Girls Hockey Preview

As we continue our winter sports previews we take a look at the Girls Hockey team who is coming off a 19-2-3 season a year ago and a second straight state title game appearance at TD Garden falling to Falmouth 3-2 in overtime. Coach George Campbell who will once again be behind the bench for the Raiders, took some time to answer some questions as his team prepares to defend their third straight Herget Division crown from a year ago. Campbell looked back fondly at the last two seasons and sees a lot of positives that this years group can use heading into the season. “As far as the past two years, they were great for everyone involved, ” Campbell said. “I think the take away is that many of our current players fully realize that many of them were a vital part of us getting to the Garden (Like (Kiely) Noonan’s overtime goal vs. Medfield). Many underclassmen last year made vital contributions and maybe are hoping to continue that into this season as Seniors. In addition playing before a large audience is a great thing to have in your background as you begin that quest again.”

The Raiders will be captained this year by their four returning seniors Carly Boyle, Noonan, Sophie Vernon, and Danielle Hickman and Campbell says that despite off season commitments he likes what hes seen from the captains so far, “A few have been very active in fall sports, helping the field hockey team to a successful season and all of them getting ready by working out on and off the ice to set the stage for this season.” As far as key players to watch Boyle, Noonan, and Vernon will anchor the first line with Hickman on defense  and the Raiders will look to replace stand out goalie Meghan King with both Alyssa Cimino and Caroline Bedrosian who both saw time last season. Also the Raiders return the likes of Catherine Donahue, a regular on defense last year and also Phoebe Lawrence and Katie Hawkinson who saw time as freshmen on varsity last season.

With departures of several key players to graduation Campbell certainly sees the impact of several younger players playing key roles last season, especially heading into this new year, “The coaching staff is happy that some of younger players last year played key roles in our run to the state final game and are happy to see them return. The experience they bring with them will enhance their own game as well as lead the way for this years new players. Although they were not Seniors last year, many of our returning vets played like seasoned veterans last year. It is great to have them back.”

The Raiders will once again play a very tough schedule both in the Bay State League as well as non-conference wise. Campbell touched on the toughness of their schedule both in league and out, “As you say our competition is always tough within the league and we schedule top quality non league opponents to enhance an already challenging schedule. Again we will meet Barnstable, Falmouth and LaSalle of Rhode Island in the Cape Cod Classic in February.” Campbell went on to say about the Bay State in particular, “Within our league it is difficult to predict who will rise to the top because some Freshmen usually appear on Bay state varsities and they come in and play like Seniors. After we go through the Herget teams in the first round, we will have a better idea of who the newly arrived premier players are and how they are going to elevate their teams and impact the league.”

The Raiders open up on the 12th at Dedham before hosting Needham on the 16th at Babson.