Sweep of OHA Has Huskies Smiling

The girls’ hockey team enjoyed a two game sweep of Ontario Hockey Academy this weekend in a home/home series with the Mavericks. Playing a late game Saturday night allowed some of the Huskies to help out with the Lake Placid Youth Hockey Association’s mini-mite tournament on Saturday morning. Some of the girls donned the stripes and acted as refs, while others cheered on the little tykes and showed support to faculty kids Conor, Yosef, and Steffie.

After the mini-mite tournament, the girls boarded the bus to Cornwall, ON for their first game of the series. Although the two hour ride showed in their legs to start the game, the Huskies were able to control the play with good puck protection and passing. The Mavericks got on the board first with a power play goal, but Northwood answered back when Alyson rushed the puck and beat the OHA goalie low glove. Cassie got the game winner in the third with some nice short-handed action between her and Cailey. Lindsay turned away twenty shots in net with a strong effort and the win. The hard hat went to Sabryna, who had five shots and played a very solid game.

On Sunday, the Huskies enjoyed a home game against the Mavericks. Again, Northwood was able to control the pace and the puck. The Mavericks scored three in the first half with a few fluke plays and unlucky bounces, but the Huskies always had an answer. Nicole M. scored twice in the game, her first when she put home a rebound upstairs and her second on a beautiful 2v1 with Cailey. Cailey added her own goal and Maci scored the game-winner and a stick of gum in the second half to close out the scoring and the game. Katey made three saves on six shots in the first half of the game and Megan made eleven out of eleven in the second half. Rachel R. won the hard hat for her gritty and determined play on D.

NAPHA Championship Doesn’t Go as Planned, but Huskies Stay Positive as Season Winds Down

It’s been an eventful two weeks for the Northwood girls’ hockey team. The relaxation of the winter break started early when alum and Board of Trustee member Jeff Bartell ’72 treated the girls to a wonderful family dinner at Lisa G’s. Jeff and his wife, Bobbie, let the girls eat, play pool, relax, and listen to some great Northwood memories. Eva, Erin, and Cailey made a speech on behalf of the team to thank the Bartells and honored them with some Northwood gear.

Mr. Bartell explains why he appreciates the Huskies: “You play like a real team!”

Once break started, the coaches and a few senior members of the Huskies, Nicki, Grace D, and Oona, played 5 games as part of the Empire State Games. They led their team, Adirondack, to a gold medal before resting for the next few days to gear up for the NAPHA Championship.

Grace D., Nicki C., Coaches Farmer and Kilbourne-Hill, and Oona celebrate the gold.

The Huskies returned from their winter break to a snowy central New York and their league championship weekend. The girls had a good skate on Thursday afternoon at Syracuse University where they were welcomed to the rink by former captain, Erin Brand ’13. They then caught up on the week off at a family dinner and got a good night’s rest before the tournament began.

On Friday afternoon, the Huskies, ranked second in the McMaster division, faced off against Gilmour, ranked third in the MacLeod division. The two teams have seen each other a lot this year, so the Huskies knew to expect a tight checking and close match up. Gilmour tried to slow down the Huskies, playing a trap against the quicker Northwood team. The Huskies were able to beat the trap, but Gilmour scored first on the power play. The Huskies kept skating, but lacked any offensive zip and could only convert once when Nicole M. put home a puck from the backdoor. In 3v3 overtime, the Lancers scored beating Lindsay P. high over the glove for the win. Despite losing, Northwood picked up one point for the OT loss.

On Saturday morning, after watching a thrilling USA vs. Russia game, the Huskies were inspired as they took on Rice. The team started off the game with fire and passion. They dominated the first half of the game, but Rice got on the board first off a bad bobble. The Huskies kept digging and worked hard, controlling much of the game. A few bad penalties caused them to lose momentum and Rice scored again to take a 2-0 lead. Nicole M. had a beautiful power play goal after receiving the puck from Alyson M. to make it close, but Rice extending the lead again off of a d-zone breakdown. The Huskies pulled their goalie with five minutes left, and Alyson M. managed to put a rebound upstairs to get within one, but time ticked down without a tying goal from the Huskies.

On Saturday night, the Huskies faced defending champions, Nichols School. Earlier in the year, the girls managed a great tie against the skilled team, but this time, the wheels fell off the bus early. After Nichols got on the board first, Northwood responded with a nice tip in goal from Cailey H, but then penalty trouble started for the Huskies. Nichols moved the puck around the Northwood D and goalie, putting in five in the first period. At one point in the second period, the Huskies had 3 D in the box and had to kill off a 5v3 for over two minutes. Still, the Huskies, including goalies Katey S and Lindsay P, didn’t give up and battled until the last minute.

The Huskies look to rebound from their tough losses this weekend, as they have a home/home series with Ontario Hockey Academy. Then, they’ll be on the road for their last roadie of the season at the NAHA Spring Invitational in Stowe, VT.

Huskies Travel to Roo Country on Super Bowl Sunday

The last weekend before departing for February break served as a “down” weekend for the Huskies.  When you’re used to four to five games in a weekend, looking at the schedule and only seeing two feels light.  The Huskies were supposed to play in Potsdam on Saturday against the Potsdam U19 team and then in Canton at SUNY Canton against the St. Lawrence Thunder on Sunday.  With a last minute cancellation, the Huskies only played one game this weekend against the defending NYS Tier Two champs, St. Lawrence Thunder.

 

We would not have wanted to spend part of Super Bowl Sunday any other way than in a rink.  While most of America was preparing for the big game, cooking wings, and eating pizza, the Huskies were on their way to Canton, NY.  It was a nice midday start, and Northwood set the tone early with a power goal by Alyson M.  She skated the puck from the far blue line and got it to net with Issy R. following close by to help with rebounds, both battled in front relentlessly until the puck was in the back of the net.  Shortly after, Alyson M. netted another goal unassisted.  Every forward line came ready to skate hard and fore check, but the “fire” line was especially circling, hungry for a goal, and accounting for three of the six goals over all.  Cailey H. netted the third goal with an assist from Nicole M, then shortly after Nicole M. netted the fourth unassisted.  It was decided that the game would consist of three seventeen minute periods, and it was obvious the heavy game schedule the Huskies play was serving them well as they still had a lot of stamina left going into the third period.  Nicki C. scored the fifth goal with an assist from Rachel L. and then Cassie K. finished out the scoring with an assist from Cailey H.

 

In attendance was alum Olga Russell who is a freshman assistant captain for the SUNY Canton Kangaroos.  It was so nice to see her and be able to get a game in her home rink.  We were so happy to know that hockey and school are going well for her.  Thanks for coming, Olga!  Also in attendance, our very own super fan and alum Mr. Jeff Bartell.  Mr. Bartell made the trip to support the Huskies and even offered to take the team out for a “family dinner” on Thursday before we all leave on break.  Thanks so much Mr. Bartell! Someone must have told him we love “family dinner.”  Can’t wait.

 

The Huskies will be returning early from February break to play in the NAHPA League Championship weekend in Cicero, NY.  Stay Tuned.