Santa Clarita Girls Hockey Team Celebrates a Heartfelt Homecoming
Santa Clarita Girls’ Hockey Team Receives Warm Homecoming After Tragic Crash
The Santa Clarita girls’ hockey team, recently involved in a tragic car accident while traveling to a Colorado tournament, is set to return to their home ice with a heartfelt welcome on Wednesday evening. The 12U AA SC Lady Flyers will be celebrated at The Cube Santa Clarita at 6 p.m. before their first practice back.
The team, which comprises 15 young athletes all aged 12 and under, recently secured a victory in the 2025-2026 Western Girls Hockey League, marking a significant achievement amidst a challenging week.
Last week, the team was en route to a tournament when their Sprinter van collided with a snowplow in Clear Creek County, Colorado. According to local authorities, there were ten people in the van at the time of the crash, which resulted in the tragic death of the driver, identified as 38-year-old Manuel Alejandro Lorenzana Villegas, the father of one of the players.
Eight people sustained injuries in the incident, leading to seven hospitalizations. Four children were treated and later released, while two adults were reported in serious condition and another in fair condition, as confirmed by Denver Health.
Todd Stelnick, the team’s head coach, expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community during this difficult time. He urged supporters to continue showing their encouragement for the young athletes.
“Keep putting your stakes outside and your front porch,” Stelnick implored emotionally. “Keep taping those stakes blue and yellow, or pink, or writing our girls’ names.”
As the team prepares for their return, the community looks forward to rallying around the athletes and their families, offering solidarity and support during their recovery.
