Livingston United is a newly organized Co-op girls hockey team

Livingston United is a newly organized Co-op girls high school hockey team. The team consists of a 15 player roster, including students from Hartland, Brighton, and Howell. These girls all play locally now an important stride made by Coach Doug Fowler and Regina Locklear, mother of Darian Locklear, who both wanted to cut the commute out of playing the sport. Lead by Fowler, the team trains hard weekly at Grand Oak Ice Arena.
The steady practice is evident in the way they play, the team is off to a great start, their determination evident. Their first game took place November 14th, against Grosse Pointe South. They started off with a strong lead, scoring 2 points before first period was over. The score ended 5-2, defeating the two-time state champs as a bold introduction into the league.
The home game was long awaited, the process of even establishing the team was lengthy and much overdue. Fowler, along with help from Locklear, took lead in the development of the new livingston county girls team, as it was apparent that it was needed. Beforehand, the only club teams that were an option to high school girl hockey players were in districts far away. But, both wanted to open more opportunities for these young athletes and to do so three schools combined into one roster.
The most important part of this team is that girls can play locally. Often times, high level teams are available in the Detroit area, meaning the young players have to commute far distances regularly for practices or games to their team’s home rink. Having a shorter commute lowers risks of accidents or other dangers often found on the road. This team is a precaution for the overall well-being of the players.
“Perhaps my daughter would be alive today if she had an opportunity to play high school hockey and didn’t have to drive 40 miles each way to practice. I’m hopeful that parents and players realize they don’t have to drive so far to play competitive hockey. This new United team allows them to do just that. Hats off to Doug Fowler for leading this charge,” Locklear said.