Huskies Face Stiff Opponents on Busy Weekend

The North American Prep Hockey Association (NAPHA) consists of nine prep teams, spanning from Nova Scotia to Ohio. This weekend, the east teams, the McMaster Division, met in Stanstead, QC for opening weekend. Teams are always geared up for this weekend, as the points earned help overall standing and eventually playoff match-ups.

Northwood Blue opened the weekend against Rothesay Netherwood School (RNS) from New Brunswick. RNS is historically a tough team and the Huskies split with them last year. In this match-up, the Riverhawks took control of the game off the bat. They outshot the Huskies in the first period and scored a goal early on by capitalizing on a Northwood turnover. The Riverhawks scored again late in the first period to go into the 1^st period intermission up two. Another turnover put RNS up three early in the 2^nd period and then miscommunication on a faceoff put them up four. The Huskies didn’t quit though, and Moe Tsukimoto spoiled the RNS goalie’s shut-out by scoring a nice wrap around goal late in the second period. The two teams traded chances in the third, but neither could convert.

In the second match up of the weekend, the Huskies met the Rice Knights and a classic Rice vs. Northwood game ensued. It’s always tight against these two, and this meeting was no difference. Both team traded chances, but only the Huskies could convert in the second period when Madison Gneo scored on a rebound. Northwood hung on in the third, making good decisions and playing more offense than defense. Ashley Davis turned away all twenty shots for the shut-out and Bridgit Sullivan sealed the deal with an empty net goal for the 2-0 win.

After the game, the team headed to the Stanstead Rec Centre and had some competitive bowling. The team of Natalie, Moe, and Sara won the highest average while Nikki won the overall high and Ashley “won” the low score category.

Northwood had to take on the home team, Stanstead College on Saturday evening. Judging from the Spartans previous scores, the Huskies knew they were in for a challenge but they were up for it. The girls worked hard defensively, holding off the sharp shooting Spartans 2-0 after the first. Two more goals followed in the second and then three more to finish the third.

The last game of the weekend paired King’s Edgehill School (KES) with the Huskies. Northwood was able to get on the board first when Sierra Benjamin walked out of the corner and beat the KES goalie short side. The two teams traded goals, back-and-forth for the rest of the game until half was through the third when KES was able to score two in a row to take the lead. The Huskies pulled their goalie for the extra attacker and had some chances, but then took a penalty that put them down a player. Bridgit Sullivan and Moe Tsukimoto had the additional goals.

The Huskies finished the weekend a disappointing 1-3, but will regroup for the first weekend back from Thanksgiving vacation where they will have a chance to see the same teams again.

Back in Lake Placid, Northwood White dropped their fourth game of the season on Sunday afternoon with a 4-0 loss to the VT Shamrocks.  The Shamrocks opened up the scoring with a rebound goal mid-way through the 1st period.  White was unable to respond on the scoreboard but Kira Collins had a few great scoring chances in her season debut.

The Shamrocks found the back of the net twice more in the 2nd period, although one of the goals was controversial as both a crease violaiton and a kick-in.

The White team held the Shamrocks scoreless in the third period up until a partial- breakaway was allowed with just 10 seconds remaining.

The Huskies return to action after Thanksgiving Break, traveling to Clarkson University to face the St. Lawrence Thunder on December 5.

Fire on Ice Cools Down Hot Huskies

The Fire on Ice Tournament in Rochester, NY is a big event: over 160 girls teams ranging from ages 10-19, 17 different rinks, and dozens of college coaches. This year was the first for Northwood to enter two teams into the tournament, and both teams represented the school well with respectable showings. The Blue Team competed in the 19U division and the White Team competed in the 17U division.

On Friday morning, Northwood White started the tournament off on a high note, shutting out the NJ Rockets with a final score of 2-0.  The Huskies extended their unbeaten streak to 9 games. Hannah Markel came up huge for the Huskies, and played a crucial role in the victory.  Kiannah Thomas scored White’s first goal with help from Abby Hatcher. Zoe Vande Kieft scored the second goal late in the third period to secure the White team win.

After the game, Kylie Kroes and Zoe VandeKieft had a quick bite to eat and rest, as they would be doing double duty and dressing for the Blue team in their game against the Milwaukee Jr. Admirals at 1:20pm. The Huskies came out flat against Admirals, getting down early in the first period. They picked up the pace and started to play their game and use their speed. Kim Mongrain made some big saves to keep it close and then Tatum Gietl got Northwood on the board with a shot from the point on the power play. Nikki Kendrick added her own power play goal off of a tip from Moe Tsukimoto to make it close, 3-2 with a few minutes to go. The Huskies pulled their goalie to go for the win, but the Admirals tied found the empty net twice in the next minute and sealed the deal with a final score of 5-2.

Saara Keranen keeps her eye on the puck 

On Friday night, White tasted defeat for the first time in 10 games. After the first period ended tied at 0, the Buffalo Regals scored 4 unanswered goals in the second period and 1 more in the third for a final score of 5-0. The girls showed a lot of heart, battled hard and never gave up.

Later that night, Northwood Blue travelled to Thomas Creek Arena for a match-up against Belle Tire. This time, the Huskies came out with with the mission to control the game right away, and they did. They scored early in the first period when Moe had a nice goal, assisted by Sierra Benjamin. Kiana Watson added another goal later in the period to give the Huskies a two-goal lead. The Huskies held the lead, with Ashley Davis turning away every shot in net, for the rest of the game. With three minutes to go, Syd Collins got the puck out of the Huskies defensive zone and found the empty net for the finishing touches and a 3-0 victory.

Ashley Davis tracks the puck for a save

After a tough loss the night before, Northwood white got off to a slow start again on Saturday morning and fell to the Seattle Admirals 4-1.  Each period, however, White made noticeable progress.  The first period proved to be the worst, falling behind 3-1.  Camilla Ketola sparked the momentum shift with a hard-earned last minute goal with help from Sabryna Strack.  Sabryna battled hard on a backcheck to strip the Admirals defender of the puck and transition back into the offensive zone.  Sabryna got the puck to Camilla, who buried her first career goal and sparked a noticeable change in momentum for White.  The second period was a big improvement from the opening act, but the Admirals were able to score one last goal.  Between the pipes for White, Olivia Skriloff played the first half and Ashley Davis finished the game strong.

Sabryna Strack forechecks

The Huskies took on the Boston Lady Bandits on Saturday afternoon, hoping to pick up a few more points to add to their chances of making it through to the quarterfinals. This time it was the Bandits who scored two in the first period, taking the lead. The Huskies controlled most of the second period and had chances, but couldn’t convert until half way through the third period, when Moe Tsukimoto scored on a deke. She scored again on the power play to tie it up. A flurry of chances late in the game proved fruitless, and the Huskies had to do with a 2-2 tie.

Moe Tsukimoto takes a draw

Northwood White finished the weekend stronger than when they arrived.  The bench was light all weekend and we relied heavily on each of the girls to play tough for each other every shift.  The Monclair Blues faces a great version of Northwood White on Saturday night, as the team came together and worked tirelessly to earn the win in our final test of the weekend.

Kendal Dubin and Zoe Vande Kieft each scored twice for the Huskies and goaltenders Ashley Davis and Olivia Skriloff combined stellar play in net for the victory.

Another late game, another rink…this time Blue travelled to SUNY Brockport to meet the Ottawa Lady 67’s. The game was fast paced, physical, and intense. The 67’s scored half way through the first, but the Huskies continued to battle to stay in the game. Hanna Markel made some big saves to give the Huskies a chance, especially when they found themselves in some penalty trouble. A power play produced good scoring opportunities, but the 67’s goalie kept the door shut and the Huskies lost, 2-, finishing their weekend at 1-2-1.

Blue will travel to Stanstead, QC next for their first NAPHA league weekend, while White hosts the VT Shamrocks for one game on Sunday.

(All photo credits go to Zoe’s mom, Karen VandeKieft, VK Photo-Sports. Thanks Mrs. VandeKieft!)

Northwood White Works Their Way into First Place in the EJEPL

A Pre-Game Huddle (VK Photos)

Northwood White got off to a slow start in their latest EJEPL weekend, but ended up getting the job done. They relied heavily on goaltender Olivia Skrillof to make some key saves to keep the game within reach early in the first game against Brewster Bulldogs.  Brewster cashed in on a breakaway opportunity late in the opening period to take a 1-0 lead.

As the game progressed, so did the White team’s play.  In the second period, Hannah Davis scored her first career goal to tie the game at 1.

The game stayed close until the very end.  With just 1:36 left on the clock and 30 seconds into White’s frst powerplay of the night, Abby Hatcher scored her second game-winning-goals in as many games.

Brewster attempted to force the game into overtime by pulling their goalie and playing with an extra attacker, but found no success and took another penalty with just 28 seconds left in the game.  Kylie Kroes won the draw, earning her first assist with the White team as Sierra Benjamin lit the lamp with a low, heavy shot from the blue line.

White successfully killed 2 penalties and converted on two of two powerplays.  The Lady Bulldogs outshot the Huskies 29-21.

Hannah Davis looks to attack the net (VK Photos)

Northwood White extended their winning streak to five and picked up three more league points to maintain the top spot in the EJEPL against the Connecticut Ice Cats.

Sierra Benjamin opened up the scoring early in the first period, unassisted.

Kendall Dubin scored her first career goal and played her best two-way game yet.  Zoe Vande Kieft earned two points in the matchup (one goal, one assist) and Lauren Sherer picked up two assists.  Mika Welch earned her first career assist and Kiannah Thomas picked up a hard-earned goal after a great backcheck to seal the deal for the Huskies.

Hannah Markel played a great game in net, making 19 saves in her first career shutout.

Zoe chasing after a loose puck (VK Photos)

Northwood White closed out the weekend with a 2-2 tie against a tenacious Brewster team.  Brewster, out for revenge after Friday night’s loss to Northwood, came out strong and battled hard to tie the game up with less than a minute remaining.

Northwood’s goals were scored by Sierra Benjamin and Kylie Kroes.

Northwood White now firmly stands atop the EJEPL standings, with just three regular season games to go.

The Huskies look to preserve an 8 game unbeaten streak heading into the Fire on Ice tournament next weekend in Rochester, NY.