Established 1996
 
 

 

NEPSGIHA 2017-18 All-NEPSAC Teams

 
Division I

Player of the Year
Kelly Browne — Tabor Academy — #3 — 2018

All-NEPSAC First Team

Forwards
Kelly Browne — Tabor Academy — #3 — 2018
Gillis Frechette — St. Paul's School — #9 — 2018
Julia Nearis — Kent School — #16 — 2019
Savannah Norcross — New Hampton School — #17 — 2018
Jessica Schryver — Loomis Chaffee School — #10 — 2019
Katie Tresca — Noble and Greenough School — #4 — 2018
Charlotte Welch — Phillips Academy Andover — #14 — 2018

Defense
Lauren DeBlois — New Hampton School — #7 — 2019
Lily Farden — Noble and Greenough School — #11 — 2019
Jillian Fey — Tabor Academy — #7 — 2018
Tori Palumbo — Williston Northampton School — #2 — 2018

Goaltenders
Sidney Molnar — Taft School — #30 — 2018
Lindsay Reed — Hotchkiss School — #29 — 2018


All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention Team

Forwards
Melissa Alexander — Northfield Mount Hermon School — #8 — 2018
Olivia Finocchiaro — Tabor Academy — #19 — 2018
Molly Griffin — Buckingham Browne & Nichols School — #8 — 2020
Gabby Jones — Williston Northampton School — #16 — 2018
Corinne McCool — Lawrence Academy — #24 — 2018

Defense
Mia Biotti — Buckingham Browne & Nichols School — #19 — 2021
Claire Dudley — Milton Academy — #10 — 2018
Elizabeth Holubiak — Phillips Academy Andover — #15 — 2018
Claudia Vira — Taft School — #16 — 2018
Steph Voge — Northfield Mount Hermon School — #12 — 2018

Goaltenders
Emme Ostrander --- Pomfret School --- #30 --- 2018
Kelly Pickreign --- Noble & Greenough --- #35 -- 2018


Division II

Player of the Year
Caroline Kukas — Brooks School — #1 — 2019

All-NEPSAC First Team

Forwards
Chloe Aurard — Vermont Academy — #12 — 2018
Mia Brown — Kimball Union Academy — #10 — 2018
Kristyna Kaltounkova — Vermont Academy — 2020
Jenna Letterie — Rivers School — #11 — 2018
Abbey Luth — Portsmouth Abbey School — #18 — 2018
Mickey Sindoris — Worcester Academy — #5 — 2018

Defense
Emma English — Brooks School — #7 — 2018
Tia Martignetti — Worcester Academy — #6 — 2018
Lotti Odnoga — Vermont Academy — #14 — 2018
Leslie Schwartz — Rivers School — #2 — 2019

Goaltenders
Meghan Gazard — Rivers School — #30 — 2018
Caroline Kukas — Brooks School — #1 — 2019

All-NEPSAC Honorable Mention Team

Forwards
Eliza Beaudin — Hebron Academy — #4 — 2018
Ariella Haas — Canterbury School — #19 — 2018
Mackenzie Mallett — Proctor Academy — #13 — 2018
Morgan Mordini — Worcester Academy — #9 — 2018
Neomi Neubauerova — The Gunnery — #21 — 2018
Grace Schulze — Greenwich Academy — #6 — 2020
Maddy Tregenza — St. George's School — #20 — 2018

Defense
Madi Aumann — St. George's School — #3 — 2019
Caroline Cutter — Brooks School — #10 — 2019
Molly Flanagan — Kimball Union Academy — #9 — 2019
Kiara Vazquez — Proctor Academy — #8 — 2018

Goaltenders
Courtney Denaut — Greenwich Academy — #35 — 2018
Marina Mirabella — Proctor Academy — #30 — 2019



 

Nobles Wins Div. I Title
-- Pickreign Shuts Down Williston, Named MVP


Worcester, Mass.
– Nobles captured its third Div. I championship in six years with a 2-0 victory over a gritty, speedy Williston team today at the Worcester Ice Center.

All season, the Bulldogs strong suit has been solid defensive play and strong goaltending, and today was no different as Nobles senior goaltender and tournament MVP Kelly Pickreign posted the shutout, the team's 11th of the season.

On the offensive side of things, Nobles senior Lily Farden was the difference, scoring the game-winning goal on a power play snipe from the top of the circle at 3:45 of the second period. 

Both teams came out strong in the first period, but neither established any control in their respective offensive zones and scoring opportunities were few. Williston freshman Christina Vote was whistled for interference four minutes into the game, but Nobles' power play was unable to get anything going. Williston goalie Danielle Marquez saw only one or two shots and handled them easily during the penalty kill. Williston’s power play got its chance when Nobles freshman Ellie Bayard was called for a high stick with seven minutes remaining in the period. We were surprised it was just a minor. It may have been our angle on the play, but it looked like an intentional stick whack to the head of a Williston player. Williston’s power play, like that of Nobles, was not able to create any solid zone time or chances during its advantage. Pickreign only faced three or four tough shots during the period and handled them all easily.

Nobles broke the 0-0 deadlock with a second period power play goal from Farden. It is worth noting that Williston was on the power play and took a lazy penalty that made it 4-on-4 for a handful of seconds before turning it into a power play for Nobles. Williston attempted what looked to be a pass to a player for a breakaway down-ice, but Farden was on the blue line to stop the clear with her stick. Williston was caught back with odd numbers and Farden took advantage by skating in between the top of the circles and launching a wrist shot by the screened Williston goalie. Williston responded with their signature speed and work ethic for the remainder of the period. A terrific individual effort by freshman Christina Vote almost evened the game with a minute remaining, but a Nobles defender was able to make sure the puck didn’t cross the goal line. Williston was clearly the team in control for the better part of the period, but Farden’s power play goal kept Nobles ahead 1-0 heading into the final period of play. 

In the third, Williston dug itself a hole. The teams were fairly even in 5-on-5 hockey, but Williston never gave themselves that opportunity in the latter stages of the period. First, Williston went to the box with eight minutes to play on a tripping call. Just under a minute and a half later, when the penalty was about to expire, a Williston player left the bench to make it 5-on-5 before the penalty had expired. The refs called too many skaters on the ice. On the penalty kill, Williston freshman standout Christina Vote found herself on a breakaway, but Katie Tresca of Nobles took a good penalty to deny her a scoring opportunity. On the ensuing 4-on-4 play, Nobles sophomore Maeve Connolly put a weak backhand shot on net that trickled under Marquez to give Nobles the 2-0 lead. Williston had a chance in the final minute of a power play to bring the game to within one, but could not convert.

After the game, the general consensus from the Williston bench was that it was a tough one to lose. But our long view sees a team that fought to get into the playoffs and proved they deserved to be there with a remarkable playoff run. They have much to be proud of.

As for Nobles, this was like many of its wins this season. Somehow, someway they just managed to win. And that’s what championship teams do.

Nobles & Greenough 2, Williston Northampton 0
Box Score

Period 1:
No scoring

Period 2:
Nobles -- Lily Farden (Katie Tresca) 3:45

Period 3:
Nobles -- Maeve Connolly (unassisted) 6:03

 

 

Vermont Wins Div. II Championship

-- Aurard, Kaltounkova Too Much for Rivers

Worcester, Mass.
– Vermont Academy, led by Chloe Aurard (2g,1a) and Kristyna Kaltounkova (3g,2a), captured its first-ever NEPSAC Div. II Championship with a 5-2 win over Rivers here today.

Aurard was named tournament MVP.

And the fans got an entertaining final.

From the start, there was no shortage of back-and-forth hockey. Rivers appeared, at least for a second, to have struck for a goal just three minutes in, as a net-front scramble off of a high deflection led to a Rivers forward swatting the puck in with her glove -- from above the crossbar. No goal, no argument. Meanwhile, Vermont’s top  line of Aurard, Kaltounkova, and Jazmyn Creamer were busy providing multiple scoring opportunities for the Wildcats. Both teams had chances on the power play, but neither could cash in. And Meghan Gazard, Rivers' senior goaltender, was the standout of the period, keeping Vermont off the board.

The second period started off with some feistiness as, just minutes in, a cluster of Vermont players ran a Rivers player hard into the boards between the benches. It looked to us like a penalty, but the referees saw it another way, and the Rivers player was helped off the ice. Just three minutes later, Vermont went up 1-0 on a skillful individual effort by Aurard. Given time and space behind the net, Aurard attempted a wrap-around shot, which produced a rebound, which she stuffed in the back of the net. With the lead, Vermont kept attacking the Rivers' zone, and eventually, four minutes later, doubled its lead on another great individual effort by Aurard, who made space on the ice for her pass to Kaltounkova in the slot. The sophomore's one-timer put the Wildcats ahead 2-0 with 6:58 to play in the second. Rivers, though, was unwilling to let up and, one minute after the Vermont goal, Rivers junior Kaitlin Shaughnessy skated into the Vermont zone down the right side, made a dangle around a Wildcat defender and roofed a shot on Vermont PG goalie Blanka Skodova to bring the score back within one. Rivers maintained control for much of the remainder of the first. And it was anybody’s game to win heading into the final period.

In the third, it took a little over a minute for Kaltounkova to put the Wildcats back up by two with a wrap-around goal. And it did not take long for Rivers to answer, as senior Kasey Cunningham cut it to 3-2 with 10:30 remaining. However, any idea of a Rivers comeback was dampened 24 seconds later when Aurard, with speed, scored a breakaway goal to up Vermont's lead to 4-2. At that point, Rivers threw everything they had at Vermont, but PG goalie Blanka Skodova stood her ground. Kaltounkova capped her hat trick with an empty-netter in the final minute.

After the game we had the opportunity to speak to Lisa Marshall, the Wildcats' first-year head coach. Marshall was grateful and proud of her team’s performance, and could not say enough good things about her squad.  A prep school product herself (Phillips Exeter), Marshall brought in some top-flight players and turned a team that finished 7-19-2 a year ago all the way to a NEPSAC Div. II Championship this season.

Vermont Academy 5, Rivers 2
Box Score

Period 1:
No scoring.

Period 2:
VA -- Chloe Aurard (Kristyna Kaltounkova) 12:43 remaining
VA -- Kaltounkova (Sydney Royce) 6:56
Rivers -- Kaitlin Shaughnessy (Camille Phelan, Kaitlyn Nadeau)

Period 3:
VA -- Kaltounkova (Aurard, Jordan Loya) 14:54 
Rivers -- Kasey Cunningham (Phelan, Emily Smith) 10:30
VA -- Aurard (Kaltounkova, Klara Jandusikova) 10:04
VA -- Kaltounkova (Holly Meredith, Aurard) :20 ENG

 

 

Championship Sunday
Sun. March 4, 2018
At the Worcester Ice Center
Worcester, Mass.
Livestream

Div. II Championship Game:
Rivers vs. Vermont Academy, 1:00 pm

Div. I Championship Game:
Nobles vs. Williston, 4:00 pm


 

Championship Sunday Predictions
Div. I

#1 Nobles vs. #7 Williston, 4:00 pm

Head-to-Head: Teams have not played each other this year.

We feel this is going to be a low-scoring hockey game, as Nobles has had a difficult time scoring goals against good teams this season. Their strength? The Bulldogs have been almost impossible to score on this year. We did some research and, with the exception of a recent 2-1 loss to Tabor in OT, found that Nobles has allowed more than one goal in a game twice this year -- and that was way back in December vs. Deerfield (a 5-2 win) and St. Paul’s (a 3-1 loss). That’s a remarkable statistic, one that tells you all you need to know about the strength of the Bulldogs’ defense.

If there is a team capable of scoring more than one goal against Nobles it is definitely Williston, which is clicking on all cylinders. Their top line of Vote, Jones and Holmes is as good as any line in prep hockey right now, so the Nobles defense will be tested. The Williston forwards go to the net as hard as any team we have seen and will need to continue to do that against Nobles. The Williston PP could be a huge factor in the game, and Nobles will need to stay out of the box.

This game will be tight. The difference could be a power play goal. Let’s hope the referees don’t get in the way. We have bet against Williston in both the quarters and semifinals – and have been proved wrong both times. We won’t be surprised if we are proved wrong a third time.

Prediction: Nobles 1, Williston 0

***

Div. II

#1 Rivers vs. #2 Vermont, 1:00 pm

Head-to-Head: Teams have not played each other this year.

#1 vs. #2 -- you can’t ask for a better scenario for a championship game. Vermont Academy, a relative newcomer on the girls’ hockey scene, was #1 for most of the season, until they faltered at the end of January. Rivers, a traditional D-II power and winners of 17 in a row and counting, took over and, at season’s end, captured the top overall seed.

The contrast between these two teams and programs is noteworthy. On one side you have #1-seed Rivers, a suburban Boston-based day school, and on the other you have Vermont Academy, a rural boarding school with an internationally-fueled lineup. Vermont has three D-I college commits and possibly a few more to come. Rivers, which appears to have a slightly deeper lineup has -- as of now – only a few D-III commits, and potentially quite a few more. We feel that while Vermont Academy has more high-end talent, Rivers is deeper.

Championships in hockey typically come down to one thing: goaltending. We feel Rivers has an edge there.

Prediction: Rivers 3, Vermont Academy 2

 

 

Saturday's Semifinals Scoreboard

Sat. March 3, 2018 -- Semifinals

Div. I
1/8 vs. 4/5 -- @ Nobles 1, Loomis 0
2/7 vs. 3/6 -- Williston 4 @ Tabor 3 (see game story below)

Div. II
1/8 vs. 4/5 -- @ Rivers 5, Worcester 3  
2/7 vs. 3/6 -- @ Vermont 3, St. George's 2 


Sun. March 4, 2018 -- Championship Games
At the Worcester Ice Center
Worcester, Mass.
Livestream
Div. II Championship Game:
Rivers vs. Vermont Academy, 1:00 pm
Div. I Championship Game:
Nobles vs. Williston, 4:00 pm


***
 Williston Upsets Tabor, 4-3, Advances to Finals

Dedham, Mass. -- Freshman sensation Christina Vote scored on a beautiful 2-on-1 play late in the second period and the Williston Wildcats held off a desperate charge by the Tabor Seawolves to take a 4-3 win and advance to the Division I championship game.

Things started slowly for Williston, as Tabor jumped out to a 1-0 lead on a rebound goal by UNH commit Annie Berry.

We would love to know what Williston head coach Christa Talbot said to her team after the first period because the Wildcats simply took over the game in the second period, scoring all four of their goals. The Vote, Gaby Jones, Kate Holmes line combined for three of them.

In the third, it was all Tabor, as the Seawolves converted on two early power plays to make it interesting.

Williston is on a late-season tear, beating arguably the two hottest prep hockey teams, Kent and Tabor, back-to-back. They look like a team on a mission. Their top line totally outplayed the Tabor top line today, and is as hot as any line in the league. We were also impressed with senior forward Marielle McHale and sophomore Madison Cardacci, who also scored a beautiful goal. We have been skeptical of the Williston defense, but they have been great lately, with sophomore Bryn Saarella and senior Tori Palumbo both having strong games today. Senior Dani Marquez has been huge down the stretch as well.

For Tabor, it was a bitter pill to swallow as they clearly looked like the team to beat, having won 11 games in a row. For whatever reason, they picked a terrible time to take an entire period off and Williston made them pay for it. The Tabor second line of Yale commit Olivia O’Brien, Providence commit Ashley Clark and Cindy Giandomenico had a strong game. The normally dominant top Tabor line of BC commits Kelly Browne, Olivia Finocchiaro and UNH commit Annie Berry really didn’t do much until it was too late and the usually reliable Tabor defense made a few critical mistakes that proved costly. Goaltender Christine Steege played well, but there were a few goals that we thought she could have had.

Williston will face Nobles, 1-0 winners over Loomis, in Sunday’s Div. I title game at the Worcester Ice Center (4:00 pm).


 

Semifinal Predictions


DIVISION I

#4 Loomis @ #1 Nobles, 2:00 pm
    Livestream

Head-to-Head: Dec. 2nd -- 1-1 Tie

Nobles, despite struggling a bit vs. BB&N on Wednesday, has been here before, and is tough at home. The Bulldogs' defense has been terrific all season, and that includes senior goaltender Kelly Pickreign. If Loomis is going to pull off an upset, they are going to have to find some creative ways to score goals. As the Loomis powerplay is dangerous, Nobles needs to stay out of the box.

Loomis looked as good as we have seen them all year vs. St. Paul’s on Wednesday. The Pelicans' top line is playing well right now, with Dartmouth commit Jenna Donohue and Northeastern commit Jess Schryver both having standout games Wednesday. Senior goalie Taylor Stadeli has had a great season and will be tough to beat.

Prediction: Nobles 2, Loomis 1 (Overtime)

 ***

#7 Williston @ #3 Tabor, 2:00 pm (No power at Tabor rink; moved to Boch Ice Center; Dedham, Mass.)

Head-to-Head: Jan. 6th -- Tabor 2, Williston 1

Tabor looks unstoppable right now, cruising to an easy win over Taft on Wednesday. We all know Tabor is loaded up front, but the Seawolves' defense -- and sophomore goaltender Christine Steege -- has been impressive lately. They could make a huge difference.

Williston is playing its best hockey now, and its top line -- junior Kate Holmes, senior Gaby Jones and impressive freshman Christina Vote -- looks unstoppable. The Williston D was tested a lot by Kent Wednesday, especially in the third period, and did a good job holding down the fort. And goaltender Dani Marques played as well as we have ever seen her play.

Prediction: Tabor 3, Williston 1

***
DIVISION II

#6 St. George’s @ #2 Vermont Academy, 12:30 pm (at Winchendon)

Head-to-Head: Did not meet

St. George’s, coming off a 2-1 upset win over Brooks on Wednesday, will have its hands full with Vermont Academy. Dragons' senior goaltender Hailey Martin will need to be on her game in order to slow the powerful Wildcat offense, which torched Kimball Union in Wednesday's 5-2 win. St. George’s, with a 120-mile ride to Winchendon for a 12:30 faceoff, will need to shake off the bus legs and be ready to go right from the drop of the puck. If they are not prepared, this one could be over quickly. As was the case on Wednesday, when a second period breakaway goal gave St. George's the edge against Brooks, the Dragons will need contributions from captains Maddy Tregenza and Peyton Mulhern, and try and play this one tight. While looking to capitalize on opportunities, we don’t think St. George's can get into a track meet with Vermont Academy, whose upfront talent is superior.

The key to this game may come down to special teams, as Vermont plays an aggressive style which can lead to power play opportunities for opponents. While most opponents recognize what Chloé Aurard and Krisytna Kaltounkova bring up front, the Wildcats power play, with Lotti Odnoga's ability to get pucks through to the net from on top, has produced consistently throughout the season. If St. George’s can withstand the initial surge of Vermont Academy and turn this into a one-period game, they may be able to steal one. Otherwise, look for the Wildcats to be moving on to Sunday.

Prediction: Vermont Academy 3, St. George’s 1

***

#4 Worcester Academy @ at #1 Rivers, 2:00 pm

Heat-to-Head: Feb. 19th -- Rivers 4, Worcester 2

Defending champion Worcester Academy is one game away from a chance to defend its title on home ice. Rivers took down the Hilltoppers less than two weeks ago, 4-2, in a much-anticipated matchup. Both teams have challenged themselves this season by playing eight D-I opponents apiece. Worcester still has the talent upfront to compete with anyone and will rely heavily on Micaela Sindoris, Ciara Wall, Morgan Mordini and Carley Daly, who have combined for 197 points on the season. However, as we have alluded to in the past, Worcester is not as deep as last year.

Conversely, Rivers has a deep roster and can skate three lines, which has allowed them to compete with top D-I teams and wear down most D-II opponents. The Red Wings get contributions throughout their lineup. Junior Camille Phelan’s two goals on Wednesday staked Rivers to a 2-0 lead, and junior defenseman Leslie Schwartz’s goal proved to be game-winner as they held on to defeat Canterbury, 3-2.

In the end, we believe that the depth of Rivers will prove to be the difference in this one. 

Prediction: Rivers 3, Worcester Academy 2


 

Saturday's Semifinals

Sat. March 3, 2018 -- Semifinals

Div. I
1/8 vs. 4/5 -- Loomis @ Nobles, 2:00 pm  Livestream
2/7 vs. 3/6 -- Williston @ Tabor, 1:30 pm 2:00 pm -- Moved to the Boch Ice Center

Div. II
1/8 vs. 4/5 -- Worcester @ Rivers, 2:00 pm
2/7 vs. 3/6 -- St. George's @ Vermont, 12:30 pm -- at Winchendon


Sun. March 4, 2018 -- Championship Games
At the Worcester Ice Center
Worcester, Mass.
Livestream
Div. II Championship Game, 1:00 pm
Div. I Championship Game, 4:00 pm


Around the Rinks

Hebron sophomore Logan Arseneau had two goals and one assist in the Lumberjacks' 4-3 loss at Berwick Academy Thurs. Feb. 22nd.
Hebron sophomore Logan Arseneau had two goals and one assist in the Lumberjacks' 4-3 loss at Berwick Academy Thurs. Feb. 22nd. (Photo: Dave Arnold Photography)
 
Freshman Ellie Bayard scored a pair of goals in Nobles' 4-1 win over Andover Feb. 14th.
Freshman Ellie Bayard scored a pair of goals in Nobles' 4-1 win over Andover Feb. 14th. (Photo: Dave Arnold Photography)
 
Andover sophomore Lilly Feeney scored the GWG with 5:47 left in the 3rd period as #4 Andover edged #6 New Hampton in Sat. Feb 3 action.
Andover sophomore Lilly Feeney scored the GWG with 5:47 left in the 3rd period as #4 Andover edged #6 New Hampton in Sat. Feb 3 action. (Photo: Dave Arnold Photography)
 
New Hampton senior F Savannah Norcross, a BC recruit, in a photo from her sophomore year.
New Hampton senior F Savannah Norcross, a BC recruit, in a photo from her sophomore year. (Photo: Dave Arnold Photography)