Girls' Varsity Hockey

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.

Captains Elected

Before leaving for the Thanksgiving break the team voted on captains for the 2011-2012 season.  Seniors Shelby Johnson and Magda Blakeson were elected captains and seniors Jordan Wright and Chelsea Fowlow were elected assistant captains.

TWO FORMER WILDCATS JOIN COLLEGIATE ROSTER

2011 Vermont Academy graduate, Aubrey Bachand (Eastham, MA) joined the Manhattanvile roster this fall and has seen playing time in all 4 games played this season. Bachand was a top goal scored for Vermont Academy during the 2010-2011 season and her offensive production and tough defensive play will be missed. We look forward to following her career with the Valiants and wish her team and Coach Turco well this season.

Additionally, 2011 Vermont Academy graduate, Kelly Johnson (Eastham, MA) has joined the Salve Regina roster. Kelly was a leader on and off the ice at Vermont Academy and an important part of last season's goal tending duo. We wish her and the Seahawks well as they being their season.

VA Splits Weekend with Win Over Tilton

The Wildcats travelled to Proctor Academy and faced a strong Lakes Region Rival. VA did not seem to have their usual level of energy and poise and the Hornets made them pay.

The team hosted Tilton the following day and came out flying in a physical game.  The Wildcats remained composed as the game continued on, never giving up the lead and finishing ahead of the Rams 3-1.

VA Ties Holderness 0-0

The Wildcats travelled to Plymouth, NH Wednesday to face the Blue Bulls of Holderness. It was a close, hard-fought game with both teams having several chances to score. The play was back and forth all day ultimately ending in a tied score. VA played solid team hockey and sophomore Ashley Potofsky registered her 2nd shutout of the season.

VA Beats Out NMH 4-2

The Vermont Academy community hosted "Pink in the Rink" to benefit the Susan G. Komen Foundation of VT/NH. The girls hit the ice with pink head to toe.

VA started the game out flat against a strong, fast and well-coached NMH team. After the first period, the Wildcats found themselves down 2-1, but stormed back in the 2nd with 3 unanswered goals. The 3rd period continued with the same hard fought play on both sides and NMH was able to sneak one past senior goaltender, Kelly Johnson, however VA was able to finish out the game ahead. Johnson remained poised in net, making several key saves against a strong team.

The Wildcats played as a team and never let up with everyone contributing to the success of the day.

A special thank you to the NMH team for coming to VA to play for a great cause!

VA has big win over                       New Hampton 7-0

The Wildcats travelled to New Hampton school and faced a fast, well-coached team. VA had previously edged the Huskies on our home ice 2-1.

From the first drop of the puck to the last whistle of the game, VA played solid team hockey and excellent positional play.  Every member of the team contributed and sophomore goalie, Ashley Potofsky recorded her first shut out of the season.

Vermont Academy Edges Groton 6-5 in OT

The Wildcats traveled to Groton Tuesday afternoon and faced a hardworking, well-coached team.  The game was a back and forth battle with both teams generating offensive chances and the lead changing several times. Aubrey Bachand and Shelby both had hat-tricks on the day with each of their line-mates picking up assists. The game was a full team effort and every girl should be proud of their play. 

Vermont Academy will next host Winchendon on Friday.

Vermont Academy Beats New Hampton 2-1

Vermont Academy faced off against a dynamic and hardworking New Hampton team, but were able to edge out the Huskies in a hard fought league battle.

Sophomore, Ashley Potofsky had a very solid day in net for the Wildcats and the defense as a whole did a great job taking care of traffic in front of the net. The offense was led by Aubrey Bachand who started off the scoring. The Huskies tied the game at 1, but a goal from Shelby Johnson put the Wildcats ahead and that is where the game remained as both teams had several chances to score, but faced strong goaltending. Magda Blakeson had an assist on the day as did Michelle Sides.

Every member of the Vermont Academy team contributed to the success of the day. The team will next travel to Groton School for a Tuesday afternoon face-off.

VERMONT ACADEMY TOPS KUA 5-4 IN OT

The Wildcats traveled to KUA this afternoon and seemed to have a little trouble shedding the bus legs in the 1st period, which was interrupted by a fire alarm and building evacuation. Both teams regained their composure, but KUA still seemed to be a step ahead as the Wildcats found themselves down 1-0. Senior, Kelly Johnson was in the net for Vermont Academy and gave a solid performance through out the game.

The 2nd period was a hard fought battle, but VA again found themselves behind as the period closed with the Wildcats down 4-2. Aubrey Bachand had two goals in the period with assists coming from Aileenka Hardesty and Magda Blakeson. Blakeson ended the day with 4 assists. 

 The third period found Vermont Academy working hard all over the ice with the defense (Jordan Wright, Chelsea Fowlow and Katlyn Billings) winning significant one-on-one battles and playing tough in front of the net.  The offense rallied to to bring the score within one after a goal from Michelle Sides. Shelby Johnson found the back of the net in the last 2:30 minutes of the period to tie the score and bring the game into over time.

The Wildcats continued to out skate KUA in the opening minutes of the over time period as Johnson again found the back of the net with help from Blakeson.

VERMONT ACADEMY GOES 2-0 ON THE WEEKEND WITH WINS OVER PORTSMOUTH ABBEY AND NYA

The Wildcats traveled to Portsmouth, RI for a 5:00 pm tilt against Portsmouth Abbey. A full team effort resulted in a 6-2 win with Senior, Kelly Johnson in net. Vermont Academy dominated play throughout the game, with every member of the team involved in the offensive production. Junior, Abby Thomas was often the backbone of strong, smart play along the boards.

Vermont Academy next hosted North Yarmouth Academy on our home ice. The Wildcats came out flat in the first period and found themselves down by 2, though without the strong play of sophomore goalie, Ashley Potofsky, VA could have been in a deeper hole. After regrouping in the locker room, the girls hit the ice with more fire and rallied to notch one in the 2nd off of a shot from Junior Shelby Johnson. As the 2nd period came to a close, the pendulum of momentum had begun to swing in the VA direction. Vermont Academy came out flying in the third and never let up, even as play became increasingly physical with both teams taking several penalties. Senior, Aubrey Bachand scored the game winner and Shelby Johnson picked up the insurance goal. Junior, Jordan Wright contributed on the day with a pair of assists and consistent strong defensive play. Senior, Katlyn Billings made several key plays in the defensive zone including pivotal one-on-one battles and an assist. Junior, Chelsea Fowlow played both ends of the ice with determination and tenacity, making smart decisions in the neutral zone to direct play and also had an assist on the day. Junior, Magda Blakeson continues to be a work horse for the Wildcats with her aggressive fore-checking, smart play and offensive production. Freshman, Aileenka Hardesty made key plays throughout the game and smart passes on the breakout and in the offensive zone. Senior, Mary Beth Bashaw continues to be a rock at the left wing with her consistent effort and tenacious play.  Junior, Abby Thomas is another anchor at the left wing spot whose work on the break out continues to contribute to momentum shifts throughout the game.  Shelby Johnson continues to be relied upon for her decisive play in all areas of the ice as well as on special teams. Senior, Aubry Bachand was a dominant force on the ice playing both center and defense. Her play was an intregal part of the momentum shift during the game. Senior, Michelle Sides has shown no signs of her past injury as her hard work, smart play, and determination was a constant bright spot for Vermont Academy this weekend. Senior goaltender, Kelly Johnson has made key saves throughout the season and today was a strong supporter of her teammates. Sophomore, Ashley Potofsky made 43 saves on the day and remained composed and consistant between the posts.

The team looks ahead to Wednesday when we will travel to Kimball Union Academy.

SENIOR MICHELLE SIDES COMMITS TO MANHATTANVILLE

Michelle Sides (Beaconsfield, Quebec) has been accepted to Manhattanville College. Sides is a Senior captain and has been a force for Vermont Academy hockey since her freshman year.  She is looking forward to joining the Valiants and Coach Eric Lang next year.

VA Loses Heartbreaker To St. Paul's 2-1

Vermont Academy hit the ice with speed and determination, but ultimately fell short at home to open the second half of the season. Senior goaltender Kelly Johnson and sophomore Ashley Potofsky split the game in net for the Wildcats. Both made excellent saves to keep their team in the game.

Potofsky has battled back from an ankle injury that has left her sidelined for the first half of the season, but showed both skill and poise in her first game back.   Senior Michelle Sides and her linemates Shelby Johnson and MaryBeth Bashaw generated several offensive chances for the Wildcats including a pair of questionably waived off goals that would hve put VA ahead. Sides did get one to go in the 2nd. She too has come back from a broken leg, working hard both on and off-ice to get back to playing form and VA is happy to have her return to the ice.

Overall, a strong team effort from the Wildcats who look ahead to their game against Groton School on Wednesday.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

The coaches wish to thank our players, fans and the families for their hard work and dedication to the program thus far this season. Without these talented girls, their supportive families, and those members of the VA community that give tirelessly to our athletic programs our team would not be what it is today and we look forward to a tremendous second half of the season. Special thanks to Jacob Marmor, Dave Machelor, Russ Williams, Mike Atkins and Mary Hepburn.

We have no doubt that with continued hard work and dedication the Girls' Varsity Hockey Team will have an excellent remainder of the season.

Happy Holidays and we look forward to seeing you in 2011!

VA Falls Short at W.I.T.

Vermont Academy traveled to Simsbury, CT to face some of the best teams in New England including the defending Division I champions, Westminster  School and the defending Division II champions, Governors' Academy. The Wildcats battled hard and had flourishes of greatness, but seemed to lack what has become their trademark grittiness and poise. Lack of depth continues to be a challenge for VA, especially when squaring off against talented and skilled teams with several more reserves. Scoring was the Wildcats' achilles heal with a lack of offensive production uncharacteristic of VA this season. A long week of exams coupled with the fatigue of 4 games in 3 days took a noticable toll on the squad. While the final outcomes don't always tell the whole story, the Wildcats left the Westminster Invitational Tournament with unfinished business. Much work remains, but the team is ready to get back to work in January with many league opponents ahead.

Thank you to everyone at the Westminster School for putting on a wonderful tournament and happy holidays and safe travels to all of teams who competed and the family and friends who came to support a great weekend for girls' hockey.

Westminster Invitational Tournament Info   The girls' varsity hockey team plays this weekend at the Westminster Tournament. Game schedule is:

Friday
10:00AM Westminster vs  Canterbury
12:00AM NMH vs Milton
2:00PM  KUA vs Vermont   
4:30PM Milton vs Canterbury
6:30PM Westminster vs Milton
8:30PM Governor's vs Brooks

Saturday
9:00AM Governor's vs Vermont
11:00AM  KUA vs Brooks
1:00PM Canterbury vs Milton
3:00PM Westminster vs NMH
5:00PM Governor's vs KUA
7:00PM Brooks vs Vermont

Sunday
8:30AM 7th Place  Game  @Simsbury Farms
10:30AM 5th Place  Game  @Simsbury Farms
9:00AM  3rd Place  Game
11:00AM 1st Place  Game  (Championship)

Wildcats Tie Holderness 2-2

Vermont Academy took on league rival Holderness at home on Saturday.  Though the girls had given their all in a win over Rice the previous evening, the coaches had no doubts that the Wildcats would dig deep and come out flying. Vermont Academy, with 8 skaters due to illness and injury, continue to not only keep up, but out play their opponents with deeper benches.

In another full team effort, the Wildcats controlled the puck for most of the first period finally capitalizing on a gritty goal from senior MaryBeth Bashaw.  The Wildcats continued to pound away with several breakaways and odd-man rushes, though the Holderness goalie had a strong game and continued to come up with well timed saves for her team.

Holderness struck next putting two on the board with the score 1-2 in favor of the Blue Bulls in the third. Tired, but undeterred, the Wildcats fought back and a well-timed goal from Shelby Johnson notched the score at 2. After an overtime period and hard play from both teams, the score remained tied. 

Aubrey Bachand and Magda Blakeson continue to play hard for the Wildcats at both ends of the ice, making key defensive plays that are not recorded in stats, but also contributing with a pair of assists each on the season.

The Wildcats will next travel to Simsbury, Connecticut this Friday for the Westminster Invitational Tournament.

VA takes Rice 3-2

From start to finish, the Wildcats played as a team at both ends of the ice and dominated play for nearly the entire three periods against a talented and well coached Rice team. Freshman, Aileenka Hardesty notched her first career goal for Vermont Academy. Shelby Johnson added two more to bring the second period to 3-0.

The Wildcats started the 3rd period a little flat and Rice was able to capitalize by putting two past senior goaltender Kelly Johnson who had an otherwise solid night in the net. Vermont Academy rallied and did not let these defensive lapses steal their momentum as they continued to fight hard in another tightly called game with both teams spending time in the box during the crucial 3rd period.

Though it is individuals who are often recognized on the score sheet, stats do not tell the story of the importance of a full team effort. We are building our season on this philosophy and the girls continue to rise to the occasion. 

VA loses in Overtime to Kingswood 2-1   After illness and injuries, the Wildcats hit the ice with 8 skaters to challenge Kingswood's 16. Vermont Academy played a hard first period that ended 0-0 thanks to the strong play of every member of the team.

In the second period, Kingswood struck first to tally the score at 1-0.  The Wildcats continued to battle showing what has become their trademark poise and hard work.

In the third period, VA rallied thanks to a hard, low shot from the point from Aubrey Bachand that was tipped by Shelby Johnson tying the game at 1-1.  Aubrey Bachand was a force all game on both offense and defense. Marybeth Bashaw and Magda Blakeson made several key defensive plays in the 3rd period that helped keep K-O at bay.

After the first 3 minutes of the 5 minute OT period ticked by, Kingswood was able to get one by and take the game 2-1.

The Wildcats continue to demonstate a strong commitment to team play, hard work and personal discipline.  We look forward to our upcoming games this week against Rice High School and Holderness School.

VA LOSES STRONG FIRST EFFORT TO PROCTOR 4-1    The Vermont Academy Girls' Hockey team opened their season this afternoon against a well coached Proctor Academy team.  The first period closed out 1-0 in favor of Proctor with missed offensive chances on both sides. A strong showing from Aubrey Bachand put pressure on the Proctor goalie while Kelly Johnson shone for the Wildcats the entire game with 46 saves.

In the second period, Proctor was able to capitalize on some powerplay opportunities with both teams taking a large number of penalties in a very tightly called game. 

In the third period, VA dug deep and fought hard to the end with Shelby Johnson scoring in the last half of the period and a very strong showing from our penalty kill units. As the intensity of play increased, the Wildcats showed poise and class and should be proud of how they represented their school and team.

The coaching staff is very proud of the effort put forth by the girls and look forward to another week of practice and our next game against Kingswood-Oxford this coming Wednesday.

WESTMINSTER TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
Tournament Teams (numbers below do not equal rankings)

1 Westminster
2 NMH
3 Milton
4 Canterbury
5 Governor's
6 KUA
7 Brooks
8 Vermont

Friday (12/17/10)

10:00AM Westminster vs Canterbury
12:00AM NMH vs Milton
2:00PM KUA vs Vermont
4:30PM NMH vs Canterbury
6:30PM Westminster vs Milton
8:30PM Governor's vs Brooks

Saturday (12/18/10)

9:00AM Governor's vs Vermont
11:00AM KUA vs Brooks
1:00PM Canterbury vs Milton
3:00PM Westminster vs NMH
5:00PM Governor's vs KUA
7:00PM Brooks vs Vermont

Sunday (12/19/10)
8:45AM 7th Place  Game  @Simsbury Farms
10:45AM 5th Place  Game  @Simsbury Farms
9:00AM 3rd Place  Game
11:00AM 1st Place  Game  (Championship)

TEAM CAPTAINS ELECTED