Ridge High School's 1st Ever Girls Ice Hockey Team Approved In Bernards Township

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A new girls' ice hockey team is coming to Ridge High School.

The Bernards Township Board of Education approved the program on Monday night.

Board member David Shaw said many people were "excited" about the new team and congratulated them.

There was strong student interest in forming the team, according to the board resolution.

According to the resolution, when student interest warrants a new high school athletic team, parents shall provide funding to initiate the program and show they can fully fund it for at least two years.

As a result, a parent group has agreed to fully fund the Ridge High School Girls' Ice Hockey program for its first two years.

This includes all program costs such as ice time, coaches’ stipends, officials, league fees, uniforms, equipment, and transportation.

The resolution also states that the arrangement will ensure no financial impact on the school district’s budget during the first two years.

After two years, the Board will review whether to fund the team.

The decision will be based on available district resources, the total athletics budget, and the recommendation of the administration.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.