Wed. 2/27/19

Kent Blanks St. Paul's, 5-0
USHR drove to the beautiful St. Mark's School campus to watch #5 Kent take on #4 St. Paul’s in D-I quarterfinal action this afternoon.

Unfortunately (for us), Kent is so far away, we don’t get to see them as much as we would like during the regular season. But they were impressive today in a dominant 5-0 win over St. Paul’s. In fact, they were a totally different team than the one we had seen struggle -- well, slightly struggle -- at the Odden Tournament in mid-December

After watching today's game, there is no question in this typist's mind that Kent is capable of winning the D-I championship this year. We didn’t feel that way for most of the season.

We knew goaltender Catie Boudiette was good, but what we didn’t realize was how strong the Lions' backend was. Kent has four senior defensemen -- Sophie Zander, Julia DiNapoli, Meara Burns and Haley Uliasz -- that all stood out. They are all big, strong and physical. They can all shoot the puck. They rarely let the St. Paul’s forwards anywhere near the net and made Boudiettes' day's work pretty easy. Kent's tremendous defensive play was a huge factor in today’s win.

Senior forward Julia Nearis had three goals but she could have scored six. The Kent top line of Nearis and the Welcke twins are dynamic, and create scoring opportunities every time they are on the ice.

Kent forwards Kiersten Goode (Yale) and Millie Rose Sirum also stood out to us. Sirum, from Norway, is big and can skate. We heard at the rink today that she is uncommitted. She looks like a D-I player to us.

St. Paul’s missed goaltender Maddie Beck and high scorer Tiffany Hill more than we expected. They only had 13 skaters today. We aren’t sure the Pelicans would have won the game even if both Beck and Hill had played, but having those two in the lineup would have given them a fighting chance.

We know what the NEPSAC rules say about travel, but let’s face it. It was a huge advantage for Kent, the lower seed of the two schools, to play this game at St. Mark's today. St. Paul’s had a remarkable season, going 21-3-4 to earn home ice advantage -- and they can't play in their home rink? Just doesn’t seem right to us.

 

 

 Wed. 2/27/19

Wednesday's Quarterfinals Scoreboard

Div. I
#1 Williston vs. #8 Loomis -- Loomis, 3-1 (Final)
#2 Nobles vs. #7 New Hampton -- Nobles, 6-0 (Final)
#3 Tabor vs. #6 Andover -- Andover, 4-2 (Final)
#4 St. Paul's vs. #5 Kent -- Kent, 5-0 (Final)

Div. II
#1 Brooks vs. #8 Vermont Academy -- Brooks, 4-3 (Final)
#2 Rivers vs. #7 Thayer -- Rivers, 2-1 (OT) -- (Final) -- Rylee Glennon with OT GWG
#3 St. George's vs #6 Greenwich -- St. George's, 3-0 (Final)
#4 Worcester vs. #5 Berwick -- Worcester, 6-2 (Final)

Tues. 2/26/19

 

A Profile in Courage
On Sunday, February 10th, Winchendon, on the tail end of a weekend road trip to Maine, was battling Hebron in a back-and-forth game that went to overtime. Months after returning to the ice after 22 surgeries that had left her without an ACL, senior center Julia Kibrick scored the game-winner – her first goal of the season -- to give the Wapiti a 3-2 win.

“I was so happy for her,” Winchendon coach Laura DiCarlo said. “So, so, so very happy. It was an emotional moment for everyone.”

“It was such a relief for her to score her first goal of the season. It was the culmination of all her hard work.”

Not everyone can say they scored an OT goal in a Div. I prep game, much less while skating without an ACL. So, three days later, Kibrick did it again, notching a key goal in the Wapiti’s 2-1 win over Worcester Academy. 

Julia’s journey from torn ACL to lacing up her skates again was an emotional rollercoaster. In September 2017, when Kibrick was a new junior transferring in from Brookline High School, she tore her ACL playing soccer.

Just a week after her ACL repair surgery, she was recovering at home when she noticed a grape-sized bump on the back of her knee. It turned out to be a hematoma. Julia was readmitted to Boston Children’s Hospital in late October and would stay there until just before Christmas.

She could only wonder what she was missing out on as her Winchendon teammates took the ice for what should have been her first year with the Wapiti.

Over the next two months, Kibrick underwent 20 different surgeries to treat what the doctors thought was an infection, but was actually just inflammation from the surgery which was preventing her original wounds from healing. On top of that, Kibrick also developed other complications stemming from the abundance of surgeries and time spent in the hospital.

Kibrick’s ACL had to be completely removed due to complications.

Her travel team coach, Mike Milofksy of the East Coast Wizards, remembers getting a call from Kibrick after her injury. “In the fall of 2017, after she had a great summer of hockey, I got a call from her. She called to say that she ‘just tweaked’ her knee. I remember her telling me she’d only be out a ‘few weeks.’ ”

The little things we all take for granted, such as walking up and down stairs, were extremely challenging to Kibrick for many months. Skating again was something that she wanted to return to, but she also had extreme doubts as to whether it was possible that she’d be able to regain her strength after spending months immobile, saying, “It was important for me to set small goals. For me, building back some of my range of motion was the biggest part of my recovery. And regaining strength in my quadriceps and knee, as I was immobile for two months. Each week I would tell myself to get better by a single degree. After months, I could see myself improving. It gave me hope.”

“The turning point,” Kibrick says, “was attending the National Tournament with the Wizards in April 2018, even though I wasn’t able to participate. But I proved everyone -- and myself -- wrong and got back on the ice for the first time in June with Mike Milofsky

Milofsky remembers the first day Julia got back on the ice for the first time since her injury. “It was actually her mother’s birthday, and I remember her mom telling me, ‘This is the best birthday gift.’ However, Milofsky said, the mere act of stickhandling or shooting the puck was exhausting her. “Not having an ACL was one thing for Julia, but the loss of endurance and strength was another. Through it all Julia never said ‘woe is me’ or asked for any sympathy. That speaks exactly to the person she is.” 

After spending some time on the ice and building up her endurance and ability to skate, Kibrick finally returned to the ice for game action with the Wizards in the fall of 2018. “She went on the ice for her first shift back and got herself behind the net,” Milofsky recalled. “Her stick got caught in the boards and she skated through it as it broke -- and landed face-first on the ice. Now, she’s down on the ice and I’m standing there thinking ‘Dear God, don’t be hurt again.’ But she gets up with a huge smile on her face, skating to the bench laughing hysterically. Classic Julia. She was so happy to be back out on the ice.”

Because she was skating without an ACL, she has had to adapt her skating style. “The hardest thing,” Kibrick explained, “is that my skating ability had changed and forced me to play in a different way. My leg is much weaker, and my stride is choppier. I have to wear a brace for support. It’s frustrating when my mind knows what it wants me to do, but my body doesn’t respond the way it used to.”

It was the support from her coaches -- Milofsky, DiCarlo, and Mike Mullowney of the Junior Eagles -- and her teammates that helped her find her way back to the ice. Kibrick also praised her doctors and nurses, many of whom were former athletes themselves.

Winchendon (15-9-5) has just finished its best regular season in recent years, staying in the playoff picture most of the way. And Kibrick, with her crucial goals against Hebron and Worcester, has been a large part of that.

“She also inspired and motivated the other players,” DiCarlo said. “They see how hard she works, and how she remains positive. They look to her and see how she carries herself.”

After Winchendon, Julia still has a long road to full recovery. She will have to have additional surgery to repair her ACL, PLC, implant cartilage, and also remove skin grafts.

Kibrick is extremely grateful for her time on the ice, though she realizes she won’t be playing college hockey. “It’s unfortunate, but it’s something I’ve grown to accept. I could be in a worse situation. I’m extremely lucky that I got to play my senior year.”

“She’s really humble,” DiCarlo said. “She’s kind of uncomfortable with all the attention. But she wants to reach out to other people in a similar situation to give them hope, whether it’s an injury or other type of obstacle, and not to give up. People like her can come back and play.”

“She earned it all,” DiCarlo added. “Every single second of ice time, she earned.”

 - by Gustav Hirschfeld and Chris Warner

Tues. 2/26/19

 

Div. I Predictions

#1 Williston vs. #8 Loomis

Williston topped Loomis, 4-2, ten days ago, the first of three straight season-ending losses for the Pelicans. Loomis doesn't have the depth to skate with the red-hot Wildcats for three periods.

Prediction: Williston 3, Loomis 1

 

#2 Nobles vs. #7 New Hampton

On paper, New Hampton might be the only team as talented as Nobles. These two schools played each other in the first game of the season and it was all Nobles, 6-1. We expect a more competitive game this time around as New Hampton has been playing much better recently. Nobles, though, is tough at home, where they are undefeated this season.

Prediction: Nobles 4, New Hampton 1

#3 Tabor vs. #6 Andover

The last time these two teams met was at the end of January, with Tabor winning, 3-1. Andover junior goalie Sophia Merageas has had a strong season, but the Seawolves have too much firepower.

Prediction: Tabor 2, Andover 0
 

#4 St. Paul’s vs. #5 Kent

St. Paul’s has had a great season, going 21-2-4. However, two of its best players -- goaltender Maddie Beck and F Tiffany Hill -- are away at the Canada Games.  Meanwhile, Kent has quietly won seven in a row. The Lions seem like a team ready to make their move.

Prediction: Kent 3, St. Paul’s 2 (Overtime)

  

Tues. 2/26/19

 

Div. II Predictions

 
#1 Brooks vs. #8 Vermont Academy

Vermont Academy has been on a tear lately, winning 10 consecutive games to secure the final playoff spot. Brooks has been #1 all season for good reason: it's the best team in D-II. They also have the top goaltender in girls' prep hockey in senior Caroline Kukas.

Prediction: Brooks 2, Vermont Academy 0
 

#2 Rivers vs. #7 Thayer

These two teams played on January 23rd, with Thayer winning, 4-2. We expect this to be a very tight game but Rivers is just a little better.

Prediction:  Rivers 2, Thayer 1

 
#3 St. George's vs. #6 Greenwich Academy

In its Christmas tournament, Greenwich upset the Dragons, but we see a different ending this time.

Prediction: St. George's 4, Greenwich 0

#4 Worcester vs. #5 Berwick

These two teams met in early December, with Worcester winning easily, 5-2. Berwick has had a great season, winning 20 games, but the Hilltoppers are tough at home.

Prediction: Worcester 3, Berwick 1

 

Sun. 2/24/19

 

Tournament Seedings and Wednesday's Matchups

Div. I
#1 Williston vs. #8 Loomis -- at Williston
#2 Nobles vs. #7 New Hampton -- at Nobles
#3 Tabor vs. #6 Andover -- at Tabor
#4 St. Paul's vs. #5 Kent -- at TBA

Div. II
#1 Brooks vs. #8 Vermont Academy -- at Broooks
#2 Rivers vs. #7 Thayer -- at Rivers
#3 St. George's vs #6 Greenwich -- at St. George's
#4 Worcester vs. #5 Berwick -- at Worcester

Sun. 2/24/19

Saturday, February 23rd Notes

-- It was a wild day yesterday, watching the race for the final 8 spots in both D-I and D-II. Things weren't settled until about 8 pm when New Hampton’s Anna Shelden scored in a shootout to upset St. Paul’s and win the Lakes Regional Championship.

-- Anna Bargman’s goal with just over one minute left secured a playoff spot for Andover. The Big Blue had their hands full all day with a much-improved Exeter team. Exeter actually outplayed Andover for a good part of the game.

-- Congrats to Worcester Academy junior Ciara Wall, who notched her 100th career point yesterday against Canterbury.

-- What a difference a week makes! Last week, Loomis was ranked #5 in our poll and in a tough battle with St. Paul’s for home ice in the playoffs. Fast forward a week and, after tough losses to both Andover and Deerfield, Loomis dropped to the #8 seed. They will have to travel to #1 Williston on Wednesday.

-- Although Deerfield came up short of its goal of making the playoffs, we want to congratulate first-year head coach Brooke Fernandez and her assistant, Gen Pitt.  With their stunning last-second OT win over Loomis yesterday, the Big Green finished the season with 14 wins. That's the most wins Deerfield has had in a season since we started keeping track in 2005-06.

-- Sounds like an amazing game at Loomis yesterday. Loomis ties it up with 20 seconds left in regulation and the goalie pulled to tie it up and get to OT. Then Deerfield wins in with one second left in overtime on a blast from senior Mary Edmonds.

-- A big shout out to the Pomfret Griffins and coach Sam Slotnick. They tied playoff contender Winchendon, 1-1. 

-- There are some great first-round playoff matchups, but perhaps the most interesting is #7 New Hampton visiting #2 Nobles. We watched Nobles dismantle New Hampton, 6-1, in the first game of the season. We are pretty sure it's going to be a different game this time. The Huskies are the only team in prep hockey that might have as much talent as Nobles.

-- Although they lost last night to New Hampton in a shootout, it was a remarkable weekend of hockey from St. Paul’s, which found a way to get it done at the Lakes Region Championships without their starting goalie Maddie Beck (Canada Games), Tiffany Hill (Canada Games) and Gaby Roy (injury). We are hearing that Roy is expected back for Wednesday's playoff match against Kent.

-- Congrats to Williston senior Kate Holmes on recording her 100th point last week. Holmes has had a tremendous senior season playing alongside junior Christina Vote and senior Maura Holden and making up what may be the top line in all of girls' prep hockey.

-- Congratulations to Vermont Academy, which won its last 10 games of the regular season to secure a playoff spot. It's going to be a great first round matchup watching them take on #1 Brooks.

-- It’s remarkable that Tabor finishes the regular season 20-1-3, yet the #3 seed in Division I. There are a couple of great teams -- Williston and Nobles -- ahead of the Seawolves.

-- We also want to recognize Southfield head coach Maggie Taverna on a job well done in the school's first year as a D-I program. Although its record wasn’t what they had hoped for, Southfield played everyone tough down the stretch.

-- Congrats to Hebron head coach Katie Ftorek, who -- softball included -- coached in her 250th game last week 

-- It sounds like Choate senior Kaitlyn O ’Donohue put on a show yesterday against Cushing in her final game as a Wild Boar. Choate won in overtime and finished the season winning 4 of its last 5.

-- Don’t look now but the Kent Lions have quietly won seven in a row to move up to the #5 overall seed. Kent is always so dangerous in the playoffs. St Paul’s will have its hands full on Wednesday.

-- We will be doing a preview of all the playoff games. If memory serves us well, we predicted seven out of eight first round games correctly last year. We can't guarantee anything like that this year, but we'll certainly try.

-- Don’t forget to vote for our post-season awards this week. We are taking nominations for the following awards through Sunday, March 3rd. 

Top Forward (Pick 3)

Top Defenseman (Pick 3)

Top Goaltender (Pick 2)

Top Freshman (Pick 2)

Player of the Year (Pick 1)

Email your nominations to USHRGIRLS@gmail.com

Thanks -- and see you around the rinks. 

 

 

Sat. 2/23/19

 

Final Standings

With all of today's games accounted for, here are our final standings. They are unofficial until the league completes its work.

D-I Final Standings 

1. Williston
2. Nobles
3. Tabor
4. St. Paul’s
5. Kent
6. Andover
7. New Hampton
8. Loomis

D-II Final Standings

1. Brooks
2. Rivers
3. St. George's
4. Worcester 
5. Berwick
6. Greenwich
7. Thayer
8. Vermont

Fri. 2/22/19

 

Final Lakes Region Results

Friday's Results:
@ St. Paul's 2, KUA 1 (OT)
@ New Hampton 2, Holderness 1
@ Proctor 7, Brewster 1

Saturday's Schedule:
@ Vermont Academy 5, Tilton 2
Championship Game: New Hampton 3, St. Paul's 2 (SO)

Thurs. 2/21/19

 

Lakes Region Tournament Schedule

Tues. 2/19/19

 

The Top Freshmen in Girls' Prep Hockey

1. Kristina Allard, D, St. Paul’s (Northeastern) – Allard has been very impressive every time we have seen her play and has been a big factor in St. Paul’s success this season. Allard is a great skater and always seems to be moving her feet.

2. Mia Langlois, F, Cushing (Northeastern) -- Langlois is having a tremendous freshman season at Cushing, leading the Penguins in scoring. The Northeastern commit has great offensive skills, but will need to continue to improve her play away from the puck.

3. Emerson O’Leary, F, Nobles (Princeton) -- O’Leary has stepped in and made big contributions right away as a freshman at Nobles, which isn’t easy to do with all that school's D-I talent. O’Leary is big, aggressive, and seems to have a great touch around the net.

4. Juliana Constantinople, D, Williston – For a freshman, Constantinople plays a very solid two-way game. Can be dynamic at times, but can occasionally skate herself into trouble -- and out of it too, as her skating ability helps her overcome most mistakes. Has good upside as a college defenseman.

5. Sophia Kennedy, F, BB&N -- Kennedy is a little bit on the small side but you’d never know it by the way she plays. She is very aggressive and constantly in motion. Kennedy is one of the top scorers on a very strong BB&N team.

6. Jade Arnone, D, St. Paul’s (Harvard) -- Similar to Allard, Arnone has been a huge surprise on the backend for the Pelicans. Big and strong, with a tremendous shot, Arnone doesn’t play like a freshman.

7. Ellie Traggio, F, Hotchkiss -- Traggio caught our attention early in the season at the Odden Tournament and was even better when we watched her later in the season. A good skater, Traggio is very aggressive for a freshman. She plays a big role on a much-improved Bearcats team.

8. Sarah Ito-Bagshaw, D, Deerfield -- Ito-Bagshaw has caught our attention this season with solid play on a very talented back end for the Big Green. Ito-Bagshaw is good-sized and physical. She is also very skilled offensively, and makes excellent decisions on the breakout.

9. Katie Desa, G, St. George's (Penn State) -- Desa is big, athletic and seems to be always square to the puck. If she continues to improve, she projects to be a dominant goalie for many years to come.

10. Kaley MacDonald, D, Nobles (Harvard) -- MacDonald is a poised freshman who always seems to make good decisions with the puck. The Harvard commit need to work on her skating, but is a highly-skilled offensive defenseman.

11. Lily Brazis, F, Cushing (Northeastern) -- Brazis committed to Northeastern last year as an 8th grader and we understand why. She is a terrific skater and always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Has great vision on the ice and creates a lot every time she has the puck.

12. Kate Ham, F, Nobles (Boston College) -- Ham is another talented young player who stepped in at Nobles and had an immediate impact as an 8th grader last season. Seems to have a knack for scoring big goals for the Bulldogs in big games. Great speed as well.

13. Riley Walsh, F, Vermont Academy -- Walsh is another player that caught our attention with some very aggressive play as a freshman. An excellent skater with a great set of hands, she also has a strong nose for the net.

14. Indi Wagner, F, Andover -- Wagner has been a big part of the Big Blue's success this year as a freshman. Wagner has great speed and makes things happen every time she has the puck on her stick.

15. Gali Levy, F, BB&N -- Levy caught our attention last year as an 8th grader playing for BB&N, and continues to impress us today. She skates as well as any freshman we have seen this season.

8th Grader to Watch:

Berwick 8th grade defenseman Charlotte Wensley has caught our attention this year with a tremendous season for the Bulldogs. She is currently one of the top scorers on the team, which is remarkable for an 8th grader.

Mon. 2/18/19

 

USHR D-I Poll, Week of February 18th, 2019 

1. Williston (19-1-2) The Wildcats are rolling, but if they are going to hold onto the #1 seed, they will have to earn it the hard way. Williston has three games this week against three playoff contenders in Deerfield, Winchendon, and BB&N.

2. Nobles (22-0-5) Nobles has a stress-free week ahead. Now that the Bulldogs have regained the ISL title, it's all about getting healthy and rested as they shoot for a repeat championship.

3. Tabor (18-1-3) The Seawolves also have a relatively stress-free week ahead, but are now looking at the possibility of having to host Kent in the first round without star winger Abby Newhook, who is at the Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Alberta.

4. St. Paul’s (19-2-3) The Pelicans have worked hard to position themselves for home ice, but will now have to play the rest of their season without star goalie Madison Beck and Tiffany Hill, one of their top scorers. Both will be representing Nova Scotia at the Canada Winter Games.

5. Loomis (14-3-4) Loomis had its 12-game unbeaten streak halted Saturday at Williston. The Pelicans still have a great chance at home ice in the playoffs but have a challenging week ahead with games at Andover and home against Deerfield.

6. Kent (14-4-0). The Lions are pretty locked in at #6 and have a stress-free week ahead.

7. New Hampton (19-6-1). The Huskies are a team that no one will want to see in the playoffs. They have KUA on Wednesday and then the Lakes Region playoffs this weekend.

8. Andover (11-5-4) The Big Blue is hanging on by a thread to the #8 seed. They have to beat Loomis on Wednesday and then hit the road for their big rivalry game against a much-improved Exeter team on Saturday.

Under Consideration:

-- Hotchkiss (12-4-2) Hotchkiss is right there knocking on the door for the #8 seed. The Bearcats will have two tough road games this week, traveling to Choate and Taft. They will most likely need to win both games to have a chance.

-- BB&N (13-8-2) The Knights are still very much alive, but will need some help. They host Williston on Saturday, which they will need to win to have any chance.

-- Deerfield (13-7-3) The Big Green lost a tough one yesterday at Hotchkiss, but are still very much in the mix. The most challenging week of the season is upon them, with a home matchup against Williston on Wednesday before closing on the road at Loomis. If they win both, they have a chance.

-- Exeter (11-7-4) The Big Red is still in the mix, but will need help. Their game against rival Andover on Saturday is shaping up as a good one. It's been a number of years since both of these teams have been playoff contenders at the same time.

-- Winchendon (15-7-4) The Wapitis are another team that will need help to get in, but they must beat Exeter on Wednesday and then Williston on Friday.

 

Mon. 2/18/19

 

USHR D-II Poll, Week of Feb. 18th, 2019

1. Brooks (17-2-2) #1 seed is locked up. It's all about getting ready for the playoffs.

2. Rivers (15-5-1) Rivers has locked up the #2 seed.

3. St. George's (10-5-5) The Dragons battled to a hard-fought tie against Groton on Saturday. They are in good shape to hold on to the #3 seed, but will need to take care of business against Middlesex.

4. Worcester (11-9-3) The Hilltoppers are really struggling lately, going winless in their last six games. They have two important D-II games this week against Greenwich and Canterbury. They will need to regroup quickly if they want to hang on to the #4 seed.

5. Thayer (13-8-1) Thayer is in a battle with Worcester for the #4 seed. They have a big game on Wednesday against Groton, an on-the-bubble team.

6. Berwick (18-7-3) The Bulldogs got trounced by New Hampton, 14-1, which was a real head-scratcher after going unbeaten for 10 games. They will need to regroup quickly.

7. Greenwich Academy (8-8-1) Greenwich is on the playoff bubble right now. They have two big games this week against both Millbrook and Worcester.

8. Vermont Academy (15-7-3) The Wildcats have won six in an row, the latest win being a 3-2 overtime win over KUA to get back into playoff contention. There isn’t a team in the league that wants to play Vermont in the first round of the playoffs.

Under Consideration:

-- Groton (9-10-4) It seems like the Zebras have been on the outside looking in all season. That can all change on Wednesday against Thayer. They have to win to have a chance.

-- KUA (12-7-3) On many days the Wildcats are as good as anyone in D-II.  But they will have some work to do if they are going to reach the D-II playoffs this year. They're at New Hampton Wednesday.

 

Sun. 2/17/19 -- updated Thurs. 2/21

 

Girls' Prep Composite Schedule, Week of Feb. 18th

Mon. Feb. 18
Brewster Academy @ Holderness, 4:30 pm
Greenwich @ Millbrook, 4:30 pm
Canterbury @ Hotchkiss, 6:00 pm

Tues. Feb. 19
Vermont Academy @ Canterbury, 4:30 pm

Wed. Feb. 20
Kent @ Gunnery, 2:00 pm
Southfield JV @ Dana Hall, 2:00 pm
Taft @ Berkshire, 2:30 pm
Kimball Union @ New Hampton, 2:30 pm
Tabor @ St. George's, 3:00 pm
Cambridge Rindge & Latin @ Beaver Country Day, 3:00 pm
Groton @ Thayer, 3:15 pm
Proctor @ St. Paul's, 3:30 pm
Exeter @ Winchendon, 3:30 pm
Williston Northampton @ Deerfield, 4:00 pm
Holderness @ Kents Hill, 4:00 pm
Loomis Chaffee @ Andover, 4:00 pm
Pomfret @ Milton, 4:00 pm
BB&N @ Middlesex, 4:15 pm
Hebron @ Tilton, 4:30 pm
Northfield Mt. Hermon @ Southfield, 4:45 pm
Hotchkiss @ Choate, 5:00 pm
Brewster Academy @ Vermont Academy, 5:00 pm
Governor's @ Noble & Greenough, 5:00 pm
Lawrence Academy @ Rivers, 5:00 pm
St. Mark's @ Brooks, 5:15 pm
Hoosac School @ Millbrook, 5:30 pm
Lawrenceville @ Westminster, 6:00 pm
North Yarmouth Academy @ Cushing, 6:00 pm

Fri. Feb. 22

Lakes Region Tournament (Day 1)

Friday's Schedule
Game 1 -- #4  KUA @ #1 St. Paul's 6:30
Game 2 -- #3  Holderness . @ #2 New Hampton 3:30
Game 4 -- #3 Brewster @ #7 Proctor 4:30

Sat. Feb. 23
Hebron @ Kents Hill, 1:00 pm
St. George's @ Middlesex, 1:30 pm
Williston Northampton @ BB&N, 2:00 pm
Berkshire @ Tabor, 2:00 pm
Governor's @ Brooks, 2:00 pm
Milton @ Noble & Greenough, 2:00 pm
Andover @ Exeter, 2:00 pm
Hotchkiss @ Taft, 2:30 pm
Winchendon @ Pomfret, 2:30 pm
Worcester Academy @ Canterbury, 3:00 pm
Lawrence Academy @ Southfield, 3:00 pm
Northfield Mt. Hermon @ Gunnery, 3:30 pm
Deerfield @ Loomis Chaffee, 4:00 pm
St. Mark's @ Groton, 4:00 pm
Kent @ Westminster, 4:00 pm
Choate @ Cushing, 4:30 pm 

Sun. 2/17/19

 

Saturday, February 16th Notes

The 2019 Canada Winter Games will have a big effect on the NEPSCAC girls' hockey playoffs this year, which, it's fair to say, is the price schools pay for having elite Canadian players. The two teams that we know will be affected the most are St. Paul’s, which will lose starting goalie Madison Beck and one of its top scorers in Tiffany Hill (both on Team Nova Scotia), as well as Tabor which will lose dynamic forward Abby Newhook (Team Newfoundland). The Canada Winter games, held every four years, will be held in Red Deer, Alberta from February 15th through March 3rd, which means the above-mentioned players will miss the entire NEPSAC post-season tourney.

-- We have watched Nobles a lot recently and we are amazed at the production the undefeated team is getting from their young forwards. Sophomores Katie Pyne and Ellie Bayard, as well as freshman Kate Ham and Emerson O’Leary, seem to be doing the majority of the scoring in their most challenging games. Nobles looks like its going to continue to dominate the girls' prep hockey scene for the foreseeable future.

-- Berwick had its 10-game unbeaten streak halted Saturday in a 14-1 loss to New Hampton. We can assure you that none of the top seeds want to have to play the Huskies in the first round of the D-I playoffs.

-- We have noticed that Millbrook, coached by Erica Shape, are starting to play some great hockey lately with impressive wins over Gunnery, Canterbury, and Lawrenceville.

-- We’ve said it before, but new Hotchkiss coach Corey Cooper has the Bearcats on the verge of making the playoffs one season after winning just four games and losing all-everything goaltender Lindsay Reed.

-- We will be unveiling our list of the Top 10 freshmen in girls' prep hockey later this week.

 

Sat. 2/16/19

 

Nobles Edges Tabor in Battle of the Undefeateds

Marion, Mass. – A stellar second period from Nobles, spearheaded by two goals from freshman Kate Ham, enabled the defending prep champions to hand Tabor its first loss of the year, a 4-3 decision. With the win, Nobles remains undefeated on the season at 22-0-5 while Tabor falls to 18-1-3.

Saturday's battle of the two remaining undefeated teams in prep hockey did not disappoint. Tabor took a 1-0 lead early in the first period on a beautiful goal from the slot by senior Cynthia Giandomenico. The Seawolves' trio of sophomore Skylar Irving, senior Anne Berry, and sophomore Abigail Newhook looked unstoppable for much of the first period. It wasn’t until three minutes were left in the first when the Bulldogs would find the back of the net. Sophomore Katie Pyne picked up a turnover in the neutral zone that led to a breakaway goal. The teams headed to intermission tied at 1-1.

In the second period, Nobles really found its footing and pulled ahead when Ham scored five minutes into the period to put Nobles up 2-1. The goal was scored on a beautiful shot to the far side that beat Christine Steege, the Seawolves' junior goaltender. It would be Ham again a little less than three minutes later, scoring on a 2v1 with a clinical pass from Pyne to put the Bulldogs up 3-1.

The Seawolves came back fighting in the third, scoring a little over a minute in when Newhook found the back of the net short-side from a scramble in front. That cut Nobles' lead to 3-2 -- a one-goal game -- and the home crowd started to get back on its feet, preparing for a big Seawolves' comeback. But Nobles threw a wet blanket on that notion as, just 50 seconds later, a pass from junior Maeve Connolly to set up a one-timer for senior defenseman Lily Farden put the Bulldogs back up 4-2, silencing the crowd. Tabor, however, would not go away as Berry, assisted by Newhook, made it 4-3, bringing the game back within one with five minutes remaining. At that point, Tabor started throwing all they could at Nobles, but sophomore goalie Taylor Hyland was up to the task. A series of shots in the final minutes, including one that hit the crossbar, failed to come up with the equalizer.

Tabor coach Eric Long said after the game that, “In the last seven minutes we just focused on getting pucks on net. If we had done that sooner the game might have ended differently, but we didn’t.”

In its last week before the postseason, Long said that his team needs to start working on keeping pucks out of its own net. “We can’t afford to give up four goals to a team like that," he said. "And the D pairs sometimes got caught really wide today and leaving the middle of the ice open is something we can’t do.”

Notes:

-- This was Nobles' first game all year in which they conceded more than two goals.

-- Nobles last loss (besides its shootout loss to SPS in the Harrington final) came 364 days ago (2/17/18) to Tabor. Since then they have gone 33 games without being defeated.

-- Of the 42 combined players between the two teams, only two were not from the state of Massachusetts. Nobles is a day school, of course, so that's not surprising. But Tabor, a boarding school, had only two players from outside the Commonwealth: sophomore forward Abigail Newhook (St. John’s, NL) and junior goalie Christine Steege (Orange, Calif.)

-- With five minutes to go in the first period a referee took a puck to the face which led to a stoppage in play and a brief timeout on the ice. The referee recovered and finished the game.

-- Nobles is now the ISL leader and, with its final two league games against Governor’s and Milton, there is little doubt that the Bulldog will regain the ISL title this year.

-- The rink at Tabor was packed today, with some good school spirit from the Tabor fan base. It will be great to see the atmosphere when Tabor hosts a playoff game here.

Wed. 2/13/19

 

Nobles Edges Andover; Tabor Looms

Nobles’ sophomore Madison Michals goal early in the third period gave the Bulldogs the 2-1 lead it needed, and, in a tremendous girls’ prep hockey game today in Andover, strengthened its position for the #1 overall seed.

Nobles’ freshman Kate Ham’s breakaway goal gave the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead early in the second period off a beautiful stretch pass from Maddie Bayard. The lead didn’t last for long, however, as Andover forward Lily Feeney scored a spectacular goal, picking the Nobles defenseman’s pocket and going the length of the ice to knot the score at 1-1. It was then Michals who stole the show early in the third with a beautiful short-side snipe that swung the momentum back to the Bulldogs. Katie Pyne sealed it late in the game for the Bulldogs off a bad Andover turnover.

Things are really getting interesting in the D-I race. Andover is certainly still very much in the mix but the Big Blue has only won twice in its last seven games, which really hurts their chances.

Nobles plays at Tabor in a highly-anticipated game on Saturday. It’s not only a potential battle for the #1 seed, but also a rematch for the ISL Championship, won last year by the Seawolves.

 

Sun. 2/10/19

 

Girls' Prep Composite Schedule, Week of Feb. 11th

Mon. Feb. 11
La Salle Academy @ St. George's, 4:30 pm
Beaver Country Day @ Portsmouth Abbey, 4:30 pm
Taft @ Westminster, 5:00 pm
Rye Country Day @ Portledge, 5:30 pm

Tues. Feb. 12
Darien HS @ Greenwich, 3:30 pm (S)
Dana Hall @ Rivers JV, 6:30 pm

Wed. Feb. 13
Gunnery @ Vermont Academy, 2:00 pm
Millbrook @ Canterbury, 2:15 pm
Hotchkiss @ Kent, 2:30 pm
St. Paul's @ Exeter, 2:30 pm
Proctor @ Holderness, 2:30 pm
Worcester Academy @ Winchendon, 2:30 pm
Deerfield @ Cushing, 3:00 pm
Westminster @ Taft, 3:00 pm
Brooks @ Groton, 3:00 pm
Pomfret @ Loomis Chaffee, 3:00 pm
BB&N @ Tabor, 3:15 pm
St. Mark's @ Thayer, 3:15 pm
Portsmouth Abbey JV @ Dana Hall, 3:15 pm
Beaver Country Day @ Newton CD, 3:30 pm
Milton @ St. George's, 3:30 pm
Kents Hill @ Brewster Academy, 4:00 pm
Williston Northampton @ Northfield Mt. Hermon, 4:15 pm
Berwick @ Winsor, 4:15 pm
Tilton @ Kimball Union, 4:30 pm
Dana Hall @ Pingree JV, 4:30 pm
Southfield @ New Hampton, 4:45 pm
Rivers @ Governor's, 4:45 pm
Pingree @ North Yarmouth Academy, 4:45 pm
Noble & Greenough @ Andover, 4:45 pm
Berkshire @ Choate, 5:00 pm
Lawrence Academy @ Middlesex, 5:30 pm

Fri. Feb. 15
Beaver Country Day @ Winsor, 4:15 pm
Cushing @ Southfield, 4:30 pm
Newton CD @ Portsmouth Abbey, 4:45 pm
Hebron @ North Yarmouth Academy, 4:45 pm
Middlesex @ Brooks, 5:00 pm
Gunnery @ Choate, 5:00 pm
Kimball Union @ Vermont Academy, 5:00 pm
Lawrence Academy @ BB&N, 5:15 pm
Thayer @ Noble & Greenough, 5:15 pm
Andover @ Milton, 5:15 pm
Tilton @ St. Paul's, 5:30 pm
Holderness @ Worcester Academy, 5:45 pm
Pingree @ Brewster Academy, 6:00 pm
New Hampton @ Northfield Mt. Hermon, 6:45 pm

Sat. Feb. 16
Beaver Country Day @ Milton JV, 12:00 pm
Governor's @ Lawrence Academy, 12:30 pm
Worcester Academy @ Andover, 1:30 pm
Exeter @ Northfield Mt. Hermon, 1:30 pm
Berwick @ Tilton, 2:00 pm
North Yarmouth Academy @ Thayer, 2:15 pm
Deerfield @ Hotchkiss, 2:30 pm
Pomfret @ Cushing, 2:30 pm
Middlesex @ Holderness, 3:00 pm
Proctor @ Rivers, 3:00 pm
St. George's @ Groton, 3:00 pm
BB&N @ St. Mark's, 3:30 pm
Noble & Greenough @ Tabor, 3:30 pm
Loomis Chaffee @ Williston Northampton, 4:00 pm
Kimball Union @ Hebron, 4:00 pm
Choate @ Taft, 4:00 pm
Vermont Flames @ Vermont Academy, 4:15 pm (S)
Westminster @ Berkshire, 4:30 pm
Lawrenceville @ Millbrook, 4:30 pm
St. Paul's @ Winchendon, 5:00 pm
Canterbury @ Gunnery, 5:00 pm

Sun. Feb. 17
Berwick vs. New Hampton, 9:00 am -- at UNH

Mon. Feb. 18
Brewster Academy @ Holderness, 4:30 pm
Canterbury @ Hotchkiss, 6:00 pm 

Mon. 2/11/19

 

USHR D-I Girls' Poll, Week of February 11th, 2019

1. Tabor (17-0-3) The Seawolves scored two third-period goals to salvage a tie at St. Paul’s on Friday. They better not overlook a very talented -- and desperate -- BB&N team on Wednesday, so that when they host Nobles on Saturday the ISL title will be on the line. This potential battle of the undefeateds is shaping up as the game of the year in girls' prep hockey.

2. Williston (17-1-2) The Wildcats escaped Andover with a 2-2 tie to remain unbeaten in their last 14. They have a big game on Saturday when they host red-hot Loomis.

3. Nobles (19-0-5) Nobles has its toughest week of the season ahead with Andover, Thayer, and Tabor. The Bulldogs are still angry about losing the ISL title last year to Tabor. They don't want the same thing thing to happen this time around. It will all be settled on Saturday. 

4. Loomis (13-2-4) Loomis is in a battle with St. Paul’s for the coveted fourth seed. The Pelicans 11-game unbeaten streak will be on the line when they travel to Williston Saturday.

5. St. Paul’s (16-2-3) The Pelicans let a 2-0 third-period lead slip away Friday against Tabor. That hurt, but St. Paul's has a very favorable schedule to finish the season.

6. Kent (13-4-0). Kent looks like they are finally hitting their stride. They are in great shape to make the playoffs with a favorable schedule but will be tested on Wednesday when they host a Hotchkiss team that's knocking on the door.

7. New Hampton (16-6-1) The Huskies played perhaps their best game of the year on Saturday when they trounced Exeter, 3-0. The Huskies have pretty much locked up a playoff spot if they can take care of business. Their schedule is very favorable.

8. Andover (9-4-4). The Big Blue took a step toward securing that eighth and final playoff spot with a hard-fought 2-2 tie against Williston on Saturday. If -- and it's a big if -- they can find a way to beat powerhouse Nobles on Wednesday, they will be in great shape to make it into the playoffs.

Under Consideration:

Hotchkiss (10-3-2) The Bearcats are right there knocking on the playoff door. They have a huge week ahead with Kent and Deerfield.

BB&N (11-6-2) The Knights lost a heartbreaker with 10 seconds left to Nobles on Friday. That hurt, but they have a great chance to get right back into the mix when they travel to Tabor on Wednesday. We watched the Knights play Nobles on Friday and they can beat anyone right now.

Deerfield (12-6-3) Deerfield has a brutal schedule to finish the season, but we’ve run a bunch of different scenarios and it appears as if, should the Big Green win out, they will guarantee themselves a playoff spot.

Exeter (10-6-4) A tough week for the Big Red who tied KUA and then got hammered by New Hampton. They have to beat St. Paul’s on Wednesday to have a chance.

Winchendon (13-6-4) The Wapiti are still very much in the hunt. They need to take care of business this week, with Worcester on Wednesday, followed by St. Paul's -- a tough one -- on Saturday.

 

Mon. 1/11/19

 

USHR D-II Girls' Poll, Week of February 11, 2019
1. Brooks (15-2-2) Brooks took care of business, topping St. George's, 3-1, at home on Saturday, locking up the top seed. Now, it's all about getting ready for the playoffs.

2. Rivers (13-5-1) Bounced back from a surprising 3-2 home loss to Milton with a convincing 4-0 win at St. Mark's yesterday. The Red Wings finish the season with a favorable schedule.

3. St. George's (8-5-4) The Dragons are suddenly winless in their last five games. It won’t get much easier this week with Milton and Groton.

4. Greenwich Academy (8-7-0) Greenwich is in good shape to make the Final 8 with only two games left on its schedule. They host Worcester in their season finale on Fri. Feb. 22.

5. Worcester Academy (11-7-2) The Hilltoppers have suddenly lost four of five and don’t look anything like the team that we saw beat New Hampton earlier in the season at the Watkins Tournament. A huge three-game week ahead with Winchendon, Holderness and Andover.

6. Berwick (17-6-2) Berwick is rolling into the playoffs. They have a tough game Saturday at Tilton and then a huge test to end their regular season with a 9:00 am game Sunday at UNH against New Hampton. Their unbeaten streak will be put to the test.

7. Thayer (11-7-1) The Tigers are still very much in the hunt for a playoff spot. They have two D-I opponents this week (St. Mark's/Nobles).

8. Groton (9-9-3) The Zebras have been just outside the Top 8 for most of the season. They have a chance to make a big statement this week with home games against both #1 Brooks and #3 St. George's.

Under Consideration:

KUA (10-6-3) It’s hard to imagine KUA missing the playoffs. They are good, but have hurt themselves by going winless in their last three games. A crucial week ahead with Tilton, Vermont Academy, and Hebron.

Canterbury (8-10-2) The Saints are in a battle for that last playoff spot. They have Millbrook and Gunnery this week.

  

Sun. 2/10/19

 

Saturday, February 9th Notes

 -- The talk of girls’ prep hockey right now is Berwick, which has lost only once in its last 14 games, putting the Bulldogs right back in the middle of the D-II playoff race. The three Foster triplets -- Brittany, Sydney and Tiffany -- seem to be involved in the majority of Berwick goals this season.

-- Andover had a great 2-2 tie vs #1 Williston yesterday to keep itself in the playoff race. After losing three in a row, the Big Blue has now gone unbeaten in its last three games. They have another big test when they host Nobles on Wednesday.

-- Although the jump to D-I this year has been a bit of a challenge, Southfield junior goaltender Lily O’Neil has had an outstanding season.

-- Pomfret certainly got our attention yesterday when we saw they were tied 0-0 with St. Paul’s after two periods. The Pelicans must have gotten the message from head coach Heather Farrell, as they went out and scored 7 unanswered goals in the third period to win it, 7-0.

-- Host New Hampton blanked Exeter, 3-0, yesterday to put itself in great shape for a playoff spot. The Huskies have a favorable schedule for their last four games and are pretty much a lock for a playoff spot.

-- With New Hampton being close to a lock for a playoff spot, that means there is one final D-I spot. Things are shaping up for a great finish, as there are still five teams in the hunt.

-- The Canterbury Saints beat Hebron 3-0 yesterday to get themselves back in the mix for a playoff spot.

-- Although they are currently out of the playoff mix, Groton has a big week ahead with home games against both Brooks and St. George’s. With a big week, the Zebras can make a huge jump in the standings.

-- Congrats to Loomis senior -- and Northeastern commit -- Jess Schryver on scoring her 150th career point yesterday at Choate.

-- Tough past week for Exeter, which dropped out of the top 8 with a tie at KUA and then a loss at New Hampton. The Big Red can get back in the mix with a win over St. Paul’s on Wednesday.

-- Greenwich Academy finds itself right in the middle of the D-II race with an impressive 5-0 win at Gunnery yesterday. Greenwich is 7-2 this year vs D-II opponents, the second-best win percentage in D-II, trailing only #1 Brooks.

-- Nobles is still unbeaten after 24 games and is clearly the team no one wants to play in the playoffs. The Bulldogs had a rare occurrence yesterday, giving up two goals to a much-improved Westminster team. You can count on one hand the number of games in which Nobles has given up more than one goal over the last two seasons.

When you combine Nobles’ team speed up front with all the D-I talent it has on the backend, it’s hard to get merely a quality shot on net. Also, freshman goaltender Taylor Hyland has been solid in net all season.

 

Fri. 2/8/19

 

Pyne Goal with 10 Seconds Left Lifts Nobles

Cambridge, Mass. -- In one of the best games that we have seen all season, Nobles sophomore forward Katie Pyne scored a power play goal off a long rebound with 10 seconds remaining in regulation to give the Bulldogs a much-needed 2-1 win over a very impressive BB&N team tonight. The power play was the result of a questionable penalty called on BB&N junior Molly Griffin with just 30 seconds left on the clock. The refs had been letting a lot go for both teams late in the game, and we hate to see a game of this magnitude settled on a power play in the final minute.

That said, we were very impressed with both teams tonight. We knew coming in that Nobles is the most-talented team in girls' prep hockey, but we didn’t expect to see BB&N matching them step for step throughout the game. BB&N ninth grader Gali Levy had a standout game and scored a beautiful shorthanded goal when she stripped the Nobles defenseman and went the length of the ice. The first Nobles' goal was scored by Ellie Bayard off a beautiful stretch pass from Lily Farden, who we were pleased to see back on the ice after a long layoff due to injury.

Tonight's loss is a big setback for the Knights' playoff hopes. They now have six losses on the season and will likely need some help from some other teams to get in. If they do get in, after what we saw tonight, they have a legitimate chance to win the whole thing.

Correction: The initial version of the article stated that the winning goal was scored in OT. It was not.

Mon. 2/4/19

 

USHR D-I Girls' Poll, Week of February 4th

1. Williston (16-1-1) The Wildcats haven’t lost a game since December 15th. They will be tested this Saturday when they travel to Andover.

2. Tabor (15-0-2) The Seawolves are in a virtual tie with Williston for the #1 seed. They will be tested Friday at St. Paul’s.

3. Nobles (16-0-5) Nobles remains undefeated and the Bulldogs are still very much in the hunt for the #1 seed. They will travel to BB&N Friday, big games for both teams.

4. St. Paul’s (15-2-2) The Pelicans and Loomis are in quite a battle right now for the coveted #4 seed, and the home ice advantage that comes with it. The game against Tabor on Friday, a home game, is huge for both teams.

5. Loomis (11-2-4) Another team that hasn’t lost a game since mid-December. Loomis will be tested this week,  traveling to both Cushing and Choate.

6. Kent (11-4-0). The Lions took care of business on Monday at Hotchkiss, and now enjoy the benefits of a favorable schedule for their last five games. Kent is a virtual playoff lock.

7. Exeter (10-5-3) The Big Red is back in the picture, after having won three in a row -- including a stunning 3-2 win over BB&N Saturday. KUA and New Hampton are on this week's schedule -- two tough games.

8. New Hampton (12-6-1) Just when we thought the Huskies were a playoff lock, they lose back-to-back games to St. Paul’s and Andover, dropping back into the mix. New Hampton also has a favorable schedule to finish the season. We think the Huskies are close to a playoff lock.

9. BB&N (9-6-2) The Knights had been rolling, but were knocked down in the rankings yesterday at Exeter. If the Knights are going to get into the Final 8 they are going to have to earn it the hard way, as they have a challenging schedule down the stretch.

10. Andover (8-4-3). Big Blue, after losing three in a row, picked itself off the mat yesterday, stunning New Hampton, 5-1, to get back into the playoff mix. Andover has a big game Saturday, hosting #1 Williston.

Under Consideration:

Hotchkiss (9-3-2) Hotchkiss dropped a tough one at home last week to Kent. After a week off, the Bearcats will need to be ready when they host Taft (Sat.) and Lawrenceville (Sun.).

Deerfield (11-6-2) Lost a tough one in overtime at Winchendon last week. We still think the Big Green is in the mix, but they have little room for error down the stretch. Two challenging games this week against Westminster and Berkshire, both at home.

Winchendon (10-6-4) The Wapiti pulled themselves back into the playoff picture with a big OT win at Deerfield Jan. 30th and a 6-4 win at Worcester on Sunday. Sophomore goaltender Hope Walinski has been tremendous all season and gives them a chance to win every game.

 

Mon. 2/4/19

 

USHR D-II Girls' Poll, Week of February 4th
1. Brooks (13-2-2) Brooks is rolling in D-II but will be tested this week vs. Holderness and St. George's.

2. St. George's (8-3-4) The Dragons had a big tie on the road yesterday at Berwick. Their game vs. Brooks this weekend is a potential championship game preview.

3. Worcester Academy (11-4-2) Worcester was off for a week but will be tested this week with games against Winchendon, Rivers, and BB&N. That's about as tough as it gets.

4. Rivers (11-4-1) The Red Wings are still in the mix for a top seed. They have a challenging week ahead with Worcester, Milton and St. Mark's. Senior Kate Shaughnessy has been on fire lately with seven goals in her last two games.

5. Berwick (14-6-2) The Bulldogs continue to impress with a comeback tie against St. George's on Saturday. They travel to KUA on Friday.

6. Thayer (10-7-0) The Tigers lost a heartbreaker on Wednesday to Brooks but had a great OT win over Tilton yesterday on a Christina Meucci goal to keep their playoff dreams alive. The Tigers have a challenging schedule to finish the season.

7. KUA (10-5-2) Had a tough tie on the road this weekend at Proctor. Have a tough week ahead with both Exeter and Berwick.

8. Groton (9-8-3) The Zebras have gotten our attention lately with some very solid play and have gone unbeaten in their last four games. They will certainly be tested on Wednesday when they travel to Nobles.

 

Mon. 2/3/19

 

Girls' Prep Composite, Week of Feb. 4th, 2019

Mon. Feb. 4
Dana Hall @ Newton CD, 4:30 pm
Greenwich @ Rye Country Day, 4:45 pm

Tues. Feb. 5
Lawrence Academy @ Andover, 5:00 pm

Wed. Feb. 6
Canterbury @ Kent, 2:30 pm
Greenwich @ Taft, 2:45 pm
Westminster @ Deerfield, 3:00 pm
Middlesex @ Tabor, 3:15 pm
Nobles JV @ Dana Hall, 3:15 pm
Southfield @ Winchendon, 3:30 pm
Groton @ Noble & Greenough, 3:30 pm
Brewster Academy @ Proctor, 3:45 pm
Brooks @ Holderness, 3:45 pm
Exeter @ Kimball Union, 3:45 pm
BB&N @ St. George's, 4:00 pm
Pomfret @ Berkshire, 4:00 pm
Hill School @ Lawrenceville, 4:00 pm
Rivers @ Worcester Academy, 4:00 pm
Tilton @ Vermont Academy, 4:00 pm
Cushing @ Lawrence Academy, 4:00 pm
Portsmouth Abbey @ North Yarmouth Academy, 4:15 pm
Woodstock Academy @ Winsor, 4:15 pm
Hebron @ Berwick, 4:30 pm
Thayer @ Governor's, 4:30 pm
Pingree @ Beaver Country Day , 4:30 pm
Choate @ Williston Northampton, 4:45 pm
Millbrook @ Gunnery, 5:00 pm
Milton @ St. Mark's, 5:15 pm

Fri. Feb. 8
Vermont Academy (neutral site) Kents Hill, 12:45 pm -- at U. of New England
Rivers JV @ Dana Hall, 3:00 pm
New Hampton @ Brewster Academy, 4:00 pm
Hoosac School @ Holderness, 4:00 pm
Woodstock Academy @ North Yarmouth Academy, 4:45 pm
Milton @ Rivers, 5:00 pm
Gunnery @ Millbrook, 5:00 pm
Winsor @ Portsmouth Abbey, 5:30 pm
Noble & Greenough @ BB&N, 6:00 pm
Northwood School @ Hill School, 6:00 pm
St. Mark's @ Pomfret, 6:00 pm
Tabor @ St. Paul's, 6:00 pm
Berwick @ Kimball Union, 6:00 pm
Loomis Chaffee @ Cushing, 7:00 pm

Sat. Feb 9
Woodstock Academy @ North Yarmouth Academy, 1:00 pm
Northwood School @ Lawrenceville, 2:00 pm
Kent @ Millbrook, 2:00 pm
Winchendon @ Kents Hill, 2:00 pm
Taft @ Hotchkiss, 2:30 pm
Westminster @ Noble & Greenough, 3:00 pm
Proctor @ Southfield, 3:00 pm
Greenwich @ Gunnery, 3:30 pm
Exeter @ New Hampton, 4:00 pm
Tabor @ Governor's, 4:00 pm
Hoosac School @ Vermont Academy, 4:00 pm
Northfield Mt. Hermon @ Cushing, 4:00 pm
Williston Northampton @ Andover, 4:15 pm
Rivers @ St. Mark's, 4:30 pm
St. Paul's @ Pomfret, 4:30 pm
Canterbury vs. Hebron, 4:30 pm -- at Phillips Exeter
Berkshire @ Deerfield, 5:00 pm
Portsmouth Abbey @ Berwick, 5:00 pm
Middlesex @ Milton, 5:00 pm
Thayer @ Lawrence Academy, 5:45 pm
BB&N @ Worcester Academy, 6:00 pm
St. George's @ Brooks, 6:00 pm
Loomis Chaffee @ Choate, 7:00 pm

Sun. Feb. 10
Winchendon @ Hebron, 12:00 pm
Lawrenceville @ Hotchkiss, 1:00 pm

Mon. Feb 11
La Salle Academy @ St. George's, 4:30 pm
Taft @ Westminster, 5:00 pm
Rye Country Day @ Portledge, 5:30 pm 

Sun. 2/3/19

 

Sat. February 2nd Notes

-- Philips Andover played its best game of the season yesterday, traveling to New Hampton and trouncing the Wildcats in their own building, 5-1.

USHR's top uncommitted prospect, Lilly Feeney, had two goals for the Big Blue.

Andover sophomore goalie, Katie Wimmer, who we haven’t seen play all year, was solid in net.

-- We said last week that we thought New Hampton was in great shape to make the playoffs. We still feel that way, even though the Huskies just lost two straight. New Hampton finishes the season with an easy six-game schedule, starting with its next game, at winless Brewster Academy.

-- The Exeter Big Red has now won three in a row, getting right back in the playoff mix with an impressive 3-2 win over BB&N yesterday.

Another USHR top uncommitted prospect, Exeter sophomore Alyssa Xu, continues to impress with another strong performance yesterday (1g, 1a). Her goal, of the highlight-reel variety, came while her team was shorthanded.

-- Kent has jumped up in the standings with some great play recently. The Lions are another team that benefits from a relatively easy schedule to close out the regular season.

-- It was nice to see Southfield break through Saturday and get its second win since the start of the new year, a 1-0 decision at Middlesex. Southfield (6-10-1) has made the jump to D-I this season and has just endured a brutal schedule in January. They seem to play everyone tough, with Friday night's 1-1 tie at St. Mark's being just a recent example.

-- Nobles remains undefeated with a 3-1 road win over Brooks. The Bulldogs, who travel to BB&N on Friday, continue to dominate defensively, even with two of their top defensemen still on the sidelines.

-- Rivers senior Kate Shaughnessy has scored seven goals in her last two games. Seven goals is a good season for a lot of players.

-- Cushing has lost six of its last seven to drop out of playoff contention. We might have been a year too early with our pre-season prediction, but the Penguins are going to continue to get better as head coach Val Bono continues to fill the pipeline with young talent.

-- Another example of how competitive this league has become: Choate recently stunned Kent at home, and then goes on the road, losing to a 3-17 NMH team.

-- Groton hasn’t lost in its last four games and suddenly has a chance to become a real factor in the D-II playoff hunt.

-- Just when we thought Holderness was starting to gain some separation in the D-II race, the Bulls lose to Hebron on Wednesday, then get tied at home yesterday by a much improved North Yarmouth Academy team.

-- The D-II race still has 8-9 teams battling for the final four slots. The top four seeds seem pretty much set: Brooks, St. George's, Worcester Academy, and Rivers.

-- The Tabor Seawolves made the long trek to Lawrence Academy on Friday night only to have the game called in the middle of the second period – Tabor won, 8-0 -- when Lawrence goalie Shelby Guinard got hit in the mask with a shot, suffering a concussion. Unfortunately, LA's  backup goalie, Ava DiVincenzo, was not dressed (sprained ankle). Guinard will be out for a while, while DiVincenzo will be testing her ankle on Monday.

 

Sat. 2/2/19

 

Tabor Trounces St. Mark's, 8-1

Marion, Mass. -- #2-ranked Tabor continued its undefeated run with an 8-1 beatdown of a low-energy St. Mark’s squad here Saturday.  

This game was never close, as the Seawolves opened the scoring early in the first period with a power play goal on a beautiful one-timer by senior Madeleine Mahoney. The Seawolves would continue their scoring in quick succession with goals from, respectively, junior Julia Shaunessy, senior Anne Berry, and senior Cynthia Giandomenico. Three of the four goals scored in the first period were one-timers, which speaks to how fast and organized this Tabor offense really is. Sophomore Ashley Clark, junior Julia Shaunessy, and senior Anne Berry all registered two goals on the day to lead the Seawolves. Junior goalie Christine Steege did not see much action in this game due to a strong defensive backing from her squad and an ill-equipped St. Mark’s team. The lone Lions’ goal was scored on a breakaway by sophomore Lila Trussell in the third period.

Tabor has been one of the more impressive teams this season and with how they played today it is no surprise that they are undefeated. It is still a head scratcher as to how a team filled with this much offensive firepower tied an average Westminster team just a week ago. If the Seawolves play like they did today they would be an easy pick to make a Sunday appearance in March for the championship.

The word around the rink was that St. Mark’s was missing four players to either injury or illness. The level of intensity and overall energy from the Lions was tremendously low compared to when we last watched them at the Harrington Tournament. The combination of missing players and having played a game the night before against Southfield might have contributed to the lack of energy and speed. Tabor also played on Friday night, trouncing Lawrence 8-0 compared to the tight contest the Lions played in. Either way, Tabor was infinitely better team in this one.