ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Players from the Tompkins Girls Hockey Association will compete against the top teams in the country.

For the first time in its history, the 14U team will play in the Chipotle-USA Hockey Girls Tier II National Championships. The tournament begins Wednesday in Rochester, Mich.

Head Coach Alex Hayes, who trains the team with fellow coaches Jill Woods and Priscilla Ziefle, said the players will never forget the journey.

“Going to this tournament is going to be ingrained in their memories, and it’s something that they’ll be able to take with them forever,” he said.

Hayes called the accomplishment a “validation” of the group’s hard work and character. He also credited parents for providing snacks and positive vibes throughout the season.

Team Manager Tom Hall said the mood behind the scenes is “always” energetic and upbeat. He said the early mornings and practices have been worthwhile.

“I think that there’s that obvious connection between how much work you put into something, and what you get out of it,” Hall said.

On and off the ice, Hall said the team is tightly knit.

“It’s a special group,” he said. “You don’t get to where we’re going without having girls that are able to pull together, even if they haven’t known each other a long time.”

The roster includes players from Elmira, Skaneateles, and other places in the region. Together, they hope to bring a title back to the Finger Lakes.