Hard-working young, Gemini girls’ hockey team continuing to learn

Tillsonburg’s Gabby Ash (right) battles for the puck against a pair of Huron Park Huskies. (Jeff Tribe Photo)

Jeff Tribe, Post Correspondent

One could say the Tillsonburg Gemini girls’ hockey team played to a familiar tune through a 4-3 Thames Valley Regional Athletics Southeast loss to the visiting Woodstock Huron Park Huskies Thursday, Jan. 8 at the Memorial Arena.

But it certainly wasn’t a sad song, the best Gemini outing of the 2025/26 season inspiring hope not only for the rest of this campaign, but beyond.

“We have a really hard-working young team,” said coach Michelle Dench. “So, I’m looking forward to the future.”

In the recent past, Tillsonburg’s Gabby Ash countered Huron Park’s game-opening goal by scoring on a breakaway with exactly one minute remaining in the opening (15-minute) period.

“Shot far side,” said the Gemini forward.

Tillsonburg took a 2-1 lead with just over four minutes remaining in the second frame, Mya Lauwerier connecting off an offensive zone faceoff, a la Connor McDavid’s Four Nations initially unsuccessful attempt, just prior to the Canadian star burying the series-winner from the slot on an assist to Mitch Marner.

“But I scored,” laughed Lauwerier who went five-hole to find the back of the net. “I’m better I guess,” she joked.

The Gemini took the 2-1 lead into their dressing room between the second and third periods, looking for their first win of the season.

“And then we got down,” said Lauwerier.

“No music,” explained Ash. “It was quiet.”

“Needed to get motivated for the third,” added Lauwerier.

The Huskies regained the lead on strength of two goals in the opening minute of the period, Makayla Cornish squaring accounts at two, before Leah Morrison put the visitors ahead. Addison Smith scored what would stand as the game-winner with 11:56 to play, assisted by Hannah Bast who had three helpers and a goal on the game.

Rachel Parry pulled Tillsonburg back within one with 6:51 remaining in regulation time, assisted by Bree VanRybroeck.

“I hit the bar and it went down,” said the Gemini defender.

The Huskies managed to regroup however, holding on for a narrow one-goal decision.

“Close game, should have had it… it happens,” said Lauwerier.

Although Tillsonburg has not recorded a TVRA Southeast win to date, that doesn’t mean the season is without enjoyment or progression.

“Just have to smile when I’m at the arena,” said Ash.

“I just like the sport, I’ve been doing it for my whole life,” added Grade 9 rookie Danika Homick, whose dad Devin played in Tillsonburg’s minor system, with the Norwich Junior C Merchants and also the senior Tillsonburg Thunder. Suiting up regularly with the Tillsonburg Lightning U15 girls’ team, Homick has enjoyed her transition to high school hockey.

“It’s harder so I like it better, it’s more of a challenge.”

The challenge continues for the Gemini girls Thursday, Jan. 15 on the road in Lord Dorchester, Maggie Chromczak’s speaker hopefully back in motivational play, returning to action following exams with a Tuesday, Feb. 3 date date against Woodstock CI.

“As the season goes on, it gets closer, we learn more,” Parry concluded.

“Learn more about each other,” Ash added. “A good group of girls to talk to.”