Defenseman Lyric Bessey: A Key Newcomer For The Co-Op Fenwick Girls Hockey Team
Lyric Bessey, a sophomore defenseman, brings a championship resume to the co-op Fenwick High School girls hockey team which is looking to leave its mark in the expanded 14-team Metro Girls league.
Just consider some of Bessey’s on-ice championship celebrations:
• 2021 President’s Cup;
• 2021 Boys Tier II state;
• 2022 Girls Tier I state;
• 2023 Girls Tier 1 state;
• 2023 Girls Tier 1 national; and
• 2024 Girls Tier 1 state.
Still, she admittedly was nervous heading into the first Fenwick practice this season. But she soon realized the Friars are focused on fun.
“Seeing all the different girls contribute and have a good time on the
ice, as teammates and as opponents, has been nice,” Bessey said. “It’s been really cool getting to play with two separate teams (this) season. It gives me more people to learn from and it surrounds me with people who help me to get better. It’s been nice to play (against) my club teammates who are on other high school teams. The smiles, laughs and intentional trips have been super fun.”
Bessey, 16, who lives in Schaumburg and attends James B. Conant High School, is in her first season skating for the Friars. She also carries her right-handed stick to the bench for Chicago Mission 16U games.
She formerly played for the Northwest Chargers (boys) and West Dundee Leafs (boys and girls). She sports jersey No. 7 for Fenwick and 87 for the Mission.
“The locker room pre-game every game has been the best part,” this season, she said. “It’s great to form friendships with new people and just have a tight bond with your team before every game.”
Fenwick head coach Mason Strom said Bessey has been a fantastic addition to the team. “She is a solid defenseman who I can put out on the ice in all situations,” he said. “She has excellent vision and generates a lot of scoring chances in the offensive zone. She fits right in with the culture of our program and has adjusted to the high school game very quickly. I look forward to her playing a big part in the challenges our team has ahead of us.”
Slapshots With … Fenwick High School Defenseman Lyric Bessey
Influences: “Definitely my parents and coaches have been huge influences on my career, always pushing me to be the best and always supporting me.”
Hockey Highlight: “In the 2023 national semifinal game in OT against Lovell, I shot from the blue line, which Charlotte Prodoehl tipped it in for the game-winner sending us to the championship.”
Off-Ice: Plays volleyball and lacrosse
More Skating: Is a Level 4 referee for IHOA.
Superstitions On The Ice: “I’m a huge superstition person. I always organize my bag in the same exact way. I have to sit by the same people in the locker room. For warmups, I always flip a puck high in the air into the right corner and lightly body check either Libby for Fenwick or Shae for Mission into the boards. I do the same stretch and a little spin in between periods after the Zamboni. One of my Mission teammates, Evie, and I always do a little handshake before every period … Superstition is REAL.”
Long-term Goals: “To win another national championship. I want to
play hockey in college and continue doing what I love.”
Facts: “I like to do my own nails and listen to music.”
Favorite NHL Team: San Jose Sharks
Favorite NHL Player: Cale Makar
Favorite Sports-themed Movie: Happy Gilmore
Favorite TV Show: Grey’s Anatomy