astern Ice Breakers U18 AAA set the tone on Day 1

The Ice Breakers hit the ice for their first practice under new leadership—Head Coach Donny Gosse, Assistant Coach Dwayne Curl, and Assistant Coach Cameron Frost—and the message was unmistakable: speed, compete, and conditioning will define this season. From the first whistle, the pace was ferocious and the standards uncompromising. 

Practice recap

High-tempo flow drills and relentless work rates had the rink buzzing.
Emphasis on conditioning, quick transitions, and battle intensity signaled a new identity: fast, disciplined, and hard to play against.
The vibe in the room was electric—focused, loud, and confident.
Voices from the room Players left the ice grinning and gassed, sharing sentiments like, “That was the hardest and best AAA practice I’ve been part of. We’re going to win everything—no one will be able to keep up with us.” 

Coach’s statement Coach Gosse didn’t mince words: “This team might be beaten, but it won’t be because we were outworked or out-conditioned.” That standard—effort over excuses—sets the bar for the season ahead.

Why this matters

Identity: Relentless pace, physical readiness, and detail-driven habits.
Culture: Accountability from the staff, buy-in from players, and pride from families.
Competitive outlook: Expect the Ice Breakers to be a handful for anyone they play—fast starts, sustained pressure, and third-period legs. 
What’s next

Sharpening execution: puck support, quick exits, and forecheck structure.
Building chemistry: consistent line reps and clear communication.
Tracking standards: fitness benchmarks and recovery protocols to match the tempo.
How families and fans can support now

Be present: Pack the stands, bring the energy, and make home ice loud. 
Fuel and recover: Encourage hydration, proper nutrition, and good sleep on practice and game days.
Stay connected: Follow team updates, volunteer where needed, and celebrate the small wins that build big ones.
Keep perspective: It’s a long season—trust the process and the staff’s plan.
Different perspectives to keep balance

The “push hard early” view: Front-load intensity to set habits and build elite conditioning.
The “build smart” view: Manage workload to avoid fatigue spikes, injuries, or burnout—especially during heavy school weeks.
The staff’s balance: Drive pace while monitoring recovery, adjusting loads, and keeping players resilient through the full schedule.
Quick actionables this week

Players: bring a water bottle and post-practice snack; stretch and foam roll 10 minutes nightly; review team notes for two key habits to execute next skate.
Parents/guardians: confirm gear is game-ready; plan simple recovery meals; check the schedule and rides early; encourage a consistent sleep routine.
Fans: share the schedule with friends; commit to one home game to make noise.
The Ice Breakers have their identity: fast, fearless, and fiercely prepared. The excitement is real—from the room to the stands—and the standard is set. Season on. 

Riding the Ice: Eastern Ice Breakers Poised for a Season of Change, Growth & Glory

As puck drops on the 2025-2026 Eastern Ice Breakers tryouts, the air crackles with anticipation. Last season, this U18 AAA squad emerged as true champions—undefeated in the Hockey NL Female U18 AAA League, earning the 2025 League Championship crown, and carrying that momentum to the Atlantic stage.

A Legacy of Excellence: Building on the 2024-25 Powerhouse
The 2024-25 campaign was nothing short of spectacular:

A commanding 20-7-1 Season record, with 129 goals scored against only 42 conceded

In playoffs, ice-cold dominance: outscoring opponents 29-3 and conceding a mere three goals across five games

At the Atlantic Championships, they initiated the tournament with a remarkable 2-1 overtime duel against the Moncton Rockets. Though the result didn’t go their way, goaltender Katie “The Square” Winsor stood tall—47 saves, 36 from high-danger zones—to earn Player of the Game accolades

Forward Anastasia Penney led the charge in Newfoundland playoffs, tallying 3 goals and 7 assists for a total of 10 points

The team’s resiliency and poise under pressure made them one of the toughest squads to knock off—veterans and youth united in grit.

Returning Stars: Leadership Anchors the Future
Returning players looking to retain their positions is stacked with proven performers:

Ava Willcott

Ava Seymour

Claire Colford

Anastasia Penney

Brooklyn Dove

Jane Kirby

Katie Winsor

These athletes not only anchored last season’s success—they bring invaluable leadership, experience, and firepower. Their presence sets the tone for every practice, every drill, every ticking second before tryouts begin.

Tryouts Looming: A Crucible of Competition
Just around the corner, tryouts will determine who earns a spot in a program now elevated by its own reputation. Athletes returning from lasts years program, rising from the U15 AAA Icebreakers program and other Hockey NL systems are readying themselves—hungry, driven, and aiming high. With limited spots and heightened expectations, this year’s competition promises to raise the bar even further.

A Season of Change & Growth Ahead
The 2025-2026 season marks the dawn of a new era:

Change: The team returns with fresh ambitions beyond last year’s victories and losses. With new talent joining the fray, the Ice Breakers’ identity is evolving—stronger in depth, versatility, and competitive spirit.

Growth: From individual skill development to team cohesion, the Breakers will refine strategies, drive accountability, and aim for consistent execution game after game.

This program is setting new standards—on and off the ice—and becoming one that others aspire to emulate.

Charting the Course to the Esso Cup
With the Hockey NL title their Goal, the Eastern Ice Breakers continue their journey toward national prominence. Last spring, they competed fiercely at the Atlantic Championship (Pictou, NS, April 3-6, 2025), laying the groundwork for a future Esso Cup debut. This season, that goal is more vivid than ever—both a destination and a symbol of where this relentless, inspired program is headed.

Final Word
As the 2025-2026 season unfolds, it’s more than a schedule—it’s a story in motion. With veteran stars guiding a wave of eager contenders, the Eastern Ice Breakers are poised for transformation. They are not just defending champions; they are a program evolving, growing, and redefining excellence—season after season.

Let the tryouts begin. The ice awaits.