Max Maggard, Reporter
Girls hockey has had a successful season, thanks to the leadership of the senior class and several talented underclassmen. Despite losing key players from the previous year, the team led by Head Coach Rich Bulan, has a regular season record of 16-3-1 so far.
Coach Bulan expressed confidence in the team. He said, “Our goal every year is to be in the FCIAC and State Finals. Hopefully, we are on our way to doing that.” With their strong start so far, the team is in a good position to make a deep run in the postseason.
The team has been led by the solid play of several underclassmen, including freshman Ashton Pinkernell, who stepped in as the team’s goaltender when they were in need of a player in the net. Coach Bulan said, “We knew that Ashton could play goal, but she was starting for us on defense. She agreed to put on the pads and see how she felt again at our next practice. It was obvious that she was very talented and could get us to where we were accustomed to being, the FCIAC Playoffs and the State Tournament.” Pinkernell has been a revelation, with a 6-0 record so far and multiple shut-outs.
Pinkernell is not the only freshman making an impact this season, “We have seven freshmen this year and six have been in the starting lineup. Marissa Delcarmine on defense, Ashton Pinkernell on defense and in goal Piper Chaisson, first line center, Izzy Janega, second line left wing, Olivia Spain, fourth line center and Larkin Celiberti in goal.” said Coach Bulan.
Offensive struggles are definitely not in the picture when it comes to this girls team, Coach Bulan said, “The team’s first line, consisting of freshman Piper Chaisson and sophomores Serena O’Connor and Maddy Tully, has also been a force to be reckoned with, combining for eighty points so far.”
In addition to the impressive play of the newcomers, the team has also been able to maintain their success year after year. “One achievement that stands out was when we won our tenth game of the year versus Simsbury, we reached double figures in wins for our twenty-second consecutive year,” Coach Bulan said.
Coach Bulan was optimistic about the team’s future, with the majority of the current team returning for another season and a strong incoming class of eighth graders. He says, “We have only three seniors leaving. Our captains, Amanda Benson, Alla Duane and Georgia Saxe. They will absolutely be missed. But, everyone else is going to be back to try out next season, plus there are at least five eighth graders coming in next season. The future looks good.”
