Proposal to create a new co-op ice hockey programs in Nashua, New Hampshire is under review

The boys squad would include athletes from Nashua North and Nashua South, while the two Nashua schools, as well as schools from Souhegan, would contribute to the girls team

Jeff Hawkins | Feb 7, 2025

Kurt Snyder/The Advocate / USA TODAY NETWORK

New versions of high school boys and girls ice hockey could soon be coming to Nashua, New Hampshire.

A two-part proposal is currently under review by the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association (NHIAA) to create a co-op program comprised of players from Nashua North and South high schools. A squad would draw players from North, South and Souhegan high schools, according to the New Hampshire Union Leader.

Endorsed by the schools’ principals, the proposal was drafted by Lisa Gingras, Nashua School District’s director of athletics and wellness.

After being approved by the Board of Education during Jan. 27 meeting, the proposal remains under state review. A decision is expected by May.

If ratified, the current boys’ co-op programs, featuring teams of North and Southegan and South and Pelham, would be dissolved. The new teams would begin play in 2025-26.

Gingras indicated the South-Pelham allegiance, in its ninth season, continues to struggle with roster numbers. Pelham fielded just two players this season, the Union Leader reported

Published Feb 7, 2025

JEFF HAWKINS

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in print and digital media. A freelance writer/stay-at-home dad since 2008, Hawkins started his career with newspaper stints in Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Upstate New York and Illinois, where he earned the 2004 APSE first-place award for column writing (under 40,000 circulation). As a beat writer, he covered the NFL's Carolina Panthers (2023-24 and 2011-12), NHL's Chicago Blackhawks (2003-06) and NASCAR Winston Cup events at NHIS (1999-2003). His minor-league coverage included the UHL’s Adirondack IceHawks (1999-2003), Northeast League’s Adirondack Lumberjacks (1997-99) and South Atlantic League’s Hickory Crawdads (1993-95). Hawkins penned four youth sports books and away from the laptop, his main hobbies include mountain bike riding and live music. He has been writing for High School On SI since 2024.