The class of 2014 played their last two hockey games as Northwood students this past weekend, leaving their mark on the program by helping to record the best season in the history of girls’ hockey at Northwood. The 30-16-7 record set the bar with most wins in a season, topping last year’s 27 wins and a 24 win season in 2005 when legendary coach, Tom Broderick, coached the girls. This season’s highs also included winning the Fall Foliage festival early in the season, beating rival NSA for the first time in 6 years, and making it to the semi-finals of the Fire on Ice tournament, the Northwood tournament, and the NAHA tournament.
The 30th victory came in a win against Rice Memorial in Burlington, VT. After a brief ceremony honoring the Rice seniors, the Knights had a jump and got on the board in the first shift of the period with a slapshot from the blue line. Northwood responded when they went on the power play and Erin Kishoni sniped a beautiful wrist shot off the rush. Rice scored again on a rebound, but the Huskies never lost their determination. Nicole Mensi scored in the second after making a beautiful between the legs move to beat a Rice D and then chip in her own rebound. Grace Nardiello scored the game winner on the power play when her wrist shot from the blue found a hole. The Huskies held on for the win and Lindsay Powers was strong in net, turning away all 12 shots in the second and third periods.
On Sunday, the Huskies hosted the Knights and started the day with their own ceremony to celebrate the class of 2013. Each senior was presented with flowers and a signed team picture as a brief tribute of their years at Northwood was read. Please see the senior tributes below.
After the ceremony, the teams had a brief warm-up and then it was time to drop the puck. Both teams knew that pride was at stake, and the game was fast and intense. A scoreless first period was followed by a Rice goal on the power play in the second. Northwood got their own power play chance a few minutes later, and Maci Hoskins put the puck over the Knight goalie’s shoulder to tie it up. Despite chances for both teams, neither could get past very good goaltending. Megan Messuri made 25 saves in regulation, then had to make a few more in overtime and even tried for an assist. The game ended after one OT period, and both teams had to be happy with their effort for the tie.
Senior Tributes
Grace Durham #2 – Grace arrived from Long Island last year and has impacted Northwood and our team since day one. A steady D with a big shot, Grace is willing to do anything to help her team and teammates. She is an RA, leader of the GSA, and a consistent volunteer at reading buddies. Grace has been accepted to Salve Regina University and Utica College.
Grace Nardiello #3 – Gracey is a day student who started with us her sophomore year. On the ice, Gracey has progressed from a tentative and hesitant player to a confident and determined one. Despite her lankiness, she has great dangles and has been known to “pop the bottle” in big games. Gracey has been accepted to Salve Regina University and Pace University.
Cassie Kent #5 – Cassie is a four year Northwood student from Lake Placid. She has followed the Kent tradition of being a fantastic 3 sport athlete and fierce competitor. Cassie is the ultimate utility player and takes particular pride in her PK abilities. She is also a leader in the classroom and in the school community. Cassie has been accepted to Manhattanville College and Rochester Institute of Technology.
Erin Kishoni #6 – Erin hails from Atlanta, Georgia and has been at Northwood since her sophomore year. A dynamic skater, Shones brings her trademark intensity to every practice and every game. She is quiet but confident leader, who sets a positive example for her teammates every day. Erin has committed to Elmira College where she’ll be an impact D for the Purple Eagles.
Nicki Clover #16 – Nicki is a second year Northwood student from Phoenix, Arizona. Nicki is a finesse player who relies on her nice hands, great vision, and smooth skating. She is our go-to for shoot-outs and has earned the nickname “sauce boss” for her beauty saucer passes. Nicki will attend Utica College next year and play for the Pioneers in the ECAC West division.
Eva Marques #18 – Eva has made the transition from roller hockey in Spain to ice hockey in Lake Placid look effortless. A prolific scorer with great vision and hockey sense, Eva has become an all-around player. As captain this year, she has acted as a positive and compassionate role model to her teammates. Eva will be returning to Spain next year to pursue a physical therapy degree.
Oona Rikkonen #20 – Oona joined our team and school last year from Finland. She immediately integrated into the team and has become a more important player every game and practice. This unsung hero always attends to the details and her game is one of heart and determination. Oona will return to Finland next year where she’ll pursue a law degree at a Finnish University.
Megan Messuri #30 –This is Megan’s first, and unfortunately, last, year at Northwood. She has made an immediate impact on the ice, bringing her competitiveness every day and makes all our shooters better. Her relaxed and no-fuss style makes her easy to be around, but when she’s in the net, she has no mercy. Megan has been accepted to Lake Forest College and Manhattanville College.
Northwood School Girls Hockey 