Sibling Rivalry on Ice: Layni and Ady Bakalar Elevate Jamestown Hockey

The Dynamic Duo: Ady and Layni Bakalar

Dec. 10—JAMESTOWN — An ongoing debate brews among fans about who would triumph in a one-on-one hockey showdown between the Bakalar sisters, Ady and Layni. Ady, a sophomore goalie for Jamestown High School, humorously acknowledges, "If I have to wear my goalie gear, Layni would win — it's hard to move too far and fast in. But if the gear comes off, I would totally win!" The playful rivalry is just a glimpse of the competitive spirit that defines their bond.

Layni, a junior defenseman, had a slightly different take: "I would win because she's scared to go against me," she claims, a statement met with laughter in between practice drills. Fortunately, they channel this competitive nature positively as teammates on the Blue Jays hockey team.

The Early Days of Skate

The sisters, originally hailing from Valley City, have a rich history in the sport. They began skating at the tender age of two and three, respectively, quickly transitioning from plastic pink skates to traditional hockey gear. "We both started out in plastic pink skates, and when we switched to hockey skates, I had to have pink laces and Ady purple laces with matching tape on our sticks," Layni reminisces. Their early days certainly laid a strong foundation for the athletes they've become today.

Complementary Roles on the Ice

Given their close age and school years, the Bakalar sisters have shared countless hockey seasons, growing both individually and together. "There were a couple of years when I played with the PeeWees while Layni played Prowl 12U, so returning to play on the same team this season has been fantastic," Ady says. Their roles on the team are complementary: Layni excels at defense, sending pucks flying toward her sister, while Ady occupies her space decisively in the goal, making save after save.

This synergy has proven beneficial not only for the Bakalars but for the entire Blue Jays team, presenting a unique relationship that allows them to both grow as players. "Practicing together has made us both better because we observe the game from different angles," Ady explains.

Chasing Ambitions and Opportunities

The sisters don't just skate for fun; they have serious aspirations. Both were selected for their district to participate in the USA Hockey National Player Development camps last summer in Oxford, Ohio. Layni dreams of playing at a Division 1 college. "I truly love the sport and the opportunities that have come with it—from making friends across the state and country to training at camps run by USA Hockey coaches and D1 championship players. I've had the chance to experience some amazing opportunities through hockey," she said.

Last year, Layni ranked as Jamestown's third-leading scorer, with 10 goals and six assists, displaying her offensive prowess. Ady has also seen significant personal development; after struggling with doubts last season, Ady stated, "I wasn't even sure I was going to play at the beginning of last season, but it made me want to get better. Attending the USA Hockey camp was a game changer — I got to learn from some top coaches about goalie techniques and the mental side of the game, all of which really pushed me to elevate my game to the next level."

Thriving in Competition

Heading into this season, each sister is poised to make an impact. Ady is one of the starting goalies for the Blue Jays and has already made 76 saves in the first three games, boasting a save percentage of .874. Layni has assumed leadership responsibilities, having been elected a captain, as she aims to grow not only as a player but also as a guide for her teammates. "I want to be a role model and mentor. Our biggest goal is to make it to the State and stay competitive this year," she asserts.

"We have a lot of speed on the ice and a strong determination to keep improving. Our chemistry both on and off the ice is crucial for our performance," she adds.

Building a Legacy at Jamestown

The Bakalars' journey with the Blue Jays has not been without its challenges. The team has yet to reach the state tournament since Layni's freshman year, winning only nine games in recent seasons. However, Layni believes that resilience is key: "Learning how we treat each other and respond as a team matters so much. I'm also embracing my role as a leader and finding my voice on the ice."

As the season unfolds, fans, including family and friends, watch eagerly as Layni and Ady continue to grow, not just as hockey players, but as young women making their mark in the world of sports.

From rivalry to partnership, the Bakalar sisters are a testament to dedication, talent, and sibling support. It will be exciting to see how their stories evolve on the ice this winter and beyond.