Michigan hockey player makes history at East Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (BVM) – Jane Bregenzer has been playing hockey since she was in preschool. Growing up in Illinois and later moving to Michigan, Bregenzer played for several girls and boys traveling teams throughout her youth hockey career.
During her first two years of high school, she continued with the sport, playing AAA hockey for the Meijer Hockey Club. But this past season, as a junior, she decided to take her career on the ice to another level.
A soccer player since preschool as well, hockey has been Bregenzer’s main sport after seeing her brother play it and wanting to follow in his footsteps.
“Hockey has always been a big part of my life and it is just a part of me,” Bregenzer said. “I enjoy playing the game itself and spending time with my friends as well.”
But after realizing her AAA team was becoming too much of a commitment last year, Bregenzer began looking for somewhere else to play. She wanted to be able to focus more time on school and have more of a social life outside of hockey. In order to do that and still play the sport she loves, Bregenzer decided she would try out for the boys varsity team at East Grand Rapids High School.
Playing with boys throughout her youth career, the 17-year-old was not fazed by the idea of doing it again. Although tryouts can be nerve-wracking, Bregenzer felt comfortable and confident right off the bat.
“It was a little bit awkward at first, but I was friends with some of the guys before so it made the transition easier. I felt like I was keeping up and was able to do the same stuff as the boys,” Bregenzer said.
Bregenzer was the first girl to ever try out for the Pioneers’ hockey team, and days later, she would make more history by being the first girl to make the roster. Finding out she was one of the final 20 players to make the team was a special moment.
“I was excited when I found out I made it,” the 17-year-old said. “It’s a cool feeling to be the first to do something, so being the first girl on the team made me feel proud of myself.”
At the same time, Bregenzer also realized she can now be a pioneer when it comes to girls getting involved in predominantly male sports.
“I think girls should be given the same opportunities as boys, so to be the first girl, I am just opening up a gate for more girls to do the same thing,” she added.
While on the ice this season, Bregenzer showed she can hold her own. Even though she would sometimes get double takes from her opponents, she helped the team to a 12-12-1 record, and scored a goal for East Grand Rapids as well. Some of her other favorite moments from the season included helping her team to several come-from-behind victories.
In any situation like this, support is an important aspect, and Bregenzer has received it, being welcomed by all of her teammates.
“Everyone has been very nice and supported me,” Bregenzer said when discussing her teammates. “I feel very included all the time, I participate in all the team bonding activities, and we’re just all friends.”
Bregenzer’s coach, Chris Newton, has also been an important part of the successful season for the 17-year-old, giving her the same treatment he would any other player.
“Coach has been very helpful and supportive through the whole process. He treats me just like anyone else and gives me equal opportunities,” Bregenzer added.
Playing at this level in a boys league can take a toll physically at times, and Bregenzer is confident she can improve on the ice by picking up her speed and level of play. But the 17-year-old has already seen plenty of development in her first varsity hockey season.
“I feel like I am probably more mature and I definitely think I have improved as a player. I am faster and stronger with my stick now,” Bregenzer said.
After enjoying her first year of varsity hockey, Bregenzer plans to play again as a senior, and hopes to score more points and goals in her final high school season. One of her ultimate goals, though, is to get more girls involved with the sport across the state, with hopes of having additional all-girl varsity hockey teams formed.
“I know that there are some girls teams at the high school level on the east side of the state, but it would be cool to have more over here. Hockey is very fun and enjoyable and if you’re good enough and want to play, then why not try out,” Bregenzer said.
She also realizes there are a lot of girls who probably enjoy the sport but may not have the confidence to try out for an all-boys team. For anyone in that situation, Bregenzer has this simple message:
“I would tell them to try out,” Bregenzer said. “Most of the boys will be supportive and it’s a very cool opportunity. You would not want to regret not trying out when you are older.”
Going into her senior year at East Grand Rapids, Bregenzer is not sure yet about where she might want to go to college after she graduates, but does plan to study something within the math or science fields.
The 17-year-old is interested in playing college hockey as well if the right opportunity presents itself.
But for now, she will enjoy one more year of hockey as a Pioneer. An already groundbreaking athlete at East Grand Rapids, Bregenzer has a special story that will hopefully inspire more girls to follow in her footsteps.
