By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
On Feb. 9, Cazenovia High School freshman Briana Rockwood helped the Clinton women’s ice hockey team to earn its first-ever state title.
After completing a 13-2-3 season, the Warriors — already the Section III champions — went on to defeat Williamsville 1-0 in the state championship game in Lake Placid.
“We are very proud of Briana and her teammates,” said Rockwood’s father, Ron, “They were the underdogs going into the state championship game. However, she and her teammates came together, worked hard and showed who wanted it more. They made their own miracle that night in Lake Placid.”
Rockwood joined the Clinton-based team back in November, along with 21 other athletes from several area high schools.
“It has been really fun,” Rockwood said. “They are my second family. We had girls on the team from seven different school districts. It was awesome how we all came together and were able to accomplish something so big . . . we couldn’t believe it when the buzzer went off and we had won the game. It was an amazing feeling. We made history in Lake Placid and I feel really lucky to be a part of it.”
Throughout the season, Rockwood, who plays forward (wing and center), scored four goals and earned five assists.
“We are excited for Briana and her family for the success she experienced this season,” said Cazenovia Central School District (CSD) Athletic Administrator Mike Byrnes. “It was a great opportunity for her to be able to play ice hockey through our board of education and superintendent supported agreement with Clinton. [The arrangement allows Briana] to play a school sport like hockey when she otherwise would not have had the chance. Thank you to all who helped make this happen for Briana and congratulations to her on the championship!”
Rockwood, who has lived in the Town of Cazenovia her entire life, started playing hockey when she was seven years old.
“I always wanted to play hockey, and it took until [then] to convince my parents to let me play,” she said. “It looked like it would be a very fun sport to play.”
In addition to playing for the Warriors, Rockwood has also played on the Syracuse Valley Eagles 14U Tier 1 Girls Hockey Team.
This past fall, she joined the Cazenovia Girls Varsity Soccer Team; in the spring, she plans to play lacrosse for the Lakers.
After completing her varsity hockey career, the athlete hopes to go on to play NCAA College Hockey.
“We are very proud of Briana’s accomplishments, both athletic and academic,” said Rockwood’s mother, Chris.
