harvey, and had the opportunity to meet USA Olympic gold medalist Laila Edwards.
After the award ceremony, student-athletes toured Penn State University with Snider alum Michael Previtera, who showed students all the university has to offer.
The final stop was Wilkes University on the way home. At each school, the group explored dorms, libraries, and dining halls, experiencing both small and large campus environments.
This weekend trip was filled with memorable moments these girls won’t forget, from bonding during long van rides to meeting high level women’s ice hockey players who are paving the way for their future. G19U player Kailani Gomez was inspired by the high-level skill, motivating her to pursue more experience in her career.
Being at the Frozen Four motivated me to advance in my hockey career. Seeing the fans and skill level is so exciting.
– Kailani Gomez, G19U
The trip also gave students a valuable look into college life, especially younger students who have just started their high school careers. Experiences like this not only motivate players to pursue college hockey, but also help them better understand their academic and career paths moving forward. Sophomore Isabella Valentino’s favorite part of the trip was the tours, as they gave her direction on where she will be heading in the next two years.
I get to see the inside of these colleges, and it prepares me for what’s to come in the future
– Isabella Valentino, Scanlon 18U
Thanks to the generosity of donors and supporters, experiences like this continue to inspire and shape the next generation both on and off the ice.
Check out a recap of all the action here:
