Girls' Varsity Hockey

Despite a constant surge of offensive production, strong team play, and a tremendous performance from senior goalie, Ashley Potofsky, Vermont Academy fell 0-1 to KUA in the final game of the season.

Though the score did not fall in Vermont Academy's favor, it does not take away from the excellent team performance. We thank all of the parents, faculty and friends who came to support our team and especially our seniors Ari Beauregard, JoHanna Rifai, Robyn Wilkie and Ashley Potofsky.

Through a long and demanding season, the team as a whole worked hard, developed as hockey players and formed strong bonds of friendship and support for oneanother. We commend the team for their efforts and look forward to the 2013-2014 season.

After a disappointing loss to Tilton earlier in the season, the Wildcats were looking to make a statement at home.

Vermont Academy opened scoring with a rebound goal from Aileenka Hardesty off of an initial shot from Teneal Perry. The goal was a result of hard work and crashing the net.

In the second period, a power-play goal for Vermont Academy was waived off, however, the Wildcats remained undeterred and Melinda Prevost found the back of the net for her 30th goal of the season.

The game was a hard fought, back and forth game with chances at each end. Vermont Academy benefited from some particularly good work on the breakout from wings, Casey Walsh and Aileenka Hardesty. Senior, Ashley Potofsky, made several key saves throughout the game and would finish with the shutout.

After an incredible team effort, Vermont Academy finished with the 2-0 win.

The Wildcats traveled to Plymouth, NH for a Lakes Region rivalry game against Holderness School. Vermont Academy came out skating hard and battling for position along the boards. With several offensive surges, Vermont Academy could not seem to get past the Holderness goalie. At the other end of the ice, Vermont Academy goalie, Ashley Potofsky was playing just as well making key saves, helped out by her teammates clearing rebounds and breaking the puck cleanly out of the zone.

After three periods, the score remained tied 0-0. As the overtime period began, Vermont Academy came out flying. With a Holderness penalty, Vermont Academy went on the power play, however a minute later Vermont Academy was assessed a penalty and play became matched at 4 v. 4. As the Holderness penalty expired, Vermont Academy was on the penalty kill and looked to be on the penalty kill for the remainder of the period. Fortunately for Vermont Academy, senior defenseman, JoHanna Rifai took control of the puck just as Holderness went on the power play and skated the length of the ice shooting in stride as she crossed the blue line. JoHanna’s shot found the back of the Holderness net giving Vermont Academy the 1-0 overtime victory.

A great team effort by all!

A short bench has been a running impediment to VA this year with illness and injury, but that has not kept Vermont Academy from rising to the occasion.

Vermont Academy struck first bringing the score to 1-0. However, the Wildcats found themselves worn down in the third period by a very deep New Hampton team.

Despite a stellar performance from Senior goalie, Ashley Potofsky, and some missed scoring opportunities for VA, the final score was 1-4 in favor of New Hampton.

Regardless of the score, the girls should be very proud of their effort and teamwork. We appreciate all of the Vermont Academy parents and faculty members on hand to cheer on the Wildcats!

Vermont Academy travelled to Portsmouth Abbey this past Saturday for the first of two weekend road games. Rhode Island native, Ari Beuregaurd was in net in her home state and posted a shut-out in the 8-0 Vermont Academy win. The girls played solid team hockey, focusing on the breakout in particular. Many wildcats contributed on the score board with freshman, Corrina Hardesty, getting her first Vermont Academy goal.

The following day, the team travelled to Middlebury College to play Greenwich Academy. the Middlebury arena is one of the nicest facilities in all of college hockey and it was a privelage to play in such an incredible facility. Many VA parents and faculty were on hand to cheer the wildcats on. The Greenwich Academy team is a deep, mature squad with 9 seniors. Greenwich Academy struck early with two quick goals in the 1st period. Vermont Academy rallied back in the 2nd bringing the score to 1-2. However, Vermont Academy did  not come out in the 3rd with the fire it needed and found themselves down 1-3. VA had several offensive chances, but were not able to finish. Senior Ashley Potofsky had an oustanding day in net. The girls played hard, but ultimately came up short. Depsite the loss, it was a fun, positive experience for all involved and we thank Middlebury and Coaches Mandigo and Beaney for their hospitality

Vermont Academy travelled to the Groton School (MA) to face a well-coached and determined team.

Groton struck first, however Melinda Prevost was able to even the score and the 1st period concluded 1-1. As the second period started, both teams had chances, but it was Groton who brought the score to 2-1. Sophomore Alana Lopez, who had worked hard all game, found the back of the net again evening the score.

The next goal would come off a shot from the point from senior, Robyn Wilkie displaying her quick reaction and cool head under pressure.

The game would remain 3-2 in favor of Vermont Academy.

The Wildcats have a two-game travel weekend ahead with Portsmouth -Abbey Saturday and Greenwich Academy at Middlebury College on Sunday.

The Wildcats travelled to the Phillips-Exeter New Years tournament to kick off 2013. The Tournament is a prestigious event that hosts 14-16 teams from around New England.

Vermont Academy opened tournament play early on the 1st against North Yarmouth Academy. The girls skated hard as senior goaltenders, Ashley Potofsky and Ari Beuregard teamed up for a shut-out in a 5-0 victory.

Later that day Vermont Academy next faced Kents Hill School. The pace of the game was quicker than the morning's tilt. The Wildcats again came away with the victory in a 3-1 game that was hard-fought to the end.

The final game of round-robin play was against Wyoming Seminary School (PA). Potofsky posted her second shut-out of the tournament in the 4-0 victory.

Vermont Academy entered the semi-finals as the #1 seed with the fewest goals allowed in the tournament, however, could not find the same magic against a strong Gunnery team. The game was tied 1-1 in the final two minutes of the 3rd period. A Vermont Academy defensive error led to a turnover in front of our net and a goal for Gunnery. The final score was 1-3.

The Wildcats returned to school 1/3 only to turn around and head to Brewster Academy for a game the next day. Fatigue set in as the team faced a tough Division I opponent with a 2-5 decision in favor of Brewster. The girls were not done for the week as they then hosted another tough opponent, St. Paul's, the next day at Vermont Academy. The team battled hard despite being tired, but St. Pauls proved too much in the 0-4 loss.

Vermont Academy finished the week 3-3. 6 games in 5 days is never easy, but the team should be commended for their hard work all week. We would also like to thank all of the Vermont Academy fans for their tireless support.

The team looks ahead to another busy week starting with Groton this coming Wednesday.

With break on the horizon, the Wildcats remained focused on taking care of business and came away with a 4-2 victory over Deerfield Academy.

Vermont Academy struck first and remained in the lead during th game. The ladies successfully held Deerfield at bay during several penalties, including a 3 v 5- managing to notch a goal while being a player down. Deerfield was a fast, skilled team, but the Wildcats managed to skate hard and finish the game with the victory. Senior Ashley Potofsky had a busy night in net making several key saves. Goals were scored by junior, Melinda Prevost and sophomore, Teneal Perry.

It was a great team effort. with many VA parents and fans cheering the Wildcats to victory. The team looks ahead to their next test at the Phillips-Exeter New Years Tournament.

Happy Holidays and safe travels to our players and fans near and far.

The Wildcats hosted the Bulls from Holdernes at home this past Saturday in what proved to be a hard-fought Lakes Region rivalry game. The game was a physical contest with both teams playing hard. Melinda Prevost had three goals with assists from Jo-Hanna Rifai, Carly Radovich and Aileenka Hardesty. Newcomer, Teneal Perry, notched her first goal of the season aideed by linemate, Alana Lopez.

Holderness saw some great offensive chances, however senior goaltender, Ashley Potofsky, was a strong force in net making several key saves. As any of our wins are, this was a full-team effort. We congratulate both teams for their effort.

Vermont Academy next hosts Deerfield Academy at home.

The Wildcats travelled to Connecticut this afternoon for their first away game of the season to face a strong Kingswood-Oxford team. With illness and injury, the team had 9 skaters and a pair of goalies. The ladies knew they would need to work hard and came together to out-skate and out-shoot their opponents. It was a great, hard fought game from both sides. Melinda Prevost scored all 5 goals, aided by many of her teammates. Many players, including Teneal Perry and Alana Lopez, had great shots and contributed to the offensive momentum. Special recognition goes to Robyn Wilkie, Carly Radovich and Jo-Hanna Rifai as we rotated only three defense. A solid effort from the ENTIRE team made this win possible.

The team is looking ahead to this Saturday's home game against Lakes Region rival, Holderness.

The Wildcats took the ice for their first game of the season this past Saturday. Vermont Academy played a strong first period with the score 0-0 going into the 2nd.

The 2nd period was up and down as far as energy from VA with moments strong offensive attacks and efficient breakouts. The Proctor goalie however remained strong, not allowing anything to get past her. Proctor capitalized on a VA turnover to bring the score to 0-1.

The third period saw Proctor add two more goals bringing the final to 0-3. Senior goaltender, Ashley Potofsky, made 40 saves and had an excellent day in net. Special thank to Coach Gaudet for stepping in a guest coach to help run the bench in Mr. Gabarro's absence. The Wildcats will look to rebound against Kingwood-Oxford in our first away game of the season.