As the Jr. Reign youth hockey program, a USA Hockey Model Association, continues to make plans for what everyone hopes is a normal 2021-22 season, one notable staff addition immediately gets players and families excited.

Tori Pizzuto has joined the Jr. Reign as the program’s girls hockey director. Previously, Pizzuto coached for six years with the CT Polar Bears, LA Lions and San Diego Angels.

“To say I am passionate about the game of hockey is an understatement,” said Pizzuto. “I love every aspect of the sport, from playing to watching to coaching. Being able to spread my greatest passion to young girls is as if I am living a dream come true every day. Hockey gave me to opportunity to attend a fantastic high school and college, an opportunity I might not have had without a sport to support me.

“Being able to give a young little player the ability to fall in love and find those opportunities is my greatest success.”

Growing up, Pizzuto’s father taught her to skate when she was three years old so they could bond over sports. She fell in love after her first game and never looked back.

On the ice, Pizzuto’s hockey playing experience includes playing for the CT Polar Bears AAA organization for five years and attending the USA Hockey National Tournament every year, receiving one silver medal and two bronze medals. She also played four years for the Westminster High School varsity prep team, garnering a pair of conference championships and one NEHC regional title.

After that, Pizzuto played one season with Manhattanville College where the squad took the NCAA East Regional championship. Pizzuto also played for UMass Boston, where she was voted MVP in her first season, and one season with Castleton State University.

Pizzuto also attended USA Hockey New England District Camp all five years that she was eligible along with attending the USA Hockey National Camp all five years.

Continuing her success as a player, Pizzuto won a USA Hockey Women’s C national championship in 2018 with the Lions and was a national runner-up 2019, also with the Lions at the Women’s C level.

The Jr. Reign has more girls clinics and camps coming up open to all in both Carlsbad and Riverside. Visit Jr.Reign.com for more info.

— Matt Mackinder

(June 28, 2021)