Cincinnati Junior Cyclones 19U Girls Hockey Team Reaches National Finals

The team's historic run inspires the local community and highlights the impact of female athletes.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:12am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the energy and movement of a girls' hockey game, with players' forms fractured and overlapping in a dynamic composition.The Cincinnati Junior Cyclones' historic run to the national finals showcases the talent and determination of female athletes, inspiring the next generation of players.Cincinnati Today

The Cincinnati Junior Cyclones 19U girls hockey team has made history by reaching the national finals in their first-ever appearance at the national level. Their journey, marked by resilience, camaraderie, and a determination to break barriers, has inspired the local community and showcased the talent and potential of female athletes.

Why it matters

The Cyclones' success has highlighted the need for dedicated female locker rooms and other basic facilities, as well as the growing enthusiasm for girls' hockey in Cincinnati. Their story sends a powerful message about gender equality in sports and the impact that female athletes can have on their communities.

The details

The Cyclones' journey to the national finals was remarkable, as they exceeded all expectations and navigated pool play before securing their spot in the championship game with a thrilling overtime victory. Head coach Nevin Bisgaard described it as a 'playing with house money' scenario, where the team's resilience and skill were on full display.

  • The Cincinnati Junior Cyclones 19U girls hockey team reached the national finals in 2026.
  • The team's historic run took place in the 2025-2026 season.

The players

Nevin Bisgaard

The head coach of the Cincinnati Junior Cyclones 19U girls hockey team, who described the team's journey to the national finals as a 'playing with house money' scenario.

Molly McElhaney

The assistant coach of the Cincinnati Junior Cyclones 19U girls hockey team, who highlighted the unique bond that forms when girls play hockey together.

Zoey Worsley

The team captain of the Cincinnati Junior Cyclones 19U girls hockey team, who emphasized the importance of having their own dedicated female locker room.

Katie Sparks

The center for the Cincinnati Junior Cyclones 19U girls hockey team, who also highlighted the importance of having their own dedicated female locker room.

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What they’re saying

“It's not just about the sport; it's about growing and supporting each other.”

— Molly McElhaney, Assistant Coach

“The toughness of female athletes is really impressive.”

— Molly McElhaney, Assistant Coach

What’s next

The team's success has sparked a surge in interest among young girls, with increased registration for tryouts, indicating a growing enthusiasm for girls' hockey in Cincinnati.

The takeaway

The Cincinnati Junior Cyclones 19U girls hockey team's historic run to the national finals has not only inspired the local community but has also highlighted the need for greater equality and support for female athletes. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that female athletes can have on their communities and the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all athletes.