The girls ice hockey team at Natick High took a giant step towards establishing some tradition after posting an 11-7-3 record last year that enabled the Redhawks to qualify for the playoffs. Now, coach Bruce Ihloff’s squad is gearing up for another shot at the tourney.
“We won only one game in my first year as head coach but bounced back last season to get to the tourney,’’ Ihloff said. “We’ve got nine returning veterans and lost only four seniors. The girls appear to have hit their stride and another playoff berth is realistic. We should be a plus-.500 team this year. We want to build off last year’s success and keep improving every day.’’
Although last year’s captains — defensemen Laura Sears and Rachel Kutok — have graduated, Ihloff is impressed with the Redhawks’ defensive style, team chemistry, experience, depth, quickness and skills. But, he’s acutely aware that there are areas that need shoring up. “We’ll be challenged on offense because I’ve moved some forwards to defense,’’ he said. “Our overall play can improve and our puck movement in the offensive zone needs work. We’re also inexperienced in goal.’’
One area Ihloff won’t have to worry about is leadership. He’s got three senior captains who know the drill. They’re defenseman Sophie Burr and Mikayla Quigley and forward Anna Rausch.
“Sophie was a captain in field hockey, Anna is respected for her work ethic and Mikayla displayed good athleticism in soccer,’’ Ihloff noted. “Sophie has a high hockey IQ, is aggressive and passes well. She’s an offensive defenseman who can be used on the power play. Anna is strong, quick and tenacious. She’s a very coachable skater. Mikayla was one of our top forwards last year but now is on defense. She’s smart and she’s physical. She sees the ice well, is aggressive and can rush the puck.’’
Three juniors who’ll play key roles are goalie Ester Levitt and forwards Katie Lucenta and Megan Ihloff (coach’s daughter).
“Ester is excited about the opportunity to play in goal,’’ said Ihloff, who owns JMH Automotive in Natick. “She attended lots of camps and clinics and played in a summer league. Able to handle the puck well, she’s athletic, instinctive and fearless. Katie is coachable and willing to compete hard. She’s strong, quick, gets position and passes effectively. Megan is an offensive-minded forward who has a knack for creating scoring chances. She’s physical and she shoots and passes well.’’
Two other juniors Ihloff will be counting on are forwards Nicole Segale and Alexis Reisner. Segale had 5 goals and 6 assists last year while Reisner had 5 goals and 7 assists. “Nicole is aggressive, defensive-minded and forechecks well,’’ Ihloff said. “Alexis is skilled offensively. She’s got a good wrist shot, carries the puck effectively and gets into scoring position.’’
Two sophomores — forward Nicole Maxwell and center Molly Burnes — will provide Natick with offense. Maxwell had 4 goals and 2 assists on the third line last year and Burnes had 9 goals and 10 assists on the first line.
“Nicole took advantage of her opportunities,’’ Ihloff said. “She’s a promising offensive player who has solid ability. Molly started last year and showed excellent all-around skills. She has a high hockey IQ and has a knack of being in the right place.’’
Two freshmen who’ll likely contribute include Jackie Poulack, who scored four goals in a pre-season jamboree, and Megan Gates. Poulack will play right wing and Gates is a defenseman with offensive ability.
Last year’s tourney appearance began with a triumph over Cohasset and ended with a loss to Plymouth. Before the Redhawks look too far ahead, they know they’ll need to get their share of victories over teams in the Herget Division of the Bay State Conference. That means competing with the likes of Wellesley and Walpole. “They’re the teams to beat in our division,’’ Ihloff said. “They’ve got tradition, they’re deep and they have good youth programs.’’
Ihloff, who coached for 10 seasons in Natick’s youth hockey program, is comfortable focusing on instilling a competitive drive in his skaters. His philosophy is a combination of competing to win, reaching one’s potential and having fun.
“I teach the kids to strive for success,’’ he emphasized. “It’s not all about winning. There are life lessons to be learned that are important. Lessons like working as a team, being accountable, overcoming adversity, setting goals and becoming leaders. They’re all important.’’
Natick, which lost its opener, 5-2, to Westwood, will field a junior-varsity team because of the number of girls who reported for tryouts. Ihloff’s staff includes varsity assistants Michael Heyde and Kirsten Stewart and jayvee coach Jennifer Yancey.
The 2016-17 season could produce another playoff team. Natick will feature a deliberate passing attack, solid defense and an intense physical style. Those ingredients could provide a repeat of last year’s 11-7-3 record.
Issue Date:
January, 2017
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