Red-hot girls hockey preps for tough stretch

Freshman Nora McLean has been an immediate difference maker for the Bulldogs. (Mike Tureski photo)

With two more blowout victories last week against Mansfield/Oliver Ames and Stoughton/Sharon, the CHS girls ice hockey team is starting to create some separation in the Hockomock League approaching the halfway point of the season.

Now 7-2 overall and a perfect 4-0 in league play, the Bulldogs are two full games ahead of the pack, with Franklin, King Philip and Mansfield all at 2-2.

The schedule is about to get a whole lot tougher in the coming weeks, however, and head coach Nikki Petrich couldn’t be more excited.

“We’re traveling to Martha’s Vineyard for an upcoming weekend tournament, and personally it’s a measuring stick to see where our team is at,” said Petrich. “We play Martha’s Vineyard first and then we’d have a chance to face top-ranked St. Mary’s in the championship. That game, win or lose, will go a long way toward determining what kind of team we are.”

Petrich said it can be difficult to gauge progress against some of the lesser experienced or lesser skilled teams, but she was pleased with the Bulldogs’ effort and commitment in both wins last week.

In their most recent victory against Stoughton/Sharon, Canton netted seven goals with two apiece coming from leading scorers Izzy Cusack and freshman Nora McLean. Petrich said both players have only scratched the surface of their tremendous potential, and she is grateful for the chance to be able to coach them for as long as they are in a Bulldog uniform.

Goalie Kate Budway has also impressed the coaching staff and has far exceeded expectations, according to Petrich.

“Game by game she’s becoming more confident, and she’s made some really crucial saves for us,” Pettrich said. “I think she’s played outstanding and she’s really coming into her own.”

Reserve goalie Caitlin Tureski also saw some ice time in the most recent win and didn’t allow a goal during what Petrich said was a promising stint.

Also making their mark through the first part of the season are freshman forwards Lauren Raffetto and Cassidy Lyons, who have developed some nice chemistry on the third line while providing an offensive spark.

The defense, meanwhile, has been as steady as ever, thanks to talented veterans like Devan Spinale, Tori Carr and Kayleigh Koen.

The girls had a big league game on the docket this week against rival KP and will then head off to the Vineyard for this weekend’s highly anticipated two-day tournament.

Next week, the Bulldogs face off against neighboring Westwood at the Ice House, followed by an away game on Saturday, January 20, against nonleague Medway.

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