The Florida Alliance Girls Hockey Program is pleased to announce Shawn Ray as Hockey Director. Shawn will be responsible for the direction, staffing and player development for all 7 current Florida Alliance girls teams. For the 2020-21 season, all 4 National bound teams, 14/16/19 Tier 1&2 are headed to USA Hockey’s National Championship. This marks the third consecutive trip for the 14U & 16U programs, and our first visits for the 19U Tier 2 team and our 16U Tier 1 team inaugural season. Shawn will continue his role as head coach for the Alliance program. Steve Lynch, Executive Director of the program, had this to say…
“For years, we have been watching Shawn developing players. Three years ago we made the decision to join forces to provide a unique product for girls hockey that was of the same quality of the Tier 1 boys programs. We needed someone to step up and get us in a position to compete nationally. Fast forward to today, we have over 125+ girls in our 12U to 19U development programs including our flagship 16U Tier 1 AAA team. Shawn’s passion and his attention to details executing our vision has been rewarding for everyone”.
Steve Lynch – Executive Director
The program’s expansion has had key people from the inception. Jane Solverson and Jeff Novotny have and continue to be on the front line with the grass roots development which is the building blocks to allow SAHOF to offer elite style hockey known as the Florida Alliance Girls Hockey. These efforts are what feeds our program.
We have had several additions to the coaching staff since the beginning. Pat Moreau will be entering his 3rd year full-time for the Girls 16/19U Tier 2 teams bringing years of experience with him. Goalie coach Lorenda Prier continues to expand the goalies development and off-ice conditioning programs.
Fred Eaton came on board this season bringing decades of experience guiding the 14U girls Tier 2 team to the 2021 Nationals Tournament in his first year and looking to return for the 2021-22 season.
Cindy Friedman, Executive Administrator of the Girls Alliance program reflected on the announcement. “To think we had 25 players between the 2 teams back then and what we have accomplished is truly a testament to the dedication of the players, coaches, USA Hockey, and our SAHOF administration. We knew the girls talent was incredible, that they were hungry and coachable. All these accomplishments recently, only emphasized the priority to keep the girls from leaving Florida to play up north”.
Shawn Ray commented on the news of the decision,” I have been very blessed having the opportunity to work with this organization from the very beginning. At the end of the day, we have a profound influence on not only creating great talent on the ice but also creating great young women. We have worked with these girls for years, with so many countless hours of parents driving their daughters all over the state just for practice. The coaches seeing the same vision, all the volunteers, with everyone on the same page sharing this journey. Before too long, we will have our 2nd year of College commits. Hope they remember to save us some seats.”
Shawn Ray – Hockey Director
About Shawn Ray, He will be entering his 30th year of coaching with 17 years coaching Junior A hockey. He has been fortunate to have coached and trained many players that have gone on to play NCAA D-I, D-III, professional hockey in Europe and the NHL. He is one of the original founders of the Florida Alliance Girls and he also operates the Florida Bulldogs programs. Coach Shawn along with the Alliance Coaching staff have represented both SAHOF and the SE District at 2018-19, 2019-20 & 2021-22 USA Hockey National Championship for 3rd straight year.
