From the moment she stepped on the ice for BFA St. Louis Collins Parley. In Albans colors, Bry Jarvis played with passion, heart and blistering speed.
“She's good,” South Burlington coach Courtney Barrett said. “We tried to man-mark her, but you can't keep up unless you have a player that can match her speed.” “She's a lot of fun to watch. She'll bury her pack if you're not careful. She was definitely their spark.”
Barrett wasn't the only one on that scouting report. But implementing it was a different story.
The prolific goalscorer finished his three-year Comets career with 76 goals and 43 assists for 119 points in 67 games. This winter, Jarvis racked up single-season program records for goals (39) and points (50), leading the way from 2001-2002, the first year girls hockey was officially recognized as a sport by the Vermont Principals Association. It surpassed Christine Dodd's record.
Coming Wednesday: BFP's 23rd Jeonju Women's Hockey Team
Today, Jarvis was named this year's Burlington Free Press Miss Hockey, joining Dodd for the new honor. The award, of which Dodd was his inaugural winner in 2002, is given to the state's top high school athlete.
In a phone interview Monday night, Jarvis spoke to a Burlington Free Press reporter about his record-setting season, his time as a Comet player and what's next after graduating this spring.
Editor's note: This interview Edited for clarity and length.
Burlington Free Press: 39 goals and 50 points are BFA records. Did you aim to break any of these program records this winter?
Jarvis: I've always been someone who sets goals for myself, and I strongly believe that having clear goals gives you direction and purpose, allowing you to effectively focus your efforts. I always strive to exceed what I have achieved in the past. I play with all my heart and hope it goes in a positive direction. I think it's pretty cool (to break records). Coming into the world of Comet hockey, I have had some great mentors along the way that I have continued to look up to. It was an honor to lead this team as one of the captains this year, but I couldn't have done it without my teammates and coaches.
BFP: What is your favorite goal of the 2023-24 season?
Jarvis: This is a difficult question. Because when you've scored so many goals, it's hard to think about just one. Because they all have meaning and are recorded on the scoreboard to contribute to the team's victory. I scored five goals when we played against Spalding, and Spalding has always been our rival in the past. It was great to score five goals against them.
BFP: What's your first thought when you get the puck in the offensive zone?
Jarvis: My first thought is to try to deceive and see where my teammates are and see if I can drive the net or make a play that gets the puck to the net.
BFP: What is your favorite memory as a BFA Comet?
Jarvis: Definitely my favorite memory was beating Spalding 3-2 in 2022 to win the championship. Our team was very close-knit and we had so many leaders on that team. We were disciplined, we knew what we wanted to achieve that year, and we went undefeated.
2022:BFA Women's Hockey wins perfect season over Spalding. First DI title since 2018
BFP: You transferred from Missisquoi to BFA after your sophomore year. Was that transition difficult?
Jarvis: Oh, not at all. My coaches, teammates, and colleagues at BFA have all made me feel very welcome. I couldn't have asked for a better transition. I knew (BFA) was where I wanted to be.
BFP: What does wearing a BFA sweater mean to you?
Jarvis: It means being dedicated and having a strong commitment to achieving the collective goals of all Comet. We believe that by embodying the principles of Comet Hockey and coaching with integrity, you can reach your full potential as a person and athlete at BFA.
BFP: Were you always this fast?
Jarvis: I have to thank my parents (Joel and Rachel Jarvis). Because my parents gave me the opportunity to get on the ice and practice with the coaches and work on my edge.
BFP: How have BFA coaches helped you develop as a hockey player?
Jarvis: I can’t thank my coaches (Luke Cioffi and Jeff Rouleau) enough. Their dedication and passion for the sport, program and community is truly inspiring. And it's evident every day. Their unwavering dedication to our team has instilled in them a commitment to excellence. Their influence on me goes far beyond the ice. Coaches Cioffi and Rouleau also played an important role in shaping my character.
BFP: What drew you to nearby St. Michael’s to continue your career?
Jarvis: Playing college hockey has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember, ever since I stepped on the ice as a kid. For me, hockey is more than just a sport, it's a passion, a mission, and a dream to pursue at the highest level. I chose St. Mike's because I wanted to be close to home since it's so close to my family, and I wanted to be there for my brother's milestones in high school.
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Contact Abrami at aabrami@freepressmedia.com. Follow him on Twitter: @aabrami5.
miss hockey
2024: Bree Jarvis, BFA-St. Albans
2023: Rebecca McKelvey, Spaulding
2022: Sophie Zemianek, BFA-St. Albans
2021: Abigail Robbins, Essex
2020: Madison Chagnon, Burlington/Colchester
2019: Olivia Miller Johnson, Essex
2018: Megan Hamilton, Rutland
2017: Jess Scott, Spaulding
2016: Aggie Bissell, Burr, Burton
2015: Kathleen Young, Essex
2014: Victoria Gibson, Essex
2013: Shanley Hourigan, BFA-St. Albans
year 2012: Haley Arnold, Spalding
2011: Sophia Steinhoff, CVU
2010: Julie Pearl, Essex
2009: Julie Pearl, Essex
2008: Caitlin Manahan, BFA-St. Albans
2007: Maggie DiMasi, Burlington
2006: Chelsea Furlani (Colchester)
Year 2005: Sophie Leclerc, Spalding
2004: Alessandra LaFiandra, Middlebury
2003: Ellen Sargent, BFA-St. Albans
2002: Christine Dodd, BFA-St. Albans