Jackie Pilatti
Connecticut Northern Lights U-16
Jackie started playing hockey four years ago with the boys and this year has found her home with the Northern Lights, not only as a player but also as a coach. Once a week Jackie spends time with the new players and always leaves the rink smiling from the events of the day. Find out how Jackie feels about the transition from boys to girls hockey and hockey helps girls build self confidence.
What position do you play?
Left Wing.
When did you start playing hockey?
Four years ago in the South Windsor In-house program. I was ten years old and started with the boys.
Do you play any other sports?
I am a midfielder for my lacrosse team and run cross country for my school in the fall. But hockey is my favorite sport.
What is your favorite hockey drill?
I like to do forechecking drills. This is an area where I am not as strong and I get to improve my skills.
Do you have any superstitions before a game?
No...[she laughs].
Who is your role model?
My mom, because she is the best mom in the world!
How do you keep your hockey equipment from smelling?
Try to wash it as much as I can and Febreze always helps.
What is your favorite professional hockey team?
I don't watch the NHL because I don't have time and I don't find it exciting. But the Bruins are still my favorite team!
What do you do to make your community a better place?
I am an assistant coach with the Northern Lights Foundation program in South Windsor.
Do you enjoy coaching the young girls?
Yes, they brighten my day. They always have funny things to say and are always running into each other.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Social studies, I like my American History class.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Something in the medical field, I like science.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I would like to go to Boston College. This was one of the first teams I watched when I started watching women's hockey.
What is your favorite TV show?
American Idol.
Do you have any funny memories playing hockey?
When I was playing with the boys they were always right behind me to protect me when the other boys pushed me around.
What is your most memorable moment playing hockey?
Coming to the Northern Lights this year. I like all the girls on the team and enjoy how we do much more as a team than I did with the boys.
Do you think hockey helps girls to build self confidence?
Yes, I do think it helps to build self confidence. On the first day I started coaching many of the girls could barely stand and they have improved so much and so fast. Hockey has really helped build many of these girls' self confidence a lot.
