Story by Randy Schultz
Photos by Janet Schultz©
During a recent Western New York Girls Varsity Ice Hockey (WNYGVIH) game, the Frontier/Orchard Park (FOP) team scores a goal. When it is announced over the PA system the goal was scored by Brooklyn Forcucci.
Interestingly, the lone assist on the goal went to Peyton Forcucci, the goal scorer’s sister. But not only are they sisters; they are twin sisters.
Brooklyn and Peyton are ninth graders playing for FOP. Both attend Orchard Park High School.
While they are not identical twins, they are not alike on the ice either. Brooklyn plays defense while Peyton is a forward.
“I’ve been playing hockey since I was four,” said Peyton, who also plays travel hockey for Amherst. “I like hockey because it’s fun and it gives you something to do after school.
“It’s also a way to meet new friends. And I really enjoy playing for the high school team.”
It is much the same for Brooklyn.
“We both started out as forwards,” recalled Brooklyn. “But when we were playing on a boy’s team, a teammate got hurt and they moved me back to defense.
“And I’ve been there ever since.”
Like her sister, Brooklyn also enjoys playing high school hockey.
“I like seeing my friends after a game or getting a chance to see former teammates from other teams that I don’t play with any more.
“Plus, when we’re in school they will give the scores of our games over morning announcements. And sometimes our friends will stop us and ask how we did in a game.”
It’s not unusual for the Forcucci twins to be on the ice at the same time.
“If I have the puck I usually know the area where my sister is on the ice,” remarked Brooklyn.
“We always seemed to get paired together,” added Peyton. “And I will look for her on the ice and get her the puck.”
The guy who coaches them for FOP is Bob Klimowicz.
“They have all the tools they need to be good hockey players and to play at the next level,” commented Klimowicz. “I think that next level will be either D1 or DIII.
“They have the skill work, edge work, great skating. Their shots have improved.
“Bottom line is that they are very coachable players. They are a pleasure to have on the team.”
The twins are also aware of the historical background of their high school team, especially when it was known as FLOP (when LakeShore HS was a part of the team) and won a New York State championship.
Probably one of the most well-known players to play for FLOP was Brooke Becker, who now plays in the PWHL for Minnesota.
“We’ve skated with Brooke a few times,” commented Brooklyn. “We ‘ve skated a few times during summer skates.
“And it’s nice that we’re being coached now by the same coach who coached Brooke. It’s nice to have that personal connection to someone who is a professional.”
“She is also a great example to see how far she has come,” added Peyton. “Playing for our high school team and travel teams.
“She’s made it without having to go to a prep school like some other girls have gone to.”
Both girls ultimate goal is to play for a Division I college or university once they are done at Orchard Park.
And both players endorse the idea of playing girls high school hockey.
“You make a lot of friends playing high school hockey,” said Peyton. “It also helps with leadership skills.”
Brooklyn added, “I have good memories of last year (as an eighth grader playing on the girl’s high school team) with (senior teammate) Mya Griffin.
“Me, Peyton and a couple of other eighth graders found it was nice to have seniors to be friends with.”
Uniform number-wise, Peyton wears 18 while Brooklyn 11. Why?
“My dad wore 18 when e played hockey,” remarked Peyton.
“My dad’s favorite player was (the Buffalo Sabres) Gilbert Perreault,” added Brooklyn. “So I chose 11.”
