Tag: Mallory Johnston

Girls Hockey: Players to Watch in 2022-2023

2022-2023 Girls Hockey Players to Watch Maya Battista
Canton senior Maya Battista will one of the players to keep an eye on during the winter season. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

Player are listed alphabetically

2022-2023 Girls Hockey Players to Watch

Ava Adams, Senior – Hockomock Stars

The Mansfield/Oliver Ames/Foxboro co-op only had a handful of skaters set to return this year, so the Warriors have added in players from all around the league to become the Hockomock Stars. On top of the two original teams and its third member Foxboro, the team also has players from Attleboro, Milford, North Attleboro, and Taunton, and now go by Hockomock Stars. One of the returning skaters back is Mansfield’s Ava Adams, who is also a standout lacrosse player for the Hornets. Adams is coming off a solid season a year ago, scoring four goals. Her experience playing at the varsity level as the Stars look to build some chemistry in the attack.

2022-2023 Girls Hockey Players to Watch

Maya Battista, Senior – Canton

When Battista joined the Bulldogs four years ago, she was a stay-at-home defender who was always in the right spots, cutting out opposition attacks at the blue line or funneling everything to the corners. Battista has grown into a three-zone player, still just as capable a defender, she is now also providing more offensive punch. Her aggressiveness and confidence carrying the puck out of the zone allows Canton to turn any opposition attack into a transition opportunity going the other way. Deadly on the power play, Battista has a strong, accurate shot from the blue line and great vision to pick out the right pass to create a scoring chance for a teammate. Coming off a season where she scored seven times and had eight assists, Battista looks ready to be one of the top defensive players in Div. 2. Canton remains the team to beat in the Hockomock League and Battista’s leadership, physicality, and skills are one of the main reasons why.










Ava Buckley, Senior – Stoughton/Sharon

Stoughton/Sharon remains a young program that is still building a foundation for success, but even with low numbers at this stage in the team’s development, the Black Knights have a college-level talent. Buckley, who is committed to skate at Assumption College next year, is a versatile talent, who can play at either forward or defense for the Black Knights. The team’s top attacking threat, Buckley has the stick skills to find seams in opposition defenses to open space for a scoring chance for herself or for her teammates. Her strength makes it hard to dislodge the puck when she carries into the zone, even as teams send multiple players to try and win it back. On a team with only 14 players on the roster, some who are still learning the game, Buckley gives the Black Knights a ready and willing outlet for the puck, never seems to dip with her energy level, and is a much-needed leader on the ice. Stoughton/Sharon has been competitive in its independent schedule the past couple of seasons and Buckley is one of the reasons for that success, giving the Black Knights a dynamic player to rely on each game.

2022-2023 Girls Hockey Players to Watch

Shaw Downing, Senior – Franklin

Franklin’s quest for a second league title will rely a lot on Downing continuing to be one of the top players in the Hock. The senior defenseman is a three-zone standout for the Panthers, chasing the puck into the defensive zone and carrying it the length of the ice to create chances down the other end. With the stick skills of a forward, Downing can skate her way through traffic to turn any situation into a breakout, but she also has the tenacity to battle behind her own net and the physicality to keep the opposition on the perimeter. A vocal leader for a relatively young team, Downing scored three times and added nine assists last season. Her accurate passing from the defensive zone allowed Franklin’s quick forwards to leak out without worrying about turnovers and created numerous transition opportunities. Downing has a good shot to be a weapon on the power play and her reliability makes her a constant on the penalty kill. With her seemingly endless energy, Downing carries big minutes for the Panthers and that remains the expectation this winter, as the Panthers lean on her experience and skills to try and unseat Canton at the top of the league standings.




Carolyn Durand, Senior – Canton

For the past three seasons, Durand has been the backstop for one of the best defensive teams in the state. Canton has reached a pair of state title games during that stretch, including last March, and Durand has been at the heart of it all, developing into an elite shot-stopper. After allowing only 39 goals in 25 games last year and saving more than 94 percent of the shots she faced, Durand is back for her fourth year as the Bulldogs starter and is playing as well as ever. Always well-positioned, Durand rarely has to make the flashy saves, although she also has the quick glove and athleticism to recover for big stops when the forward does get a step on her. Durand sees the puck well, is aggressive in the crease, and maintains good balance to give forwards few openings to shoot at. Having Durand in goal is a huge confidence boost for the Canton defensemen, knowing that they can take some chances in the zone and it will still likely not end up in a goal, one of the reasons the Bulldogs remain a threat to get back to the Garden this season.

2022-2023 Girls Hockey Players to Watch

Julia Flynn, Sophomore – Franklin

Flynn had an impressive debut season for the Panthers. As a freshman, she led the team with 12 goals and seven assists, finishing in the top 10 in the league in scoring. A powerful skater, Flynn had no problem matching the physicality of varsity hockey, driving at defenses time and again to create scoring chances. Strong and skillful, the opposition struggled to get the puck off her stick all season, and she kept teams on their heels with her aggressiveness in the attacking zone. Flynn always seemed to be driving right at goal, forcing teams to keep a constant eye on where she was on the ice. Combining a strong shot with good vision and the ability to pick the right pass, when Flynn was able to pick up speed entering the zone then it was very likely the rush would end with a scoring chance. Franklin will be looking to get back on top and win a second Hockomock League crown and Flynn’s development as an all-around forward will be a key component of that title challenge.

2022-2023 Girls Hockey Players to Watch

Kelly Holmes, Junior – King Philip

King Philip scored goals for fun last year and Holmes was right at the heart of all that the Warriors were able to accomplish offensively. The leading scorer in the league, Holmes had 22 goals and 25 assists as a sophomore and powered one of the state’s top forward lines. A skillful forward with the ability to dance through crowded spaces, Holmes can track the puck into her defensive zone and with a quick burst can turn it into a chance down the other end. Strong and athletic, Holmes always seems unfazed even as teams throw multiple defenders at her and she helps the team regardless of the situation, whether it’s on the power play or the penalty kill, chasing a goal, or trying to hold onto a lead. Holmes has infectious energy on the ice, never seeming to slow down even as it gets late into the third period, and that was one of the reasons for KP putting together an 18-win season. The Warriors have a young lineup this season, as they try to become the third team to claim a Hockomock title, but Holmes gives them a leader on the ice and one of the most talented scorers in the area to try and build the team around.




Mallory Johnston, Senior – King Philip

While the KP attack understandably drew a lot of the attention last year, Johnston also put together an impressive season in goal to help the Warriors get to 18 wins. The Warriors allowed 41 goals in 23 games last year and Johnston was busy, making more than 400 saves and stopping nearly 93 percent of the shots she faced. Her quickness and athleticism stood out, as she seemed capable of pulling off stunning saves when it looked for sure like she was beaten. Johnston reads the play well to get into the right positions, something that she has developed as a three-year starter, and she is aggressive in the crease to try and cut down shooting angles. Her quick reflexes make her tough to beat up high and she moves well laterally, going side-to-side to make big saves. Confidence is an important trait for a defense to have and, with Johnston back between the pipes, the KP blue line knows that it can count on its goalie to come up with the big stops, which will be critical for a young Warriors team seeking a first league title.

Audrey Koen, Senior – Canton

Canton has long been a defense-focused team. Stopping opposition attacks has been at the core of why the Bulldogs have consistently been among the top teams in the state, but Koen and the forward line deserve some credit for that success as well. The team’s leading goal scorer last year, Koen had 12 goals and eight assists, as Canton returned to the state title game. Quick and strong on the puck, Koen is dangerous when she can get a full head of steam. Her skills allow her to weave through the opposition, but she can also take contact and find a way to get the puck on net. Koen also seems to come up with big moments in the clutch, finding important goals when the team needs one most. Like all Canton’s forwards, Koen is expected to provide two-way support, starting with an aggressive forecheck and continuing back into the defensive zone. Canton’s goal of returning to the TD Garden requires the offense to find the back of the net and Koen has emerged as the top offensive threat for the defending league champs.

2022-2023 Girls Hockey Players to Watch

Mya Waryas, Senior – Hockomock Stars

Foxboro senior Mya Waryas has established herself as a top player for the Warriors’ field hockey and lacrosse teams, finishing inside the top five in scoring for both sports in the preview seasons. Now she will be looking to carry that success over to the ice and the Hockomock Stars, who took on a new name after adding players from four more league schools: Attleboro, Milford, North Attleboro, and Taunton. With a lot of last year’s offense gone to graduation, Waryas will have an increased role for the Stars. She had three goals and two assists last season and will be a key piece for the Stars’ offense this year.

2022-2023 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

2022-2023 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2022-2023 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

2022-2023 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

Canton

2021-2022 Record: 18-7-0
2021-2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Final
Coach: Nikki Petrich
Canton has won four of the five Hockomock titles since league play began, including three in a row, and last winter the Bulldogs went to their fourth state title game in the past six seasons. It was an incredible stretch of success under Dennis Aldrich, who stepped down in the off-season, and the Bulldogs don’t look ready to slow down anytime soon. First-year coach Nikki Petrich, a former Northeastern University standout, comes to Canton after being an associate head coach for Austin Prep, helping them win a pair of Div. 1 state titles, and she has an experienced roster aiming for another trip to the Garden in March.

The Bulldogs can count on plenty of senior leadership this winter, starting up front with forwards Audrey Koen and Ellie Bohane. Koen is the team’s top returning scorer with 12 goals and eight assists last year and will be a focal point in the attack. Juniors Maggie Dailey, Lilah Spinelli, and Anna Lehan also contributed important minutes and important goals during last year’s playoff run and could be ready to step into bigger roles this season. As always, Canton can reload with talented underclassmen and freshmen Christina Curran, Abby Stock, and Izzy Cusack could also feature in a deep forward group.

Defense has long been a strength for Canton and it starts in goal with senior Carolyn Durand. The four-year starter has been one of the best shot stoppers in the state since her freshman year and gives the team a strong foundation in its own zone. Senior Maya Battista is another four-year starter and has emerged as a force on the blue line, both with her work in the defensive zone as well as her goals on the other end of the ice. Juniors Tori Carr and Devan Spinale will be back on the blue line with freshmen Kayleigh Koen and Georgia Campbell part of a talented rookie class that could contribute right away.

“We are looking to build off of the success of last year and continue to make sure that every single girl in our program has an incredible experience representing their town, high school, and family,” Petrich said. With a senior captain in net, a senior captain on the blue line, and two senior captains leading the way for your forwards, our team is going to compete every single game. A strong freshman class rounds out what is truly a team with extensive experience playing in meaningful games come the end of February.”







2022-2023 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

Franklin

2021-2022 Record: 6-11-4
2021-2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Mike Lubin
Franklin is the only team other than Canton to have won a Hockomock League title and the Panthers come into the season with a more experienced, and deeper, roster to try and get back on top. Former assistant Mike Lubin has taken over as head coach after the retirement of longtime coach Margie Burke and he has a balanced lineup to work with this winter.

The Panthers will be hoping to be more solid on the defensive end of the ice this season, building on the structure they have created in all three zones. Senior Shaw Downing is a four-year varsity player and a dynamic skater along the blue line, not only being sure on the puck in her own zone but also capable of carrying the play into the attack. Junior Lindsay Dennett continues to improve each season and sophomore goalie Izzy Brown is coming off an impressive rookie campaign between the pipes.

Sophomore Julia Flynn was the team’s leading scorer last year and she is back to power the Franklin offense. Senior Lindsay Atkinson is also back, after missing all of last winter with an injury. Atkinson had a big sophomore season and will be a huge addition to the top line. Senior forwards Dana Stott and Molly Hurley bring two-way strength to the forward line.

“We’re a close group with great leadership and a good mix of young talent,” Lubin said. “We’re all excited to get the season started and build on our strong team chemistry from last year.”

2022-2023 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

Hockomock Stars

2021-2022 Record: 3-16-1 (formerly Mansfield/Oliver Ames)
2021-2022 Finish: Reached Div. 1 Round of 32
Coach: Jamie Mullin
The biggest co-op team in the Hockomock League is getting bigger. The Mansfield/Oliver Ames Warriors, which also featured skaters from Foxboro, now includes players from Attleboro, Milford, North Attleboro, and Taunton and will be going by the name of Hockomock Stars.

Jamie Mullen returns for her second year at the helm of the program and now has some more players to work into her lineup. The Stars lost some key players to graduation, including longtime goalie Jess Widdop and speedy forward Sam Ledin, and also have to replace the production of last year’s leading scorer Kylie O’Keefe (20 points). Leading the offense will be a pair of Mansfield juniors: Cammy Shenteler, fresh off a 7-goal, 9-assist season, and Maeve Anastasia, who totaled 11 points with six goals last year.

North Attleboro has four players in the mix with junior Ava O’Dwyer, sophomore Grace Cabeceiras, and freshmen Brittany Nordbeck and Alana Rice. Attleboro (Emily Davignon, Avery Drainville, McKenzie Sullivan) has three players, Taunton (Hannah Albert, Kendell Scheralis) has two, and Milford has one (Lindsay Casman).

Foxboro’s Mya Waras (five points) and Mansfield’s Ava Adams (five points) will also be key pieces in the attack. Foxboro junior Macy Quinn is back to anchor the blue line for the Stars while Davignon will be between the pipes.

2022-2023 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

King Philip

2021-2022 Record: 18-5-0
2021-2022 Finish: Reached Div. 2 Round of 32
Coach: Ken Assad

King Philip is coming off a really strong year. The Warriors won 18 games last winter but saw the season come to an end in the opening round of the state tournament. KP scored 93 goals in 23 games in 2021-22 but graduated the bulk of one of the state’s top scoring lines, so will need new players to step into bigger roles in search of the program’s first Hock title.

While the top scoring line may look a little different this winter, KP does return its top goal scorer. Junior Kelly Holmes is back to lead the offense and is one of the most dynamic players in the league. Senior Katarina Precobb and junior Nicole McDonald will add more punch to the top line this season. The Warriors will have decent depth in the attacking zone, with senior Sydney Cloutier, junior Rylie Ryan, and freshmen Cam O’Shea and Kate McGann each ready to provide an attacking punch. Eighth graders Tayla McDuff, Rylan McKillop, Ella Morgan, Erin Steck, and Molly Murphy should all get their chance to contribute.

In the defensive zone, KP will have plenty of experience to try and keep other teams out. Seniors Brielle Hearon, Mara Boldy, and Emma Sullivan will all be back on the blue line, providing leadership and physicality to slow down the opposition. Freshmen Lydia Maxwell and Grace Lehan-Allen both saw time as eighth graders and will build on that important year of varsity action. Eighth-grader Calleigh Brady should see time in defense this year. Goalie is another position of strength for the Warriors with senior Mallory Johnston in her third year as a starter and classmate Haley Bright backing her up.

“I never call it a rebuilding year,” said KP coach Ken Assad. “With the returning players and newcomers, I believe with hard work and not taking any nights off we can be in the hunt for the Hockomock title and get into the tournament.”




2022-2023 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

Stoughton/Sharon

2021-2022 Record:
2021-2022 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Chad Kelley
Stoughton/Sharon continues to be a young program that is building up its numbers. With only one senior and two juniors in the program, the Black Knights will be focusing on youth and trying to build a foundation for future seasons. After a close loss in the season opener, Stoughton/Sharon continues to find ways to stay competitive even with a smaller roster of just 14 players.

Eighth-grader Sarah Scappaticci from Sharon will be the starting goalie this season. She made 34 stops in the opener against Cambridge and is already showing that she is a skilled player between the pipes. Brockton junior Molly Corvino will be one of the leaders in the defensive zone, along with classmate Samantha Calapai. Both players are solid in their own zone but can push the team into the attack. Stoughton freshman Addison Strunk will also be one of the defenders in the top two pairings.

Stoughton’s Ava Buckley is the lone senior on the team. The Assumption-commit will be the focal point for the Black Knights on the offensive end of the ice. Sharon eighth grader Ella Cummings has a lot of skill on the puck and already opened her varsity account with a goal against Cambridge. Sharon sophomores Peri Rodman and Heather Kelly and Stoughton sophomore Leila Uchani return to the forward lines. Stoughton freshmen Julia Monaghan, Meghan McGowan, Amanda Reid, and Stoughton eighth graders Nya’Lia Lindsey and Julia Henein will give the Black Knights depth up front.

“We are a young team with only one senior and two juniors in our program,” said head coach Chad Kelley. “Ava Buckley and Molly Corvino are our captains for this season. Both Ava and Molly have been tremendous with our young group. They are great examples for others to model.”

Saturday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 02/05/22

Today’s games are listed below.

Boys Basketball
Canton, 36 @ Oliver Ames, 46 – Final – Click here for a recap and photo gallery of this game.

Taunton, 75 @ King Philip, 53 – Final – Click here for a recap and photo gallery of this game.

Girls Basketball
King Philip, 52 @ Taunton, 44 – Final – Emily Sawyer scored 12 of her game-high 18 points in the second half to help the Warrior hold off Taunton and pick up a road win. KP led 13-9 after the first quarter and extended its lead to five points at halftime. The teams were even in the third quarter, so the Warriors kept their five-point edge going into the the fourth. KP outscored Taunton 16-13 over the final eight minutes to secure the victory. Julia Marsden added 12 points for KP and Jackie Bonner had six. Kameron St. Pierre was Taunton’s top scorer with 16 points, including 11 in the second half. Jillian Doherty chipped in with 13 for the Tigers and Cali Melo had nine points before fouling out in the fourth quarter.










Boys Hockey
Stoughton, 1 @ Foxboro, 4 – Final – Foxboro senior Ben Ricketts found the back of the net twice to help the Warriors skate to a non-league win over Stoughton/Brockton. Ricketts scored the first goal for Foxboro and then the third goal, assists from Steve Bridges and Alex Coveillo on the first and Coviello again on his second. Derek Axon’s unassisted shorthanded goal proved to be the game-winner while Matt Grace (from Tom Marcucella and Brett Axon) tacked on a key insurance goal. Sophomore Trevor Marder played well in net for the Warriors with 24 saves. Anthony DeSousa scored the lone goal for the Black Knights.

King Philip, 2 @ Bridgewater-Raynham, 3 – Final (OT)

Girls Hockey
Canton, 5 vs. Dennis-Yarmouth, 2 – Final

King Philip, 4 @ Mansfield/Oliver Ames, 2 – Final – Kelly Holmes scored twice and Sydney O’Shea and Morgan Cunningham lit the lamp once each as King Philip skated to a league win over Mansifeld/Oliver Ames. Both Holmes and O’Shea also had a pair of assists and Cunningham had one, and Mallory Johnston had 19 saves in net for KP.

Stoughton/Sharon, 2 vs. St. Joseph’s Prep, 6 – Final – Ava Buckley accounted for both of Stoughton/Sharon’s goals but the Knights fell to St. Joseph’s Prep. Zoe Bangs assisted on both goals while Peri Rodman recorded one helper.

Wrestling
D2 State Dual Meet (Oliver Ames, Sharon, Mansfield, Milford, North Attleboro), 10:00 (@ North Andover) – Milford won three meets to claim the D2 State Dual championship while Oliver Ames took third and Sharon rounded out the top four. The Scarlet Hawks picked up a win over Plymouth South (60-18) to advance to the semifinal, where they secured a win over the Tigers (42-24). In the championship round, Milford pinned down a win over Minnechaug (52-22). Oliver Ames opened with a win over Mansfield (56-21), moved to the semifinals with a win over Dracut/Tyngsboro (43-33), and then after falling to Milford, rallied to avenge its league loss to Sharon with a come-from-behind 35-32 win, capped by a pin from heavyweight Jaden Hinton. Hinton, Kyle Hardie (145), Giovany Juste (170), and Nathan Lipski (132) went 4-0 on the day. Chris Mills (220) rallied for a win that cut the Sharon lead to three going into the last match, won by Hinton.

Brockton Quad (Taunton) – Taunton had another impressive day on the mat, picking up four wins at the Brockton Super Quad. The Tigers secured wins over Woburn (78-6), Quincy/North Quincy (63-12), Brockton (45-24), and Xaverian (52-27). Six Taunton grapplers went 4-0 on the day: Michael Leskoski, Anthony Vieira, Xavier Sandoval, Christian Balmain, Ethan Harris, and Peter Ye.

Girls Swimming
Hockomock Championships – Click here for Results and a Photo Gallery from the meet.

Battista Nets Canton Win Over KP and Outright Title

Canton Girls Hockey
Junior defenseman Maya Battista scored a minute into the overtime period to lift Canton to a win over King Philip and the outright Hock title. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Josh PerryFollowJoshPerry


CANTON, Mass. – With a chance to clinch a third straight league title, Canton had to ride its luck at times down the stretch of Wednesday’s visit of King Philip to the Metropolis Rink. A disallowed goal, a save on a breakaway, and a power play opportunity in the final minute of regulation gave the Bulldogs a chance.

After its two previous overtime games ended in losses, Canton was hoping third time would be the charm.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

Payton McDonough swung the puck around to junior defenseman Maya Battista and she blasted a shot from the point, through a screen in front, and squeezed it past KP goalie Mallory Johnston to seal a 2-1 victory and three-peat of Hockomock League championships.

“We definitely work on the power play multiple times per week and it’s good having puck-moving defensemen that can control the play,” said Canton assistant Nick Maffeo. “It gives us a lot of opportunities to generate some offense. The four-on-three power play was a unique situation, but a quick chalkboard refresher and away we went with it.”

It was a frustrating way for the game to end for the Warriors, who had battled back to tie the game, thought they had gone ahead midway through the third period, and had several other chances to win it in regulation.

“Two evenly matched teams, we played tough against each other the first game,” said KP coach Ken Assad. “They’ve got a hell of a defense and goaltender is strong. We battled and we threw pucks at the net, we just didn’t put them in.”

Canton started the game well. Allie McCabe danced her way through the neutral zone, carrying it the length of the ice before forcing a glove save out of Johnston. A couple minutes later, Tess Khoury had a couple of whacks at a loose puck in the slot. The first two efforts were blocked and then Johnston stuck out a pad to stop the third.

The game had been tight, with neither defense conceding much ground and both teams limiting scoring chances to a minimum. Things opened up when the Bulldogs went on the power play. A nice passing sequence from Battista to McCabe to Audrey Koen forced a nice save and then McDonough teed up Khoury at the edge of the crease but the tip went wide.

With the power play nearly over, Koen retreated behind her own goal and cleared a puck up the near side boards. It took a friendly carom into the path of Khoury and she took off. A nice drag move erased the final KP defender and Khoury went to the back hand before finishing off the far post and in.

“Great goal, good hustle,” Maffeo explained. “As the power play was winding down, that’s the time to go for it and Tess certainly did. She had a nice dangle and little kiss off the post.”

The goal seemed to spark the visitors, who finished the first period with a flurry of chances. Jen Daniels had a good look on a one-timer from the slot but McCabe managed to get across and block. Meg Sherwood then fired a shot from the point that eighth grader Catie Putt tipped in front, but Canton goalie Carolyn Durand smothered the chance.

KP continued to create chances into the second. Daniels was stuffed when she had a chance at the back post and Mara Boldy’s shot from the point was kicked aside. Canton almost doubled its lead when Khoury again got loose in the slot, but her shot this time came back off the post and stayed out.

Only two minutes after nearly falling behind by two, KP tied it. Sydney O’Shea found a lot of room in the high slot and her quick-release wrister on the turn gave Durand no chance to react as it arrowed past her on the blocker side.

“We told her low and hard and that’s what she did,” said Assad. “She followed what we asked her to do and just wish we could’ve banged in some more pucks today. We have to be more consistent getting to loose pucks.”

With only 20 seconds remaining in the period, KP nearly grabbed the lead. Kelly Holmes, the league’s leading scorer, showed off her stick skills to glide into the zone, but Durand was able to get a piece of the breakaway chance.

In a game between two good defensive teams, a tie game in the third period usually means chances are going to be even tougher to come by and that was the case on Wednesday. KP finally was able to break out and get behind the Canton back line, Holmes dragging it around Durand and stuffing it in at the far post.

The officials took a beat and waved off the goal, ruling that the net had come loose prior to the puck crossing the line. It was a let off for the Bulldogs.

“I thought it was in before the post came off, but the ref had a better view of it than I did,” said Assad. “I give my girls a lot of credit. It’s still a very positive locker room and nowhere but up from here.”

Holmes had another opportunity with a breakaway three minutes later, but this time there was no controversy, as Durand came up with a huge save to keep things level. Battista had a good look for Canton on the other end, when her shot from the point took a deflection on its way to goal, but Johnston stood tall and then covered the rebound.

A bench minor in the final minute gave Canton the chance to go back on the power play. A steal at the blue line almost turned into a two-on-none break going the other way, but Holmes was left frustrated again, as the horn sounded to end regulation.

The power play carried over into OT and the Bulldogs made it count. Battista got open pinching in towards the left wing circle and she found the winner.

“We have a small league but it’s a tight and competitive league,” Maffeo said about winning another league title. “Every win and every loss is magnified, so it does mean quite a bit. This is a memory that I hope they carry with them as friends and teammates going forward.”

Canton (9-5-0) will host Dennis-Yarmouth on Saturday, while King Philip (9-4) will travel to Foxboro to face Mansfield/Oliver Ames.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

Thursday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 01/06/22

Today’s games are listed below.

Girls Hockey
Canton, 2 @ King Philip, 1 – Final – A pair of Canton juniors accounted for the scoring and another helped secure with the win with key saves down the stretch. Ellie Bohane and Audrey Koen each found the back of the net as the Bulldogs built a 2-0 lead. Morgan Cunningham cut the deficit in half with a goal for the Warriors but Canton goalie Carolyn Durand, in her second game back from injury, denied KP the tying goal to secure the two points. KP junior Mallory Johnston made 23 saves for the Warriors.

Swimming
Canton @ Sharon, 6:00

Canton Avenges Loss to KP, On Brink of League Title

Canton girls hockey
Canton players celebrate a goal during a 5-1 victory at King Philip that puts the Bulldogs on the brink of a second straight Hock title. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Josh PerryFollowJoshPerry


FOXBORO, Mass. – Canton has developed a well-earned reputation for being a team that finds ways to win big games. The Bulldogs focus on the defensive zone, get the puck deep and forecheck, and take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to them. Saturday evening’s league title showdown with King Philip at the Foxboro Sports Center was another example.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

Even after falling behind inside the opening two minutes of the game, Canton never looked flustered. The Bulldogs went 3-for-3 on the power play, got three goals from defensemen, made timely saves to prevent KP from getting momentum, and skated to a 5-1 win that puts them just two points from clinching their third league title in four years and becoming the first Hock team to repeat as champion.

As if winning the title wasn’t enough motivation, the Bulldogs were also playing with head coach Dennis Aldrich in mind.

“They realized that they had an opportunity and I think they’re really motivated by Coach Aldrich,” said Canton assistant Nick Maffeo. “I think it means a lot to them that he’s watching from the hospital and that he’s pulling for them. They really believed in themselves and that was huge for us.”

He added, “That’s their goal in this shortened season, this crazy season, to try and capture the Hockomock League. It’s important to them, especially for the seniors.”

Just like in the first meeting between the teams, the Warriors got off to the perfect start. Freshman Kelly Holmes split a pair of defenders and drove to the net. Carolyn Durand (15 saves) made the initial stop but the rebound popped out to Jen Daniels on the post and she knocked it in for a lead just 1:44 into the game.

Unlike the first meeting, KP was not able to sustain that momentum past the opening few minutes.

“In their barn, we were flying the whole game, we were chasing pucks, were first on pucks, won one-on-one battles,” said KP coach Ken Assad. “Today was nothing like that except the first one or two minutes and I just don’t know why it’s not consistent.”

A power play sparked the Bulldogs into life. Maya Battista camped out on the edge of the right circle and she fired a wrister in off the post to tie the game. It was only Canton’s second shot on goal in the opening eight minutes.

Canton closed the first period with a flurry of chances. Lizzie Tassinari’s outlet pass sprung Maria Femia to drive at the KP goal, but Mallory Johnston (23 saves) kept her pads down to make the stop. Ellie Bohane’s pass across the crease nearly created a second goal, but Audrey Koen’s tip went just wide.

KP nearly regained the lead a minute into the second. Daniels went one-on-one with Canton defender Kylie Martone and forced Durand into a good pad save.

Again it was a penalty that would stall the KP energy and put Canton in front for the first time. This time it was Allie McCabe that popped up with the goal, as she eased in from the blue line, taking the space that the KP defense was giving up, and fired a wrist shot through a crowd and inside the post.

“I think our defense has been a strength for years and years and this is something we’ve worked on all season,” Maffeo explained. “Our defense is committed to offensive zone, neutral zone, and defensive zone and we work on that and practice that and they have confidence in that.”

Sydney O’Shea was one of KP’s best outlets on offense and she forced Durand into another good stop, but Canton was taking control of the game and doubled its lead with 6:59 left in the period. Battista’s shot from the point was kicked aside, but Canton kept the puck in the zone and it cycled around to Koen in the left circle. She turned and fired and found the back of the net to make it 3-1.

The game could have been put away in the second. Canton outshot the Warriors 15-7 in the period and dominated zone time. Johnston came through with a pair of point-blank saves to deny Tassinari on the doorstep and then McCabe saw a shot come back off the post.

“The depth they have is incredible,” said Assad. “You have to match line-for-line with them and we tried. A team like that, once you score a goal you’ve got to stay on them, keep pressuring them.”

Even with Canton controlling play, KP had a couple of chances to make it a one-goal game. In the final seconds of the period, Avari Maxwell got free for a one-timer inside the left circle that seemed destined for the back of the net only for Durand to get across with her blocker. Fifteen seconds into the third, Katarina Precobb fired a pass from the near boards out in front to Morgan Cunningham but she was unable to get a clean shot off and Durand covered.

“It was there and I thought it was a goal but she came out of nowhere with that pad,” said Assad about Maxwell’s chance. “I thought that would’ve been great being down one going into the third. We had a great talk between periods, they came out and did exactly what we wanted to do, went after the net, and it just didn’t happen.”

Those misses would be costly. Just 32 seconds into the third, Battista whipped a shot in from the left point that somehow eluded the bodies in front and snuck past Johnston to make it 4-1.

Canton is a tough team to play against when they have a lead late in the game. The Bulldogs spent long stretches in the attacking zone. Although they weren’t creating a lot of chances, they were keeping the Warriors pinned back.

Maffeo said, “Because of our commitment to the defensive style of play, once we can get some offense generated then we can play the game we’re most comfortable with, all of our forwards back-checking and supporting our D.”

KP did have a couple of opportunities to maybe get back into the game. Holmes and Daniels forced a double save out of Durand with 10 minutes remaining. A minute later, O’Shea drove at the goal from a tight angle and tried to stuff in a backhand, but again had no way past the Canton netminder.

With 1:18 to go, on another power play, Tassinari wrapped up the win for the visitors. She spun on the puck in the high slot and ripped a shot past Johnston’s outstretched pad to make it 5-1.

Canton (7-1, 5-1) will take on Mansfield/Oliver Ames twice in the next two days needing a point to clinch at least a share of the league title. King Philip (4-3-1, 3-2-1) will face Stoughton/Sharon and root for the Warriors to trip Canton up.

Click here for a photo gallery from this game.

Wednesday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 02/10/21

Today’s games are listed below.

Boys Basketball
Oliver Ames, 43 @ North Attleboro, 48 – Final – Click here for a recap and photo gallery of this game.

Foxboro, 58 @ Canton, 46 – Final – Foxboro opened the second half with an 8-0 run, doubling its lead in the process, and never looked back in a win on the road over Canton. Foxboro’s slim (13-10) lead after eight minutes grew to 25-17 by the halftime break, and its strong start to the third quarter pushed the advantage to 16 and the Warriors never surrendered their advantage, carrying a 42-26 lead into the fourth. Junior Dylan Gordon scored 15 of his 17 points in the middle quarters while sophomore Alex Penders recorded 13 of his 17 points in the second half. Sam Golub had a strong night from downtown, hitting four three-pointers for 12 points for the Warriors. Eric Mischler led Canton with 13 points while classmate Ryan Connerney added 12 points.

Milford, 32 @ Attleboro, 59 – Final – Attleboro’s defense limited the visiting Scarlet Hawks to single digits in the scoring column in each of the four quarters to earn a big win. The Bombardiers held a 10-7 lead after one quarter of action but had a successful second quarter on both ends of the court to seize a 28-16 halftime lead. Junior Evan Houle set a new career-high with 20 points, including 14 points in the first half. Houle added two more threes in the third as the Bombardiers saw their lead balloon to 41-23. Sophomore Trevor White added 12 points in the win.




Girls Basketball
Attleboro, 71 @ Taunton, 49 – Final – It was just a four-point game after one, but Attleboro used a 22-8 second quarter to break it open and pick up the road win. Meghan Gordon had a monster game for the Bombardiers with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Emma Reilly chipped in with 15 and freshman point guard Narissa Smith added seven points and eight assists. Sonya Fernandez had a big game for the Tigers, scoring 21 points in the loss. Kristy Gorman and Kyanna Barros both scored six points for Taunton.

North Attleboro, 37 @ Oliver Ames, 65 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this game. With the win, OA clinched at least a share of the Davenport division title. The Tigers can now win it outright with a victory in either of its final two games. Caroline Peper paced OA with 15 points and five steals and Kelsey Yelle added 10 points. The Tigers also got great performances from their trio of freshmen – Kaydance Derba (10 points and five rebounds), Sarah Hilliard (nine points and five rebounds), and Jasmyn Cooper (six points, eight rebounds, and five assists). OA used a 14-2 to grab a nine-point lead after one and then scored 20 in the second quarter to lead by 20 at halftime. North got no closer than 17 points in the second half. The Rocketeers were shorthanded with leading scorer Amanda Kaiser among the players out on Wednesday, but Ava McKeon picked up the scoring slack with a team-high 14, including seven in the first. Cailyn Maxcy added 10 points and Taylor McMath had six.

Milford, 39 @ Sharon, 33 – Final

Boys Hockey
Attleboro @ Taunton, 6:00
Canton, 5 @ Foxboro, 1 – Final
Oliver Ames, 0 @ North Attleboro, 7 – Final

Girls Hockey
King Philip, 4 @ Canton, 2 – Final – King Philip goalie Mallory Johnston made 24 saves as the Warriors snapped Canton’s 19-game unbeaten streak, dating back to January 2020. KP took a 1-0 lead in the first period and added two more in the second period to build a 3-1 lead. Avari Maxwell had two goals for KP while Kelly Holmes and Sydney O’Shea each had a goal and two assists in the win.

Swimming
Oliver Ames @ North Attleboro

Gymnastics
King Philip @ Taunton, 8:30
Oliver Ames vs. Attleboro, 7:30 (Virtual)
Attleboro vs. Mansfield, 7:30 (Virtual)
Oliver Ames vs. Mansfield, 7:30 (Virtual)

Wednesday’s Schedule & Scoreboard – 01/08/20

Today’s games are listed below.

Boys Basketball
Oliver Ames, 52 @ Foxboro, 66 – Final – Tied after a quarter and separated by just a point at halftime, Foxboro created a little separation in the third and used a 22-point fourth quarter to completely pull away from visiting Oliver Ames. Senior Donald Rogers scored 16 of his career-high 24 points after the break, including nine points in the third quarter that helped the Warriors turn a 26-25 halftime lead into a 44-39 advantage. Both Rogers and Brandon Borde (18 points) connected on three-pointers in the fourth quarter while senior Ryan Hughes scored six of his eight points in the final frame. Junior Kevin Gallagher added 15 points for the Warriors. Junior Amari Brown had a team-high 18 points for the Tigers while Jay Spillane added 12 points.

Mansfield, 72 @ Milford, 41 – Final – Mansfield closed the third quarter on a 10-2 run and never looked back, securing a win on the road over Milford. The Hawks cut the deficit down to two (21-19) midway through the second quarter before Mansfield pushed the lead to double digits, up 35-25 at the halftime break. The advantage remained the same until the Hornets went on their run in the final four minutes of the third to take a 51-33 lead into the fourth quarter. Senior Sam Stevens led the charge with 26 points and five rebounds while junior TJ Guy had a strong all-around showing with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists.




Boys Hockey
Attleboro, 2 @ North Attleboro, 3 – Final

Canton, 2 @ Mansfield, 0 – Final – Click here for a recap and photo gallery of this game.

Oliver Ames, 1 @ Foxboro, 4 – Final – Click here for a photo gallery of this game. – Foxboro and Oliver Ames traded goals between the first two periods before the Warriors scored three straight in the final period to get the win. Kirk Leach put the hosts up in the first before Hunter Costello answered midway through the second for OA to make it 1-1 heading into the third. Foxboro sophomore Jack Watts scored less than a minute into the third period to give the Warriors the lead. Espen Reager made a handful of saves late to protect the lead while both Watts and Leach tacked on empty net goals in the final minute.

Taunton, 0 @ Franklin, 6 – Final – For nearly two periods, Taunton goalie Sean Bunker thwarted every shot that Franklin put his way. But the Panthers finally broke through with just over two minutes to go in the second and went on to score five more in the third to grab a win over the Tigers. Conor O’Neil put the hosts ahead with Sean Connelly and JT Dwyer recording assists as Franklin led 1-0 through 30 minutes. Kyle Hedvig tacked on a pair of third period goals while Declan Lovett (unassisted), Shea Hurley, and Andrew Demerchant also scored for the Panthers. Colin Hedvig added two assists while Lovett and Dylan Marchand also had helpers. Bunker finished with over 40 saves for Taunton.

King Philip, 3 @ Bridgewater-Raynham, 0 – Final – Joe Boselli scored twice and Jesper Makudera made 24 saves as KP earned a tough non-league road shutout. Boselli opened the scoring in the second period off of an assist from Nolan Feyler. In the third, Conor Cooke (assisted by Aidan Boulger) doubled the lead and then Boselli sealed with the win with an unassisted goal.

Girls Hockey
Franklin, 2 @ Canton, 2 – Final – Franklin opened the scoring in the second period and took a 1-0 lead into the third period but had to score with less than four minutes to go to salvage a tie. Franklin’s Amanda Lewandowski scored with just under two minutes left in the second period on an assist from Lyndsey Atkinson. But Canton’s Tess Khoury (from Maria Femia and Lizzie Tassinari) scored 14 seconds into the third period to tie the game. The Bulldogs took their first lead with 6:40 to go when Ellie Roberts finished off a pass from Caroline Tourgee but Atkinson scored the tying goal with 3:12 to go with Jordan Dwyer getting the assist.

King Philip, 10 vs. Shawsheen Tech, 0 – Final – King Philip’s Jen Daniels and Makenzie Shandley each scored a pair of goals as the Warriors skated to a big win over Shawsheen. Sydney O’Shea (three assists), Nicole Brady, Averi Maxwell, Olivia Donovan, Ally Donovan, and Sammy Robison each scored once while Cristina Coleman and Mallory Johnston combined for the shutout.




Wrestling
Canton, 30 @ Sharon, 49 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this meet. The Eagles recorded seven pins as a team, continuing their impressive dual meet record this season and opening league play with a win. Adam Landstein (106), David Gilman (120), Ammit Levin (126), and Vennai Chinnen (132) each recorded pins as Sharon jumped out to a 24-6 lead. Zach Peters the lone Canton points with a pin at 113 pounds. Aaron Cashton added a 10-0 win at 138, Max Pozner recorded a pin right as the first period buzzer sounded, and Kirit Gossetty added three more with a 6-1 win to push the lead to 37-6. Eddie Marinilli had a first period pin at 160 but Sharon answered with a first period pin by Tyler Freedman. Cillian Collins got six points for the Bulldogs, but again the Eagles responded with a pin, this time by Rhamsez Thevenin at 195. Derrell Brown earned a shock pin at 220. Trailing 5-2, Brown suddenly caught his opponent and managed to get a pin with just four seconds remaining. Ryan Richards closed the match with another pin for Canton.

Franklin, 53 @ Oliver Ames, 19 – Final – Click here for a Photo Gallery from this meet. Franklin took control of the dual meet in the middleweight matches and then closed it out with strong matches in the heavyweights, opening league play with a convincing win. OA was fired up in the first match when Nathan Lipski won by fall at 106, but the Panthers got those six points right back with a pin for Dillon Cashin at 113. Drew Difilipio was able to hold on for a 5-2 win at 120, but Remi Creighton tied the meet for OA with an 8-2 win at 126. Jake Carlucci (132) and Nelson Malone traded pins to keep the score tied, 15-15, but then the Panthers took over. Alex Fracassa had a second period tech fall to earn five points followed by back-to-back pins from Ken Sauer and Dominic Sackley. Liam Cogavin battled to win 9-4 at 170, although Onye Nwadiugwu dominated the third period of the match, and Dylan Nawn got a pin at 182. Max Anderson grabbed four points for the Tigers at 195, but Matt Walker (220) and Matt Leofanti (285) closed out the meet with pins for the Panthers.

King Philip, 41 @ Taunton, 33 – Final – Four Warriors earned wins by pinfall and another by tech fall to help King Philip earn a win on the road at Taunton. Sam DeBaggis (120), Jackson Kelley (138), Cole Ricci (160), and Hunter Hastings (220) each won by fall for KP while Shawn Conniff (195) won by tech fall up 17-2. Noah Riedel (145, 6-2) and Lucas Morreale (170, 5-3) won by decision for KP. Taunton’s James Collins (106), Brandon Mendes (113), and Xavier Sandoval (126) win via pinfall while Peter Ye (182) earned a 2-0 decision.

2019-2020 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

Franklin girls hockey
MOA’s Emma Pereira (left) and Franklin’s Gina Vignone battle for possession at the blue line last season. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

By HockomockSports.com Staff

2019-2020 Hockomock Girls Hockey Preview

Canton

2018-2019 Record: 12-6-5
2018-2019 Finish: Reached D2 First Round
Coach: Dennis Aldrich

The Bulldogs will be using a mix of veterans and new faces as they try to get back on top of the Hockomock League. After winning the first league championship in 2018, the Bulldogs finished second last year but will be aiming to take back the title in 2020.

The strength of the team will be along the blue line with senior captains Alexa Maffeo and Meg Aldrich leading the way. Both have a ton of varsity experienced, including playing in a state championship game, and Canton will lean on them heavily for their leadership both on and off the ice. The defense will also feature sophomore Allie McCabe, who picked up valuable experience as a rookie a season ago. The defense will also get a boost from a pair of new faces with freshmen Olivia Maffeo and Maya Battista expected to be big time players for the Bulldogs.

Offensively, head coach Dennis Aldrich said he expects his side to be very quick and opportunistic in the attacking zone. Junior captain Maria Femia (two goals, nine assists), junior Lizzie Tassinari (five goals, 13 assists) and junior Ellie Rae Roberts (four goals, eight assists) are familiar with the system and have high expectations for the season. Sophomore Tess Khoury (six goals, five assists) returns after an impressive freshman senior. Freshman goalie Carolyn Durand has impressed early on with senior Vicky Revanche give the Dogs an experienced option in net.

“The early energy and closeness of this team has been remarkable,” Aldrich said. “I look for us to make some noise both in the Hockomock League and the state tournament this season.”

Franklin

2018-2019 Record: 17-3-2
2018-2019 Finish: Reached D1 Quarterfinals
Coach: Margie Burke

It’s been back-to-back very successful seasons for the Panthers, and head coach Margie Burke is looking for that success to continue in 2020. Franklin won 14 games two years ago, and then went unbeaten in Hockomock League last year and finished with 17 wins overall.

The defending Hockomock champs have a lot of experience back on the defensive end. Junior goalie Gabby Colace is back between the pipes for Franklin and will be one of the top netminders in the area. She posted a 0.905 save percentage in the regular season a year ago, allowing just 1.77 goals a game while making 242 saves. She will have some familiar faces in front of her with seniors Tina Pisano, Gina Vignone, and Gianna Cameron all back playing defense. Franklin was tough to score against last year and that will likely be the case again this year.

The biggest question mark offensively will be trying to replace the production of Regan Paterson and Cassi Ronan, who were two of the top three point producers in the entire league last year. But Franklin has a good cast of players ready for expanded roles this year. Juniors Libby Carter (five goals, three assists), Amanda Lewandowski (eight goals, 10 assists), Katelyn Brown (five goals, three assists), and Maddy Dolan, give the Panthers plenty of options on the attacking end. The Panthers will be looking to get some production out of the eight underclassmen on the roster as well.

“We are looking forward to building on the successes of last year and to be competitive in a very strong Hockomock League,” Burke said.

King Philip

2018-2019 Record: 4-13-2
2018-2019 Finish: Missed playoffs
Coach: Ken Assad

After helping the Franklin boys team for over a decade, Ken Assad has traded in his Panther blue for the green and gold of King Philip, taking over the helm of the girls’ hockey program. Coming off a four-win season, Assad and his staff are very optimistic about the upcoming season.

The Warriors only have three seniors on the roster, so they will need contributions from every player on the roster to compete for a Hockomock League title and try to get back into the state tournament. Although it’s a small senior class, all three are important pieces to the team and are spread out on the ice. Makenzie Shandley is a newcomer to the program but will be leaned on to guide the offense on the first line. She is joined by returning forwards Avari Maxwell (seven goals, two assists) and sophomore Morgan Cunningham. Assad is hoping to have a deep offense with Jennifer Daniels, Olivia Donovan, Sydney O’Shea, Katarina Precobb, and Meg Sherwood all in the mix to get plenty of ice time.

Defensively, the Warriors are going to lean on senior captain Sami Robison. Fresh off a terrific field hockey season, Robison will be the veteran leader of the blue line unit for the Warriors. Junior Gabriela Trujillo should see an expanded role this year and will be an important part of the defensive unit. Junior Libby Curran, sophomore Ally Donovan, and freshman Maggie Griffin and Brielle Hearon are also apart of the KP defense. In goal, senior captain Cristina Coleman and freshman Mallory Johnston will push one another for time in between the pipes.

“Being a young team is great for the future of this program which is exciting,” Assad said. “We are always optimistic for a good start and to compete at a high level and I know the chemistry we have and the great leadership the girls will come out giving their best.”

Mansfield/Oliver Ames

2018-2019 Record: 9-9-3
2018-2019 Finish: Reached D1 Preliminary Round
Coach: Roy Bain

The Mansfield/Oliver Ames/Foxboro girls hockey team is relying on a mix of youth and veterans to push for a return to the state tournament in 2020. Although there are just two seniors on the squad, there is still a handful of experienced players that have played in plenty of contests at the varsity level.

Senior Liz Healy, junior Emma Pereira, and junior Melissa Shanteler will lead the way for the Warriors this season. Healy will be a leader on the offensive end while both Pereira and Shanteler will provide MOA with talent and leadership on the blue line. Joining that junior duo on the blue line will be classmate Megan O’Hara and sophomore Julia Muttart. The Warriors added some depth to the defensive unit with the addition of freshmen Brooklynn Levins and Maya Manganaro. Behind that talented group of defensemen will be sophomore goalie Jess Widdop, who had a terrific freshman year and earned team MVP honors.

On the offensive end of the ice, the Warriors return the speedy line of junior Alex Ledin (six goals, three assists), sophomore Sam Ledin (three goals, six assists), and sophomore Kylie O’Keefe, all representing Foxboro. Healy will be joined by Tessa Luciano and Emma Garland on another line while OA freshman Reese Pereira will be working with Foxboro’s Ella Waryas and Mansfield’s Lily O’Brien, giving the Warriors a lot of depth offensively. MOA is also looking for contributions from Elle Weinstein, Pam Nelson, Maeve O’Keefe, Erin DiCenzo, Cataline Kipp, Ciera Doherty, Ava Adams, and Mya Waryas.

“With a team comprised of two seniors, ten juniors, nine sophomores, and four freshmen, the program can look forward to continued consistency and success for the next few seasons,” said MOA head coach Roy Bain. “This team should compete against the talent-rich and always tight Hockomock League race.”

Stoughton

2018-2019 Record: 0-20-0
2018-2019 Finish: Missed postseason
Coach: Rich Grasso

After a down year, the Black Knights are looking to getting back on track as they team up with Sharon High for the second straight season.

Stoughton boasts skill at each position with junior Morgan Lessa back for her third year with the program, junior Haley Nelson returns to anchor the defense, and senior Brianna Buckley gives the Black Knights plenty of experience between the pipes. Stoughton will need contributions from everyone on the roster with four seniors, four juniors, six sophomores, and four freshmen.

Lessa is among the league’s top players at forward, scoring nine goals and adding three assists last year. Senior Abbey Kashian is one of the team’s three captains and will provide leadership on the offensive end. Look for Sharon junior Sam Sherman, another captain on the team, to fill in both offensively and defensively depending on the team’s needs. Seniors Carly Lader and Hannah Duff will provide depth on the attack this season.

Nelson, who logs a ton of minutes, will be the leader of the defensive unit. Sophomore Zofia Bangs and Sharon junior Jillian Parker are going to be key pieces on both ends of the ice this season for Stoughton. Freshman Ava Buckley has impressed early on this preseason and could give the blue line a big boost.