Thurs. 11/29/18-additional games from Wednesday added

 

Nobles Makes a Statement

Dedham, Mass. -- #1-ranked Nobles made a major season-opening statement by thumping #5-ranked New Hampton, 6-1, in a battle of the last two NEPSAC girls’ hockey champions Wednesday.

For Nobles, things went exactly as scripted. Led by Harvard commit Lily Farden, the Bulldog defense did a great job with the high-powered New Hampton attack, thus giving Taylor Hyland, Nobles’ impressive new freshman goalie, a relatively stress-free night. The Nobles forwards are young, with eye-popping speed. Freshman Kate Ham, Ellie Bayard, Maddie Bayard, Katie Pyne and Courtney Hyland all had strong games.

As far as New Hampton goes, it was certainly not the showing many expected, but as the season progresses they should be fine. Goaltender Olivia Sollows didn’t have her best game -- and to beat a team like Nobles your goalie has to be your best player. Coach Craig Churchill has a ton of firepower up front, but it looked like he was juggling lines quite a bit in the third period trying to find some combinations that worked. The New Hampton defense has some very talented players as well, but they seemed to lose interest once Nobles went up 3-0 early in the second. The Huskies are going to have to figure it out pretty quickly as they have a tough test at Milton on Saturday.

 
***

Notes from around prep hockey, Wednesday, November 28, 2018:

@Westminster 5, St. Mark’s 2 – A three-goal second period put Westminster on the winning side. The St. Mark’s tallies came from sophomore Lila Trussell and junior Emma Viens.

@St. Paul’s 10, Brewster 0 – Senior Gaby Roy’s four-goal game led the Pelicans to a thrashing of the Bobcats. Senior Natalie Tulchinski recorded a hat trick in the win and senior Maddie Beck had the shutout in between the pipes.

Loomis Chaffee 8 @ Northfield Mount Hermon 1 – Eleven players earned points for the Pelicans to open their year with a win. Senior Jessica Schryver led the Pelicans with three goals, with the first coming on the opening shift of the game. Junior Gisele Todd and freshman Cally Dixon recorded their first career goals. Sophomore Grace Caligiusi (14/15) was in net for the Pelicans.

Holderness 5 @ Proctor 1 – Holderness scored five unanswered goals against the Hornets to open the season with a Lakes Region Rivalry win.

Taft 5 @ Millbrook 1 – Taft rotated three goalies (Freshman Jenna Guglielmi, freshman Sarah Elkas, and sophomore Melody McAtee). Junior Kristina Cornelio scored two in the win.

@Worcester 2, Tilton 0 – Six different Worcester players recorded points in their matchup with the Rams. Senior captain Carley Daly and Sophomore Shannon Burke scored for the Hilltoppers. Worcester’s senior captain Meagan Miranda recorded the shutout (23/23). Tilton’s Delanie Corcoran had a solid showing in goal (33/35). 

St. George’s 3 @ Pomfret 0 – Katie Keenan, Mary Leys, and Caroline Froio all scored goals in the Dragons opening day win against Pomfret.

Berkshire Jamboree – Berkshire went the afternoon without conceding a goal against strong opponents from Williston, Hotchkiss, and The Gunnery.  

 

Tues. 11/27/18

 

USHR's Div. I Pre-Season Poll

1. Nobles. Defense was a strength at Nobles last season, and, led by Harvard commit Lily Farden, should be even better this season. Goalie Taylor Hyland likely won’t see a lot of shots, but she’s also a freshman, so we look forward to seeing how she handles the pressure. Scoring goals could be an issue, but BC commit Katie Pyne is healthy again and ready for a breakout season.

2. Loomis. The Pelicans were terrific last year, losing 1-0 to Nobles in a heartbreaker of a semifinal. But Loomis returns its top six scorers this year, and that includes Northeastern commit Jess Schryver. Loomis is one of the few teams we consider capable of dethroning Nobles.

3. Kent. The Lions are another team we feel are capable of winning it all. They haven’t lost more than two league games over the last three seasons, so we don’t think we’re really going out on a limb here. Julia Nearis is an offensive force when she wants to be.

4. Tabor. The Seawolves are deep up front and once again loaded with D-I commits. Senior captain Annie Berry (UNH) is one of the best-kept secrets in prep hockey. If Tabor gets good goaltending this year they can get over the hump and finally win it all.

5. New Hampton. Let’s be honest: with all the D-I talent at New Hampton they probably should be ranked higher than #5, but after what happened last year down the stretch, we just want to see which Huskies team shows up. Will it be the D-I champs from 2017 or the team that missed the playoffs last season?

6. Williston. The Wildcats shocked us last year, going all the way to the title game. They return some serious firepower up front this year. And senior forward Kate Holmes is one of the top forwards in prep hockey.

7. St Paul’s. Some people may think we’re jumping the gun with this high of a ranking, but we think the Pelicans are once again going to be strong. Much of our thinking revolves around Maddie Beck, who was Canada’s U18 backstop and just may be the best goaltender in prep hockey this season.

8. Andover. We don’t believe the Big Blue will win it all, but they’re deep up front and have goalie Sophia Merageas, who was the best goaltender at the Mass State Tournament last weekend, kicking out 40 shots for the Wizards in a 1-0 loss to the Eagles.

9. BB&N. The Knights were a surprise team last year. If coach Eddie Bourget can figure out his goaltending situation, BB&N will again be a force to be reckoned with.

10. Deerfield. The Big Green have eight seniors returning to a team that has been flirting with a playoff spot the last few years. If they can find a goaltender to step up, we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see them in the playoffs for the first time in a long time.

Sun. 11/25/18

 

Girls' Prep Composite Schedule, Week of Nov. 26, 2018
Mon. Nov. 26, 2018
East Coast Wizards @ Southfield, 6:00 pm (S)

Tues. Nov. 27, 2018
Mid Fairfield @ Choate, 7:30 pm (S)

Wed. Nov. 28, 2018
Holderness @ Proctor, 2:00 pm
Andover High School @ Andover, 2:15 pm (S)
Brewster Academy @ St. Paul's, 3:00 pm
Milton @ Thayer, 3:00 pm
Taft @ Millbrook, 3:00 pm
Rye Country Day @ Immaculate Heart, 3:00 pm
Cushing @ Brooks, 3:00 pm
St. George's @ Pomfret, 3:30 pm
Loomis Chaffee @ Northfield Mt. Hermon, 3:30 pm
Portledge @ Greenwich, 3:30 pm
Hill School @ Morristown Beard, 3:45 pm
St. Mark's @ Westminster, 4:00 pm
Tilton @ Worcester Academy, 4:00 pm
Belmont HS @ Pingree, 4:15 pm (S)
Southfield @ Winsor, 4:15 pm
Berwick @ Groton, 4:30 pm
Natick @ BB&N, 5:00 pm (S)
New Hampton @ Noble & Greenough, 5:30 pm
North Yarmouth Academy @ Governor's, 5:30 pm
Big Dogs @ Middlesex, 6:00 pm (S)
Walpole @ Rivers, 6:00 pm (S)

Fri. Nov. 30, 2018
Newton North @ Newton CD, 3:15 pm (S)
BB&N @ Southfield, 4:45 pm
Holderness @ Berwick, 5:00 pm
Hebron @ Rivers, 5:00 pm
Winchendon @ Cushing, 5:00 pm
Portledge @ Millbrook, 5:00 pm
Kents Hill @ Middlesex, 6:30 pm
Proctor @ Tilton, 6:30 pm

Sat. Dec. 1, 2018
Pingree vs. Marblehead HS, 12:00 pm
Southfield @ Thayer, 2:15 pm
Kents Hill @ Brooks, 2:30 pm
Tilton @ Holderness, 2:30 pm
Pingree vs. Lower Canada College, 2:45 pm
Kent @ Berkshire, 3:00 pm
Deerfield @ St. Mark's, 3:00 pm
Worcester Academy @ Portsmouth Abbey, 3:00 pm
Greenwich @ Canterbury, 3:30 pm
BB&N @ Pomfret, 4:00 pm
Brewster Academy @ Winchendon, 4:00 pm
Kimball Union @ Groton, 4:00 pm
Proctor @ Vermont Academy, 4:00 pm
Noble & Greenough @ Loomis Chaffee, 4:00 pm
Hotchkiss @ Northfield Mt. Hermon, 4:15 pm
New Hampton @ Milton, 4:30 pm
Governor's @ Hebron, 4:30 pm
Williston Northampton @ St. Paul's, 5:00 pm
St. George's @ Gunnery, 5:00 pm
Lawrenceville @ Taft, 5:00 pm
Tabor @ Cushing, 5:30 pm
Choate @ Lawrence Academy, 5:30 pm
Hill School @ Westminster, 7:30 pm

Sun. Dec. 2, 2018
Lawrenceville @ Choate, 11:00 am
Hill School @ Kent, 12:30 pm
Canterbury @ Pomfret, 1:00 pm

Mon. Dec. 3, 2018
Berkshire @ Hotchkiss, 4:30 pm 

Sat. 11/24/18

 

USHR's Div. II Preview

 
-- Berwick Academy

Without losses to graduation -- plus the addition of five new players onto a team that went 13-10 last year -- coach Kelly Souza expects Berwick to be a serious tournament contender.

Players to Watch

F Brittany Foster, D Tiffany Foster, F Sidney Foster, G Sophie Beauchesne, D Maria Gaughan (Captain).

USHR's Opinion

Coach Souza has done a great job turning around the Berwick program. Last year's win total more than doubled the number of wins from the season before. The Bulldogs could be for real this season.

-- Kimball Union Academy

Coach Mark Hudak expects KUA to have another solid year. The Wildcats are once again big, with a number of new players, all ninth and tenth graders (seven of them). So they're young. Hudak says they'll be looking to the returnees to provide guidance and leadership so that they can get stronger as the year progresses and the youngsters gain experience.

Players to Watch 

F Mikah Baptiste, F Molly Flanagan, D Olive Scull, F Taylor Coburn, F Molly Davis, F Angelina Tommola, G Seana Perkins 

USHR's Opinion

KUA will certainly be young (see above) but they will once again be a playoff contender down the stretch.

-- Governor's Academy

Coach Claudia Barcomb takes over for Babe Ceglarski as the head coach this year and finds herself in the middle of a major rebuild as Governor's is coming off a disappointing three-win season. Barcomb is counting on senior leadership being a key factor in the upcoming season, given that they will have quite a few freshman and sophomores on the roster. 

Players to Watch

Lily Armstrong (Captain), Samatha Davidson (Assistant Captain) , Victoria Wilson, Isa Brown, Rory McPherson, Lauren Fraser, Ashley Hart, Dani White, Rori Nugent, Grace MacDonald, Angelica Negron, Devon Galizio

USHR's Opinion

Clearly, coach Barcomb is on a mission to get the former girls' powerhouse back into contention, but Governors' is still a year or two away from contending for a playoff spot.

-- St. George's

New head coach Ryan Mulhern is taking over the St. George's girls team after one year as the assistant (and, before that, 12 years with the boys' program). Mulhern is optimistic about his team's chances of making another deep playoff run. Last season, the Dragons lost in the semifinals to Vermont Academy -- with 11 seconds on the clock.

Players to Watch

G Mia Gardner, G Katie DeSa, D Madi Aumann, D Peyton Mulhern, F Olivia Mastrangelo, F Mary Leys, F Katie Keenan.

USHR's Opinion

Keep an eye on the Dragons this year. They are deep and they are motivated after last year's heartbreaker. We expect them to be contending for the Div. II title in March. 

-- Proctor

The Hornets have a lot of new faces this season as they attempt to increase roster numbers and fill holes left by a strong group of graduates. Senior goaltender Marina Mirabella will look to build off a noteworthy season between the pipes and lead this young team to a successful season.

Players to Watch

G Marina Mirabella, F Hallee Courtemanche, F Sophie Weintraub.

USHR's Opinion

It looks like a bit of a down season for the Hornets, but Mirabella will keep them in every game.

-- Portsmouth Abbey

Coach Kurt Carter's squad  is coming off a successful 2017-18 season in which they won their last 10 games. Losing Abbey Luth (Hobart-William-Smith) and her 211 career points will be a challenge. 

Players to Watch

Riley Carter, Alessandra Alves, Isabelle Fournier, Alyssa Civiello, Avery Korzeniowski, Molly Hoefel, Alyssa Alves, Lily Hovasse.

-- Vermont Academy

New head coach Chris Ardito takes over the defending Div. II champions and is expecting his team to once again play with speed and grit. Dynamic forward Kristýna Kaltounková (Colgate) is as good as anyone in prep school hockey and can win a game all by herself.

Players to Watch

F Kristýna Kaltounková, F Sophie Streed, D Jordan Loyal , D Klára Jandušíková.

USHR's Opinion

Once again, VA is loaded and without question high on our short list of favorites to repeat as Div. II champions. The question mark is goaltending: they will need to find a replacement for Blanka Skodova, who was a workhorse, logging a ton of minutes last season.

-- Worcester Academy

Although coach Kevin Zifcak lost several top scorers to graduation, the Hilltoppers look well positioned to make another run at a Div. II title. Zifcak has both goaltenders returning, which could be key.

Players to Watch

Carley Daly, Laura Hill, Ciara Wall (UNH), Melissa Macri, D Holly Silva, D Alexis Cagan, G Meg Miranda, G Mary Honan.

USHR's Opinion

The Hilltoppers are a virtual lock to make the playoffs again and, if they can do a little better taking care of business in their own end, should be in great position to make another run at a title.

-- Rivers

Coach Dana Trivigno is excited to get started with her new team. “We are looking forward to another strong season,” she says. "We have a lot of seniors and are expecting great leadership from our three captains--  Leslie Schwartz, Camille Phelan, and Kate Shaughnessy. We will try to keep the game simple, compete hard, and play as a team." 

Players to Watch

D Leslie Schwartz, F Camille Phelan, F Kate Shaughnessy, F Maggie Barrow, F Rylee Glennon. 

USHR's Opinion

Rivers is stacked once again and in great position to make another run at a Div. II title after coming up a game short last year. Our question this season is goaltending. Replacing Meghan Gazard will not be easy.

-- Brooks

Coach Lori Charpentier says she's “excited about the upcoming season and the mix of returning talent, with some of the new players working their way into the lineup” For another successful season, the seven seniors will have to provide valuable leadership.

Players to Watch

G Caroline Kukas, F Lucy Verdone. F Caroline O’Keefe, F Brianna O’Neil, F Mia LaPlante.

USHR's Opinion

Brooks is always in the mix and with Kukas in net there is no reason to think this won't be another strong season. Brooks is a team capable of winning it all.

-- Canterbury

The Saints are looking to make it back to the New England playoffs this season. With a big group of new skaters, Canterbury has a lot of young talent. Senior captain Rachael DeLong will lead the offense, while sophomore captain Jade Brinker will lead the defense.  

Players to Watch

Rachel DeLong, Jade Brinker. 

USHR's Opinion

Canterbury got off to a great start last year, winning their first nine games before struggling down the stretch, losing five in a row, including to Worcester Academy in the first round of the playoffs. We would not be surprised at all to see the Saints back in the playoffs this year.

-- Greenwich Academy

Coach Erin Brawley says Greenwich is “a young team that is looking forward to a breakout season. We look forward to a strong start and breakthrough performances from our younger players. We are also hoping for a great first season from some new additions to the team. The Gators are a determined young team that is always in the hunt and won’t accept anything else this upcoming season.” 

Players to Watch

Bobbi Roca, Paige Keating, Grace Curran, Grace Schulze, Sydney Pittignano, Hamilton Doster, and Ava Butz. 

USHR's Opinion  

Coming off an excellent 14-win season, the Gators have high expectations. Unfortunately, their best player last season, goaltender Courtney Denaut, is now doing a PG year at Lawrenceville. Her's will be hard shoes to fill.

-- Groton

Coach Randi Dumont has done a great job rebuilding the Groton program, which finished 1-18-3 in 2014. The Zebras were flirting with a playoff berth last year -- until losing four of their last five. Groton returns a strong core of players and is looking to get over the hump this year --- and secure a playoff berth.

Players to Watch

D Bridget Cornell, F Nicole Pollis, F Lily Kate Delaney, F Elena Junkala, G Sara Glawe, G Aine Ley.

USHR's Opinion

Groton should be in the hunt for a playoff spot this season, especially if they can get more consistent goaltending. The Zebras will be a team to watch.

-- Gunnery

Coach Jamie Goldsmith says that, with the departure of nine seniors, the Gunnery will be looking to some of the nine incoming freshman to keep the momentum from the last several seasons moving forward. Goldsmith says, "We are backed by one of the best goaltenders in NEPSAC hockey with Katie Broccoli, going to Providence next year." 

Players to Watch

G Kate Broccoli, D Savannah Popick.

USHR's Opinion

Gunnery is always a factor in the race for a playoff spot and Broccoli can keep them in every game. As good as she is, nine incoming freshmen is a challenge for any coach, no matter how good the goalie is.

-- Millbrook

Coach Erica Shapey says that with ten new players added to the core of last year's roster, Millbrook will start to create depth and stability this year. With many of the new players being underclassmen, Millbrook should continue to grow and get themselves back in the playoff mix.

Players to Watch

F Brysha Schmidt, F Nicole Bessinger, F Carolyn Whitney, F Catherine Champagne.

USHR's Opinion

We expect the Mustangs to bounce back in a big way after a couple of disappointing seasons. It's hard to win at this level with so many young players, but we feel Millbrook is on track for future success.

-- North Yarmouth Academy

NYA made a strong commitment to girls hockey by bringing in former Vermont Catamount and Czech Republic native Pavel Navrat. Coach Navrat doubled the size of the team in one year, zeroing in on players who aspire to play women’s college hockey.  NYA now has a young and exciting team with a strong 10-player freshman class. It is aiming to compete at a high level.

Players to Watch

F Kylie Rogers, D Caroline Gepfert, D Maya Davis, D Nichole Pappas, F Natalie Farrell, D Beth Goodrich, F Laini Frager, G Lauren Powers, G Hanna Wentworth.

USHR's Opinion

Keep an eye on NYA this season. Seeing what Navrat has done in such a short period of time is eye-opening. NYA is well on its way to becoming a Div. II powerhouse in girls' hockey. 

-- Pingree

Coach Jim McLaughlin says that Pingree is returning a lot of young players from last year's team and hopes the experience they gain will pay off with more wins this year after a bit of a disappointing season last year. "We are very solid defensively, along with our goaltending. We'll need to get more goal scoring this year which will be a big key for us in our success."

Players to Watch

D Izzy DiAdamo, D Addy Fenton, G Callie MacLaughlin, F Katelyn Clarke, F Rachel Tamarro, F Kenzie Vasque, F Kate Hill.

-- Thayer

Coach Brian Cibelli says that “Thayer returns a hungry veteran group that hopes and aims to challenge for a spot in the New England tournament."

Players to Watch

F Dylan Amonte, F Madison McCaffery, F Claire Weber, F Rivers Morris, F Emily Cataldp, D Grace Foresteire, D Ava Cornforth, D Meghan Webb, G Cam McCrystal, G Leonie Kuehberger.

USHR's Opinion

Keep an eye on the Tigers. They had a bit of a down season last year after coming off a strong 2016-17 season. We expect them to bounce back in a big way.

-- Tilton

Coach Ben Tefft tells us that “we are very senior-heavy this year with eight, so we are expecting to be competitive from day one. Sacred Heart commit Cassie Nevers will be a player to watch for us as she can create offense nearly every shift.  We have strong leadership throughout the lineup, but especially on the backend where we are expecting some big contributions from our upperclassman. They will lead a very solid D corps.”

Players to Watch

F Cassie Nevers, F Jaden Thackston, D Ashlyn Brown, D Kaitlyn Bardellini.

USHR's Opinion

We expect the Rams to be more competitive than last season, when they finished just under .500 (10-12-1). Anytime you return eight seniors it’s a huge advantage. We expect Tilton to be a team very much in the playoff conversation all season.

-- Hebron

"We are looking forward to building off of last season," coach Katie Ftorek writes. "We graduated just two seniors and welcomed a number of newcomers. Two particular newcomers to keep an eye out for are Brooke Larsen (Colorado) and Lindsey Beiche (Massachusetts), both will be stepping into big roles on the blue line. We are looking for someone to step up in the forward ranks to put pucks in the net as our five-year leading scorer graduated in 2018."

-- Holderness

Coach Nicole Bartlett says that, “The 2018-19 season is going to be an exciting one. We are kicking off the season playing in a Thanksgiving Jamboree at Union College.  Last season, we had four seniors graduate, leaving most of the team still intact. We will be playing a competitive 30-game schedule including two tournaments.” 

Players to Watch

Morgan Sisson, Darby Palisi, Drea Chin, Sydney Fascetta.

USHR's Opinion

Coming off an impressive 11-win season last year, Holderness seems to get a little better every season. Do they have enough to challenge for a playoff spot? Possibly. They have most of their team from last year returning, so stay tuned.

-- Middlesex

 No response to our request for information. Sorry!

 

Thurs. 11/22/18

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's that time of year, when hope for the coming season abounds. Before we know it, the thrill of December will fade and the freeze of deep winter will seep into our bones and our collective consciousness and 'the grind' will strike a note of reality. For players, the message is simple. Be thankful. Now and all season. You have a great opportunity, so play every shift like it's your last. When late February rolls around and the sun is higher in the sky, you may have something even greater to be thankful for.

As for this typist, this is the U.S. Hockey Report's 24th season (there were a couple seasons when we published in paper before going to the Internet). People said we were crazy. And not without reason, either. Most subscribers would dial up on those cranky old telephone modems that would screetch like drunken owls before making a connection to the 'World Wide Web.' Back then, coaches would type out their team's box scores and email them in. There were no graphics, no photos, no Twitter, no Instagram, no Facebook, no texting. There was a listserve that covered college hockey that would grow into USCHO, but hockey sites of any kind were few and far between. And there were no prep schools with web sites. It felt like the start of something, never mind that we operated at a loss for years.

None of what has happened since the fall of 1995 could have happened without our subscribers. And that means you! We think of our subscribers as a second family. And that will never change. You made this happen. And we are so very thankful!

Mon. 11/19/18

 

Girls' Prep Composite, Week of Nov. 19, 2018

Tues. Nov. 20, 2018
Falmouth HS @ North Yarmouth Academy, 4:45 pm (S)

Fri. Nov. 23, 2018
Union College Jamboree

Sat. Nov. 24, 2018
Union College Jamboree

Sun. Nov. 25
Union College Jamboree

Mon. Nov. 26
East Coast Wizards @ Southfield, 6:00 pm (S)

Sat. 11/17/18

 

USHR 2018-2019 Division I Season Preview

For the first time ever, USHR reached out to all of the league’s head coaches to gather their thoughts for our pre-season preview.

The response was terrific.

In addition, we have added 4-5 “players to watch," drawn mainly from our observations over the past few years.

Now on with the show.

Notes: The won-lost record for each team below covers league games only. Also, there is no numerical ranking intended here, just three groupings, i.e.,1) Seven teams we see as having a good shot at reaching the playoffs 2) Another group containing teams that could break out and contend for a spot and 3) Teams unlikely to improve enough to make the playoffs this season.
     --   We will have actual numerical polls quite soon.
     --  We will have a Division II preview Sunday.

THE TOP SEVEN

-- Noble & Greenough (Last season: 19-3-3; Won prep championship)

Coach Tom Resor is excited about the upcoming season and has a good number of experienced returning players. However, Nobles will need to replace key players such as F Katie Treca and G Kelly Pickreign. Defense will be a strong point for the Bulldogs as their top six blueliners have all committed to Div. I schools.

Players to watch:

D Lily Farden (Harvard), D Nicki Lutschaunig (Harvard), D Rose O'Connor (Harvard), Maddie Bayard (Middlebury), F Katie Pyne (BC), F Court Hyland (Harvard).

USHR Opinion:

Nobles, as always, is loaded with talent and will again be a force to be reckoned with. If the Bulldogs can get consistent goaltending, it’s hard to see anyone beating them when it really counts.

-- Williston (Last season: 15-7-4; lost to Nobles in Championship Game)

Coach Christa Talbot has a strong group of returners led by five seniors. Strong leadership and team chemistry will be the key to the Wildcats’ success on the ice this year. 

Players to watch:

F Kate Holmes (Northeastern), F Maura Holden, F Carolyn DiFiore (BC), D Claudia Capone (Trinity), G Tayah Sommer.

USHR Opinion

Williston is virtually a lock to make the playoffs again this year. Do they have what it takes to win a Div. I title? We don’t think so, primarily because of the graduation of F Gabby Jones. In addition, they may not have the depth of other teams. Still, the Wildcats will be a factor again all season. They certainly proved us wrong last year, making it all the way to the championship game. And they did it the hard way too, upsetting Kent in the quarterfinals, and knocking off Tabor in the semis before bowing to Nobles in the championship game -- no small feat.

-- Kent (Last season: 11-2-0; Lost to Williston, 2-0, in quarterfinals)

The Lions are loaded once again, well-positioned to make a deep playoff run. Kent returns their top three scorers up front and the incoming Welcke twins, from Germany, are also highly touted. Coach Sean Rousseau always has Kent in the hunt.

Players to Watch

F Julia Nearis (BU), F Millie Rose Sirum, F Cec Ehrhard (Harvard), D Sofie Zander, G Catie Boudiette (Quinnipiac).

USHR Opinion

We have a feeling that Kent will be on a mission this season. They owe it to themselves after ending last season with a heartbreaking first-round home playoff loss to Williston.

-- Tabor (Last season: 15-5-0; Lost to Williston, 4-3, in semifinals)

Coach Eric Long once again has one of the top teams in prep hockey. And he’s excited about not only the strong core of returning players, but some impressive newcomers as well. It’s hard for us to see the Seawolves not being a factor come playoff time.

Players to Watch:

F Annie Berry (UNH), F Skylar Irving (Northeastern), F Ashley Clark (PC), D Julia Shaughnessy (BU), D Sami Quackenbush, F Abby Newhook, F Cindy Giandomenico.

USHR Opinion

Tabor has a team that could go all the way. They’ll score, as they have some of the top forwards in prep hockey. If they can get some consistent play in net the Seawolves can beat anybody. Last season they lost in the semis. This time around, they need to find a way to get over the top.

-- Loomis Chaffee (Last season: 14-5-2; Lost to Nobles, 1-0, in semifinals)

Liz Leyden’s Loomis Chaffee squad is another perennial Div. I playoff contender. The Pelicans return their top six leading scorers from last season, which is scary for everyone else. Sophomore goalies Grace Caligiuri and Elinor Keehn will need to step up in net.

Players to Watch

F Jessica Schryver (Northeastern), F Jenna Donohue (Dartmouth), F Georgia Kraus (Dartmouth), D Bree Bergeron, F Avery Flynn, F Abby Kuhns.

USHR Opinion

Loomis is loaded again as Coach Leyden continues to bring in top young talent. If they can get consistent goaltending, they will be a force down the stretch. The Pelicans have been knocking on the championship door for a few years now. We would not be surprised if 2019 was their year.

-- St. Paul’s (Last season: 13-5-3; Lost to Loomis, 4-0, in quarterfinals)

St. Paul’s seems to be another virtual playoff lock every year. Coach Heather Farrell returns a strong group of returning forwards, as well as some impressive newcomers, such as freshman defender Kristina Allard. Someone will need to step up, especially on the back end.

Players to Watch

F Natalie Tulchinsky, F Gaby Roy (BC), F Tiff Hill (Dartmouth), F Paige Galle, G Maddie Beck, D Kristina Allard.

USHR Opinion

St. Paul’s goaltender Maddie Beck is the key. There are times when she looks like one of the top goalies in prep hockey, and she is, proving it this past summer when she was selected to the Canadian U18 team. If Beck is on her game – and there’s no reason to suggest she won’t be -- look for SPS to make a serious run at the title.

-- New Hampton (Last season: 18-6-1; Missed playoffs)

Coach Craig Churchill will once again have a team loaded with Div. I talent. Newcomer Taze Thompson should be a great addition upfront. Goaltending will be key as both Olivia Sollows and MJ Peters will be battling for ice time

Players to Watch

F Anna Shelden (Brown), F Lily Humphrey (Vermont), F Taze Thompson (Harvard), PG F Grace Bellefeuille, F Mackenzie Haberl (UNH), D Lauren Deblois (PC), D Maddie Crowley Cahill, D Courtney Collarullo.

USHR Opinion

Normally, we just assume New Hampton will be one of the eight playoff teams at season’s end, but after watching the Huskies struggle down the stretch last season it will be interesting to see which Huskie team shows up this year. They certainly are talented – as much as any team in Div. I. They kick off the season at Nobles, which is always a must-attend event.

***

PLAYOFF CONTENDERS

First off, we feel that there are 3-4 teams this year ready to break out and move up to the top level of prep hockey. We also feel that there are seven teams that look to be virtual locks for a playoff berth. And since only eight teams make playoffs, a team – or teams -- from the middle tier will be racing for one of the final eight spots, looking for a chance to upset one of the current powerhouses. Should be fun. Make sure you have your USHR subscription! (Yes, we know, shameless self-promotion.)

-- Andover (Last season: 10-6-2)

Coach Martha Fenton returns another strong team. It seems like every year the Big Blue is fighting for its life to get into the playoffs, only to come up a little short. Andover has one of the toughest schedules down the stretch, but that is a mountain they will have to climb.

Players to Watch

F Lily Feeney, F Anna Bargman (Yale), F Maddy Silveira, D Brooke Keough, G Sophia Merageas, D Liv Nolan, D Erin Kelley.

USHR Opinion:

Andover is deep, with some tremendous young talent. We feel that the Big Blue will once again be battling for a playoff spot down the stretch. Junior goaltender Sophia Merageas will be a key.

-- Cushing (Last season: 4-17-2)

Yes, the Cushing Penguins! No one works harder on the recruiting trail than third year coach Valerie Bono, and she has high hopes for a turnaround this year. She expects her charges to take another forward, mostly by taking care of the little things and paying attention to details both on and off the ice.

Players to Watch

F Margaret Sullivan (St. Anselm’s), F Dom Biron, F Mia Sacco, F Alisa Canney (Hobart), F Shea Verrier.

USHR Opinion

Not sure the Penguins have what it takes to make the playoffs this year, but they are definitely a team to watch over the next few years. They are starting to make some major waves on the recruiting trail. Cushing might still be a year or two away.

-- Deerfield (Last season: 7-9-4)

After knocking on the Div. I playoff door the last two years, new head coach Brooke Fernandez, a former Middlebury assistant, thinks Deerfield is ready to make a playoff run. With eight seniors at the helm, including captain Deirdre Mullowney, the Big Green will look to its seniors to lead both on and off the ice.

Players to Watch

D Deirdre Mullowney (BC), F Mary Edmonds (Holy Cross), F Christina Halloran, D Erin Demarco, F Aurora Devereaux, D Ali Fujiyoshi.

USHR Opinion

If the Big Green can get consistent goaltending, we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see them make it to the final eight this year. They are ready.

-- BB&N (Last season: 10-8-2; Lost to Nobles, 1-0, in quarterfinals)

BB&N shocked the girls’ hockey world last year by not only making the playoffs but by giving top-seeded Nobles all they could handle in the first round. Can Coach Ed Bourget do it again this year? Possibly; we wouldn’t bet against him.

Players to watch

F Maya Mangiafico (Brown), F Jenna Hallice, F Molly Griffin (NU), F Gali Levy, D Mia Biotti (Harvard), D Lauren Jackson, G Rei Halloran, G Vic Kennedy.

USHR Opinion

BB&N is deep again this year with many top forwards returning. Their D is also solid with junior Mia Biotti ready to have a breakout season. If BB&N can figure out their goalie situation this season, they could return to the playoffs.

-- Milton (Last season: 7-5-1)

Coach Ryan Stone has a strong group of returnees and is looking forward to another competitive team, one that will make another run at a playoff spot.

Players to Watch

F Mary Kate Thompson (Middlebury), D Julia Johnson (Middlebury), G Maggie Emerson (Dartmouth).

USHR Opinion

Milton is always a team to watch down the stretch, but we are not sure they have the depth this year to make a serious playoff run. Goaltender Maggie Emerson will keep them in many games.

-- St. Mark’s (Last season: 7-10-1)

St. Mark’s was a bit of a disappointment last year, finishing just under .500. After graduating eight seniors, including some top scorers from last season, the Lions are short on experienced depth. St. Mark’s will rely heavily on senior forward Juliana Gong to do the bulk of the scoring.

Players to Watch

F Juliana Gong, D Bailey Horne, G Lydia Racher, G Erin Murray, F Lila Trussell, F Lauren Tolve, F Avery McInerney.

USHR Opinion

St. Mark’s will be a bit down this year. Unfortunately, we just don’t think they have the experience or depth to be a serious playoff contender this season.

-- Lawrence Academy (Last season: 9-12-0)

The Spartans took a step back last year after making an impressive playoff run the season before. Coach Kevin Potter has a strong core of returning players, but will definitely need some kids to step up if they are going to make a run at a playoff spot this season.

Players to Watch

F Mia Fusco, F Jess Michals, D Jamie Comeau, D Jenna Seibold, D Erika Lizotte (Sacred Heart).

USHR Opinion

While the Spartans may lack the firepower up front to make a playoff run, they do have a good returning core of defensemen. In net, they graduated Maddox Angerhofer, so goaltending has to be considered a question mark.

-- Winchendon (Last season: 6-10-1)

The Wapitis were great down the stretch last year, winning 12 out of their last 17 games including two wins over Worcester and shocking upsets of both BB&N and New Hampton. Coach Laura DiCarlo only graduated two seniors from last year’s team so they have a strong core of returning players.

Players to Watch

F Kiley Mastel, D Julia Holmes, F Katie Puumala, D Keri Clougherty, G Hope Walinski, F Julia Kibrick

USHR Opinion

Winchendon is our sleeper team this year in Div I. We would not be surprised at all if this was a playoff team by season’s end. Keep an eye on them!

-- Taft (Last season: 12-6-0; Lost to Tabor, 6-1, in quarterfinals)

Taft, coming off a highly successful season last year, graduated seven seniors and two PGs.  They will rely on a strong core of returning players to keep their momentum moving forward. The Rhinos will be gritty and disciplined, making for some exciting and competitive games.

Players to watch

F Kristina Cornelio, D Claudia Vira, D Liv King, F Morgan Trimper (Maine), Ally Trimper (Maine), F Shannon Bucci (Captain).

USHR Opinion

It’s hard to imagine Taft being a playoff contender again this year after graduating so many key players. But if there is any coach in the league who can do it, coach Gretchen Silverman would be it. She always seems to get the most out of her players.

 ***

ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN

-- Choate (Last season: 5-9-2)

New Choate coach and former professional player Ashley Bairos is excited to have a productive season with a more robust schedule and many key players returning. In net, sophomore Lexi Secreto spent the off-season preparing herself to play big minutes for the Wild Boars. With a number of new additions joining a strong core of younger players, the cohesion of the group will play a significant role in the team’s success.

Players to Watch

F Kaitlyn O’Donahue (Colgate), D Liza Diffley, G Lexi Secreto, F Christina Touras, D Tracey Stafford.

USHR Opinion

Choate girls’ hockey has been down the last few years so we are really excited to see what Coach Bairos is able to do. Senior forward Kaitlyn O ‘Donahue can be dominant when she wants to be, and the Wild Boars are really going to need her if they are going to be a factor this season.

-- Berkshire (Last season: 2-14-2)

New coach Lisa Marshall is excited to get started at Berkshire after a remarkable run of success at Vermont Academy. The Bears will aim to be a hardworking team this year, but they also have speed up front. Berkshire will be solid in net with returning junior Annie Hauser and incoming freshman Abby Hornung.

Players to Watch

F Holley Riva (Elmira), F Catherine Appleyard, F Caroline Appleyard (Dartmouth), F Ashlyn Ham, F Caroline Mezias, D Riley Griffith, D Emma Birmingham,

USHR Opinion

Although we expect coach Marshall to work some of her magic at Berkshire, we think it’s going to take some time for her to turn this program around. It would be great to see the Berkshire Bears regain relevance in girls’ hockey.

-- Northfield Mount Hermon (Last season: 9-7-3)

New NMH coach Jessica Tabb-Wood is looking forward to the upcoming season and welcoming back a tight-knit group of players who will need to lean on each other both mentally and physically. NMH will have a short bench so they will look to play the game with smarts, toughness -- and a lot of heart.

Players to Watch

F Ally Watrous (Quinnipiac), G Ruby Powers.

USHR Opinion

NMH is always competitive but with girls’ prep hockey these days it’s hard to win with a short bench. We think this will be a bit of a rebuilding season for the Hoggers.

-- Exeter (Last season: 3-9-1)

New coach Sally Komarek tells us that she will be looking to her captains for on-ice leadership this season. The Big Red should be strong on D and will rely heavily on talented senior goalie Michaela O’Brien. Coach Komarek is also excited about some of her newcomers, and hopes that having depth through the lineup and consistency in their approach will lead to success this season.

Players to Watch

G Michaela O’Brien, D Kathryn Kester (Bowdoin), F Lydia Anderson, F Chiara Christie.

USHR Opinion

One of the great mysteries in girls prep hockey has been Exeter’s fall from the upper tier. The have struggled over the last few years, but we are excited to see what coach Komarek can do.

-- Hotchkiss (Last season: 3-9-5)

New Hotchkiss head coach Corey Cooper says “I’m excited to see what we are able to accomplish when we work each day to reach our collective potential. With a dedicated and passionate group of seniors, as well as a handful of younger players and some new talent, we are thrilled to yet again be competing in a league with such talented teams.” 

Players to Watch

Maggie Rego, Jillian Mazzocca, Zoe Wilson, and Maggie Hatch.

USHR Opinion

It’s been a struggle the last few years at Hotchkiss as they are coming off back-to-back four and five win seasons. We are curious to see what coach Cooper is able to do at the helm. Although we certainly don’t expect Hotchkiss to be in playoff contention this season, the Bearcats look to become relevant again in Div. I play.

 
-- Westminster (Last season: 5-13-2)

New Head Coach Jess Keough says that Westminster is looking forward to welcoming some new young players, adding that the key to their success will be the upperclassman bringing the younger players along quickly. The Marlets face their usual competitive Founders’ League schedule.

Players to Watch

Hannah Carbone, Jill Parsons, Megan Rittenhouse, Taylor Adams.

USHR Opinion

After a few disappointing seasons, it looks like coach Keough has Westminster on track for a competitive season. We don’t think they have enough to make a serious run at a playoff spot this year, but keep an eye on Westy over the next few seasons.

 

-- Pomfret (Last season: 0-17-1)

Coach Samantha Slotnick is looking forward to rebuilding this season. After graduating seven seniors last spring, the Griffins brought in seven new underclassmen this season. We expect they will grow and learn – and reap rewards down the line.

Players to Watch

G Rieley Jessie-Gerelli, F Grace Arsenault, F Hannah Twombly, F Emma McLean, F Sarah Rumley, F Melissa Montesi, G Cate Gallagher.

USHR Opinion

After the disappointments of the last couple of seasons, in which they won just one league game, coach Slotnick has been working the recruiting trail hard. We think Pomfret is close to becoming a competitive program again.

-- Dexter Southfield (Last season: 6-9-1 in D-II play; making jump to D-I this season)

Coach Maggie Taverna has high expectations for this season, confident in her team’s ability to put forth maximum effort.

Players to Watch

F Amy Le, F Karly Aguirre, G Lily O’Neil D Kylie McCarthy, D Cailin Flynn, F Kara Goulding, F Maddie Doyle.

USHR Opinion

Coach Taverna has been working the recruiting trail hard the last few years. Southfield was down a bit last year with a this season 7 record so they have their work cut out for them as they make the jump to Div. I play this season.

-- Lawrenceville (Affiliate NEPSAC member)

Coach Nicole Uliasz is excited about the upcoming season. The Big Red will be looking forward to having PG and former Greenwich Academy star goaltender Courtney Denaut in net. Lawrenceville will also have a lot of senior leadership, and that will be key for them.

Players to Watch

D Kate Monihan, D Taylor Zahiryni, F Audrey Lazar, F Chloe Ashton.

USHR Opinion

Lawrenceville is definitely working its way back to a winning Div. I girls hockey program. It will be be fun to see how they do starting the season off at Choate and at Taft. They continue trying to upgrade their schedule.

 

-- The Hill School (Affiliate NEPSAC member)

Coach Ari Baum is now entering his seventh season as head coach and it is nothing short of remarkable what he has been able to build at the Hill. Last season, they broke through, going 21-9-0 with 10 wins coming against teams they had never beaten before!

Players to Watch

F Jessica Ciarrocchi (Penn State), F Caroline Goffredo (BC), F Jordan Hower, D Madison Morton.

USHR Opinion

Keep an eye on Hill this season. They are loaded with talent and can play with anyone. We are looking forward to catching them at the St. George’s Christmas Tournament, which they won last year.

 

 

Sat. 11/17/18

 

Welcome to 2018-19!

The 2018-19 Girls’ Prep Pages are now officially open.

All of last season’s news, rosters, schedules, and stats have been archived, and new material will start going into this season’s pages shortly.

Most team schedules for the upcoming season have been posted, and we’ll be posting our first league-wide composite schedule in a few days.

As for the big picture,  we’ve done a lot of work on the back end, mostly behind-the-scenes stuff that you probably won’t notice beyond the fact that the site will be running more smoothly than ever.

We also wish to thank our readers for subscribing. Up until last season, the USHR Girls Prep site had been free, and, as a result, we lost money each season. The problem? We need writers, and writers need to be paid, especially those who know their way around the girls game.

We firmly believe there are enough fans of girls hockey for us to continue putting additional resources into the ongoing construction of a first class website devoted solely to the girls prep game.

We are looking for seasoned writers to help out this season. We are looking for someone who knows the girls' game and can write with speed and efficiency. We are also looking for a photographer (no cell phone photos!)

We will also be posting jamboree and holiday tournament schedules next week. Note to coaches: send 'em along, please! The email address is: cwarner(at)ushr.com

Welcome to the new season. We're glad to be here. We’re glad you’re here. And we thank you for your support.

Chris Warner
Publisher/Editor
US Hockey Report
Cambridge, Mass.