Phantoms Youth is proud to support girls at every stage of their hockey journey — from first-time skaters to competitive athletes pursuing prep and collegiate goals.

We focus on building skills, confidence, and pathways — helping every player advance as far as she wishes to go. The game is here. The opportunity is here. And Phantoms Youth is committed to helping every girl thrive.

Our Approach

At 8U–12U:
We believe co‑ed hockey offers girls the best path for early development. Competing in our 8U, 10U, and 12U co‑ed teams provides pace, challenge, and diverse team experiences — building the speed, resilience, and complete skill set required to thrive in today’s game.

Our approach is aligned with USA Hockey’s American Development Model, which encourages mixed‑gender play in these foundational years to promote well‑rounded skill development and a lifelong love of the game.

Learn more about how our Girls program is structured — from first strides through 19U — below.

The Path Forward: A Full Development Pathway for Girls Hockey

At Phantoms Youth, we are building a Girls program with a clear, intentional pathway — starting from a player’s very first strides on the ice.

Our philosophy is simple: early co‑ed hockey builds stronger, more complete players. And as they grow, girls deserve a vibrant, competitive environment where they can lead and thrive.

• 8U–12U: Girls develop critical skills and compete in fast-paced co‑ed hockey — including through our Developmental League and co-ed Travel programs — building the best foundation for long‑term success.

• 14U–19U: Girls transition into the core of our Girls program — where they compete in dedicated Girls programming at the 14U, 16U, and 19U age levels, supported by a structured development pathway and coaching staff.

Our 14U A, 16U AA, and 16/19U A Girls Travel Teams are now the center of gravity for our Girls program — and where we are actively investing in building a community of strong, skilled, and confident players.

This is not just about fielding teams — it’s about building a true, lasting Girls hockey culture at Phantoms Youth.

At every stage, our coaching staff and Girls Director work closely with families to support this journey — from Learn to Play through Girls Travel. We believe in providing a true pathway — not a patchwork — for girls hockey development at Phantoms Youth.

What the Pros Say About Co‑Ed Play

Hilary Knight — USA Hockey Player & PWHL Boston
"I played with the boys for as long as I did — it really prepared me to play at a higher pace."

Kendall Coyne Schofield — USA Hockey Player & PWHL Minnesota
"Playing with the boys made me stronger and faster and taught me to be more competitive and handle adversity. I wouldn't be where I am without it."

Marie‑Philip Poulin — Team Canada & PWHL Montreal
"I played with the boys until I was 15 or 16. It really helped me develop my game, the speed, the quick decisions."

Jessica Campbell — NHL Assistant Coach (Seattle)
Jessica Campbell has spoken publicly about how competing with boys helped her develop speed, adaptability, and rapid decision-making — qualities she emphasizes in her coaching philosophy.

What Our Families Say

My daughter has been playing with the Phantoms Youth youth (co-ed) program throughout her time here from Mites (8U) to Midget (16U). For her, playing with the boys has helped her to grow and develop with skilled players and coaches. Her teammates have been like protective brothers and have pushed her to grow in skills and competitiveness.
— Danette Walters (Phantoms Youth parent)

Voices of Our Alumni

Madison Gaddy
"I was one of the original Phantoms girls and had the honor of serving as team captain for six years, leading an incredible group of girls! After my time with the Phantoms, I went on to play ACHA Division II Women’s Hockey at Liberty University, where I recently graduated and concluded my competitive hockey career. I’m now continuing my education at Liberty as a master’s student while staying connected to the game by creating graphics for several Liberty hockey teams and playing in a local beer league.

I also played co-ed hockey during high school with the Easton varsity hockey team, as well as participating in spring league. That experience pushed me to grow both mentally and physically as a player. Competing alongside and against boys sharpened my decision-making and forced me to play a smarter, more strategic game. Being one of the few girls on the ice taught me how to believe in my abilities no matter the circumstance."

Isabella Natosi
"I currently play at the ACHA D1 level at Penn State University. Prior to my college career, I played for the Phantoms for 8 seasons. Throughout those seasons, I paired my girls career with playing co-ed. It was a great opportunity as a developing player and shaped me into a very physical yet smart ice hockey player as I entered later seasons of my Phantoms career."

Reagan Mitcheltree
"Hey my name is Reagan Mitcheltree and I play for Neumann University’s Women’s NCAA D3 Ice Hockey team. I am a 2024 grad and am going into my second year at NU majoring in Athletic Training. After being with the Phantoms for 8 years I’m proud to say that the Lehigh Valley Phantoms Youth Girls was a great program to start my hockey career. The memories I made playing both girls and boys helped shape the player I am today."

Is It Safe? Addressing a Common Question

We know many families are concerned about the safety of co‑ed hockey — especially as players grow and the game becomes more physical:

• At 8U, 10U, and 12U, USA Hockey mandates no body checking. The game is fast and physical, but it’s played within strict safety rules.

• Our coaches are trained to teach proper body positioning, contact awareness, and safe play — for all players, including girls.

• Top female players credit playing co‑ed early on with developing confidence, toughness, and on‑ice awareness — safely.

Our priority is always player safety and skill development. We encourage open dialogue with families and are happy to answer any questions about how we manage safe, effective co‑ed development at these ages.

Goaltending Development

Phantoms Youth provides weekly goaltending clinics at no additional cost to our registered goalies, led by James Pierson, the Director of Goaltending Development and founder of Pierson’s Performance Goaltending.

These sessions provide position‑specific instruction to support growth and performance between the pipes.

Our Mission

Phantoms Youth is committed to delivering a hockey experience where girls:

• Develop in a supportive, high-standard environment

• Benefit from intentional, skilled coaching

• Have access to clear development pathways

• Build friendships, leadership, and love of the game

They built this house.

Our alumni didn’t ask for a place in hockey — they earned it. They helped shape a program where today’s girls can skate, lead, and compete without question.

We’re proud of the players who helped lay this foundation, including:

2024

• Reagan Mitcheltree — Neumann University Women’s Ice Hockey (NCAA D3)

• Chloe Ballew — Neumann University Women’s Ice Hockey (NCAA D3)

• Natalie Perelli — University of Pittsburgh (ACHA D2)

• Sara Lindfelt — West Virginia University (ACHA D2)

2023

• Isabella Natosi — Penn State Women’s Ice Hockey (ACHA D1)

• Kady Kratzer — Hood College Women’s Ice Hockey (NCAA D3)

• Charlotte Reeves — Arizona State Women’s Ice Hockey (ACHA D1)

2022

• Audrey Confer — Indiana University of Pennsylvania (ACHA D3)

• Melanie Pezano — Penn State Women’s Ice Hockey (ACHA D1)

• Fallon Ingram — Boston College (ACHA D1)

• Hannah Annunziata — Lebanon Valley College Women’s Ice Hockey (NCAA D3)

• Celestina "Chelly" Wolff — Lebanon Valley College Women’s Ice Hockey (NCAA D3)

2021

• Madison Gaddy — Liberty University Women’s Ice Hockey (ACHA D1)

• Kaleigh Koss — Paul Smith’s Women’s Ice Hockey (ACHA)

Earlier Alumni

• Hannah Spease — The Hill School Girls Ice Hockey (Prep School)

• Kelsey Staivecki — The Hill School Girls Ice Hockey (Prep School)

For more about the Phantoms Youth Girls experience — and to read more reflections from our Girls Program alumni — visit our Girls Program page.

2025–26 Girls Program

Our Girls program is built to serve players at every stage of their development — from early co-ed experiences through competitive Girls Travel hockey.

At the core of the program this season are our dedicated Girls Travel Teams, where players refine advanced skills, compete at high levels, and pursue opportunities in prep, collegiate, and beyond:

• 14U A Girls

• 16U AA Girls

• 16/19U A Girls

Phantoms Youth is committed to providing a clear and intentional pathway for driven players — one that begins on the co-ed side and prepares them to excel as leaders in Girls hockey.

Interested in Joining?

We’d love to help you find the right fit — whether for first-time skaters or competitive travel players.

Contact Cody Ruff, Girls Director of Hockey Operations
lvphantomsgirls@gmail.com
Practices held at Steel Ice Center, Bethlehem, PA

Learn more about our home at Steel Ice Center and the community we’re building here.