Thirty-five years ago, the mothers and grandmothers of these girls had had enough of sitting on the sidelines, watching their male counterparts play hockey. They had seen collective action lead to positive change as the burgeoning feminist movement gained traction, and they decided to form a hockey league for girls. As another calendar year comes to a close, the Tompkins Girls' Hockey Association is as strong a youth sports organization one is likely to find anywhere.
As she has been for many years, co-president Mary Grainger continues to serve as my info link to the wonderful world of the TGHA. Her daughters Allie and Maura have climbed through the ranks of the organization, and now Erin, Grainger girl number three, serves as a co-captain of the Ithaca High team, and is one of the brightest lights in the galaxy of the Shooting Stars (TGHA's competitive teams).
Mary looks back over the years, and many individuals and families come to mind. "Let's see, we have a photo of Michelle Coates playing in the early days when she was just a middle-schooler, and she's still a very competitive player today," Grainger points out. "Jackie Bangs was one of the early players, and now her daughter, Casey, plays." Names like Tara Bricker inevitably come up, as do Julia Lipinoga and Karen Uber, whose brother served as the captain for the University of Connecticut.
No TGHA conversation would be complete without mentioning the Shull family. Karen, Alison and Megan were all superb players, and Megan converted much of her TGHA-related experience and self esteem into her widely distributed children's books.
On the topic of books, the TGHA was fortunate to have its own biography published and utilized as a funding tool. Shooting for the Stars, written and published by Lara Stanton, consisted of nine chapters and traced the organization up until 2001. Proceeds were given to TGHA's scholarship fund, and many copies were distributed to other organizations at tournaments in order to, as Mary Grainger says, "Spread our story." Copies of Shooting for the Stars were also distributed to every library in Tompkins County, as well as the Women's Community Building.
The TGHA really is a great small town tale that gives a wider glimpse into the cultural forces of the 1970's. The Cass Park rink was being built in 1972, and the seeds were planted for a girl's organization. Early organizers Linda Dominick and Margaret Stanton approached Dick Bertrand (of Cornell men's hockey fame) and asked him to include the girls in his summer camp plans. That year, 86 girls signed up (for $15.00), and at 6am on November 18th, 1972, the TGHA got its first "ice time" in the new rink. "Back then," Grainger points out, "there was only one facility (Lynah Rink), and now we have three, so we really have nothing to complain about."
One of Grainger's more recent press releases (and believe me, she keeps 'em coming) reminds all women that the TGHA is always looking for new members. If a player is new to the game, or looking to get back on the ice after a layoff, the organization wants to hear from her. In addition to the Initiation program, and special events like "Bring a Friend to Practice Night" (to be held on Jan. 7), there are new opportunities for women who would like to try the sport. Beginner Women's Hockey is offered Thursdays from 6:45 to 7:45 at Cass Park, and if women decide to play at the competitive level, the Ithaca Furies or Sirens can offer that opportunity.
The TGHA also offers a mentoring program known as the Cub Club (another brainchild of Megan Shull). Girls from TGHA are paired with women from the Cornell Big Red, and long-lasting relationships are built, both on and off the ice.
For more information on this great organization, contact Mary Grainger at tgha0708@yahoo.com.
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