At 7-1-1, Melrose thinking playoffs & beyond

Published in the January 19, 2018 edition

By JENNIFER GENTILE

MELROSE—The Melrose Lady Raider hockey team is enjoying their best record to date at 7-1-1 and is just over one win away from clinching a playoff spot after a trio of wins over Watertown, Wakefield and Cambridge Rindge & Latin last week. 

Melrose has not lost a game in nearly a month, when they fell 2-1 to state champ Woburn in December. Since then, they remain on a five-game winning streak, which includes a 3-0 win over Watertown on January 10. This past Saturday, Melrose hosted Wakefield (4-5) at the Flynn Memorial Rink in Medford and took a 4-2 win. Just two days later on Monday, Melrose hosted Cambridge, Rindge & Latin and skated away with a 6-2 win. 

MELROSE GIRLS hockey are proving hard to beat at 7-1-1. Pictured is senior capt. Sam Kroon. (Donna Larsson photo)

Leading the scoring for Melrose was Saoirse Connolly with two goals (both first period) Samantha Kroon, who scored Melrose’s first goal of the game, Emma Sikora, Linnea Kelley and freshmen Sydney Kroon, who scored Melrose’s 6th goal, on an assist by Sofia Gukelberger and Maggie Doyle.

According to head coach Sam Tetreau, her team dominated the game. “Every single player on our team played and contributed to our win,” she said. “Hannah Connolly had a couple of good rushes from the ‘D’. And Emily Waden pressured the puck which forced the other team to give up the puck.”

The coach also points to Sofia Gukelberger, who made hard shots from the point and Itia Figueiro, whose presence in front of the net opened up great scoring opportunities. Caroline Kiernan also played in her first game of the year and finished the game strong in net for the third period.

“We had no penalties and I was very proud about how everyone came together and played as a team,” says the coach. 

At 7-1-1 Melrose is now enjoying their best record to date. Melrose’s depth, says the coach, has been key. “We have six seniors and five juniors. Thus, not only do we have an experienced team but we have the leadership that is needed to have such a successful season.”

After a game against Haverhill on Wednesday (post deadline) Melrose will travel to the Burlington Ice Palace to battle the Red Devils (2-5-2) for an 8:00 p.m. game. 

Melrose Freedom League Standings

                    League  Overall 

Melrose         6-1-0      7-1-1 

Stoneham     3-2-2      5-2-2 

Wakefield      3-5-0      5-5-0 

Burlington     1-4-2       2-5-2 

Wilmington    0-6-1       1-6-1 

Watertown     0-6-1       1-6-2