Jingles Becomes Youngest Female USPHL Player

The 16-year-old Flint Icelanders goaltender made history with her USPHL debut and later earned her first win.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Hockey

Jingles Becomes Youngest Female USPHL Player

Aesa Jingles, a 16-year-old junior goaltender for the Flint Icelanders, became the youngest female player to appear in a USPHL game on Oct. 16 against the Cincinnati Junior Cyclones. She later earned her first USPHL win in her first start on Oct. 25.

Why it matters

Jingles' appearances mark a milestone for female players in the junior hockey league and for the Flint community's youth hockey program. Her early results give the Icelanders a young goaltender to build around.

Jingles saved 14 of 18 shots in 16:16 of relief in her debut, then 20 of 22 shots in 21:42 on Oct. 17. In her first start on Oct. 25 she played all 60 minutes, saving 15 of 16 shots in an 8-1 win.

The players

Aesa Jingles

A 16-year-old junior goaltender who has become a notable young presence in the USPHL after breaking into the league as its youngest female player.

Flint Icelanders

A USPHL junior hockey team based in Flint that Jingles plays for.

The details

Jingles came in as relief in her first two USPHL appearances before starting her first game on Oct. 25. She had previously become the first female hockey player in Dow High history in December 2024.

December 2024: Jingles becomes the first female hockey player in Dow High history.
Oct. 16: Jingles makes her USPHL debut against the Cincinnati Junior Cyclones.
Oct. 17: Jingles saves 20 of 22 shots in her second appearance.
Oct. 25: Jingles earns her first USPHL win in her first start.

Season Trajectory

Jingles' debut places a young female goaltender inside the USPHL at a time when women are increasingly entering elite men's junior hockey. Her early wins give the Icelanders a developing option in net as the season progresses.

Jingles' starts give the Icelanders a goaltending option that could shift their playoff math as the season continues. Fans tracking USPHL rosters can follow her ongoing starts and save percentage.

The takeaway

Jingles' early results show that a young goaltender can earn a meaningful role in junior hockey quickly. Her development will be worth tracking as the Icelanders' season unfolds.