Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
March 05, 2026
Utah Lady Grizzlies Capture Double Titles, Advance to National Championships
TLDR
- The Utah Lady Grizzlies' two district titles secure a strategic advantage, advancing both teams to the national championships where they can compete for top-tier recognition.
- The 14U team achieved an undefeated run with balanced offense and defense, while the 16U team won through overtime resilience and tactical late-game plays.
- This success promotes girls youth hockey growth in Utah, providing young athletes with opportunities to develop skills and compete at higher levels nationally.
- A dramatic 16U championship featured a last-minute tying goal with 33 seconds left and an overtime winner to complete a thrilling comeback victory.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it highlights the growing success and visibility of girls' youth hockey in Utah, showcasing how local programs like the Utah Lady Grizzlies are providing competitive pathways for young female athletes. The double championship victory demonstrates increasing parity and talent development in women's sports, potentially inspiring more girls to participate in hockey and other athletic pursuits. For communities in Utah and beyond, it represents progress toward gender equity in sports and the economic and social benefits of investing in youth athletics. The national championship appearances will bring recognition to Utah's hockey programs and may attract more resources and support for girls' sports development across the region.
Summary
The Utah Lady Grizzlies girls hockey program achieved a remarkable double victory at the USA Hockey Rocky Mountain District Championships in Denver, securing berths to the 2026 USA Hockey Girls National Championships for both its 14U Tier 2 and 16U Tier 2 teams. The Rocky Mountain District tournament featured top teams from Utah, Colorado, Texas, and Arizona, with the Lady Grizzlies emerging as the dominant force. The 14U Tier 2 team, led by standout players Kathryn Damon, Eloise Linville, and Aly Mossberg, captured the district title with an undefeated four-game run, generating 23 goals while allowing only 8. Head Coach Bryan Bylsma praised the team's focus and support in all three zones, which sealed their impressive championship performance.
The 16U Tier 2 team's journey was even more dramatic, with three of its four games going to overtime, culminating in a thrilling championship comeback against the Dallas Stars. After falling behind 3–2 late in the third period, Kassidy Allsman scored with just 33 seconds remaining to force overtime, where Gianna Monestere delivered the game-winning goal. Team captain Nora McCarty anchored the defense, while goaltenders Jaylee Gomez and Alette Harker delivered strong performances throughout the tightly contested tournament. Director of Hockey and Head Coach Rob Johnson highlighted the group's grit and resilience, noting how they kept battling and believing in each other during the intense competition.
Both Utah-based teams will now represent the Rocky Mountain District at the USA Hockey Girls National Championships, with the 14U Tier 2 team competing in Rochester, Michigan, and the 16U Tier 2 team in St. Louis, Missouri, from March 25–29. These championships underscore the continued growth of girls youth hockey in Utah and the increasing opportunities for young athletes across the state. The Utah Lady Grizzlies, as Utah's premier girls hockey organization, provides a comprehensive development pathway with competitive opportunities at various levels, focusing on developing skilled, confident athletes through high-level coaching and training. For more information, visit the Utah Lady Grizzlies official website.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Utah Lady Grizzlies Capture Double Titles, Advance to National Championships
