2012-13 high school hockey previews – girls teams
MiHockey’s team-by-team breakdowns for the girls teams this high school hockey season.
Grosse Pointe North
Coach Joe Lucchese says that GPN’s main strength this season will be their senior class – which holds an abundance of leadership and skill. He didn’t list any key players, saying that every one of them will need to give 100 percent.
Regina
After losing five players to graduation and two others to travel hockey, coach Paul Buscemi says his team is going through a rebuilding process. Regina will have to figure out how to replace the 100-plus goals they lost from last year. Rebuilding is a little easier, however, when you have strong goaltending. Buscemi has faith in sophomore goaltender Alex LaRue.
Mercy
The Marlies return 13 players from last year’s team. Senior defensemen Morgan DeBrincat and Jacqueline LaPres anchor a defense playing in front of freshmen goaltenders Katy Kouvaris and Caitlin Somerville. Their offense will be led by seniors Madeline McClain, Grace Martin, Anna Mondrusov, Jacquelyn Murphy and junior Caitlin Conner.
Plymouth-Canton-Salem Unified
PCS Unified returns nine players from their Division-2 state title team. Key players include defensemen Ashley Saunders and Annelise Niermann, forwards Jenna Carter, Jordan Patterson, Cortny McAdoo, Elizabeth O’Donohue and Morgan Cusumano, and goaltender Becky Lough.
University Liggett
Coach Cassie Jaeckle says her Liggett squad needs to play with a “Not wish for it, work for it” attitude. Captains Aria Ganz-Waple and Chandler Warren will lead a young team, and Jaeckle says their ability to keep the team motivated, working hard, and growing together will be crucial.
Grosse Pointe South
Coach Joe Provenzano says GPS lost a significant portion of their scoring despite returning many players. A solid core of seniors, including Tenley Shield, Sam Taylor, Darian Dempsey, Meghan Polack, Lindsey Makos, Gabby Hartman and Allison Daudlin will need to lead the way. Senior goaltender and captain Anastasia Diamond will give the Blue Devils confidence from the crease on out.
Ann Arbor Pioneer
Pioneer only has two seniors on the roster this season, but coach Sandy Hurd says her team is actually deeper and more experienced than last season. Leading scorer Caroline Hurd returns, along with fellow junior forward Mercedes Reyes. Junior Lauren Chapman and sophomore Shay Pinhey lead the way on the blue line, and junior goaltender Paulina Arsenault will be strong in goal. Hurd is also excited to have senior Sloane Supica back, after she missed the 2011-12 campaign.
Walled Lake
Coach Erik Carlson says his team’s biggest strength will be the leadership provided by the senior class. He will be counting on seniors Megan Eustice, Meryll Miller, Christina Karagozian, Emma Crone, Jordan Maynard and Ryann Brier. Goaltender Sam Carrier and new addition Kylie Armstrong will play crucial roles as well.
Bloomfield Hills
Bloomfield Hills may have a small roster this season, but they have a solid mix of experience and returning players. Coach Amy Shepler has confidence in second-year goaltender Madi Kramer, and she’s expecting big things out of freshmen Marca Mucha and Justine Abbo. Juniors Nicole Pomish and Lindsey Harman will provide veteran leadership.
Ladywood
Skating and passing will be the two skills that can separate Ladywood from their competition this season. They will be counting on strong seasons from Virginia Matherly, Hannah Pereira, Jackie Kristofik and Abby Pelon. “During the season we will hopefully be improving on playing as a team and having the knowledge to know where we are on the ice and always have the mind set of thinking two steps ahead of the game,” said assistant coach Maria Rotondo.
Northville
Coach Bill Holden has confidence in his goaltending tandem and defensive core this season. Kate Sell, Paige Pascarella, Hanah Avdulous and Grace Healey will lead the way on the blue line, while senior goaltender Kali Maisano will be the main person in charge of stopping the puck. Chloe Page, Kristen Frogner, Emilee Abraham, Kiki Hilmer and Marica Hackett lead the way up front, and will be responsible for scoring the goals for Northville this season.
Don’t see your team here? Ask your coach/manager to contact us at mh@mihockeynow.com.