It’s a goal that she’ll remember for the rest of her life. But it’s a goal that she doesn’t actually remember seeing going in.
Trailing 1-0 to Sandwich in last year’s Division 2 Round of 16 game, Andover High defenseman Grace Johnson unleashed a wrist shot from the blue line that went through a screen and into the back of the net.
That goal turned the entire game around for the Golden Warriors, before Rose MacLean netted the game-winner in overtime. Andover prevailed in the next game, before losing in the state semifinals to Duxbury.
“I just remember the defender was blocking me so I didn’t realize that it went in,” said Johnson about her goal. “Then everyone started yelling and it was like ‘oh wow, it went in’.”
Now as a junior and a year older, Johnson will be leaned on more heavily this season to not only control the blue line, but also jump up in the offensive play as well. She finished last season with six goals and four assists.
“I think it’s good that defenders can get creative (offensively) and define their own (offensive styles) and jump into the play and help out the offense,” she said.
Once again Johnson will be paired up with Casey Michael on defense.
“Casey’s good to play with and easy to communicate with. We have similar styles so it’s good,” said Johnson.
Johnson, Michaels and the rest of the team opens up the season on Wednesday night against arch MVC/DCL rival Methuen/Tewksbury.
“We definitely have a younger team as a lot of seniors (from last year) left, but I think we’re looking good,” said Johnson. “I’m just really excited for this season. It should be good. We have a young team, but we also have a lot of really good leaders like Rose (Memmolo), Lucy (MacLean) and Allie (Batchelder).”
Massachusetts
MVC/DCL Division 1
Andover bumps up
Last year, Andover enjoyed a terrific ride through the Division 2 state tournament, all the way to the state semi-final game before losing to Duxbury. This year, the Golden Warriors have been moved up to Division 1. After losing a handful of seniors, including goal scorer MacLean, Andover will have its work cut out for them if they plan on making some post-season noise once again.
“I am looking forward to this upcoming season. Last year, our team made it to the Final Four, and I am hoping to build on that success,” said head coach Meagan Keene. “Offensively, we have a lot of players stepping into their new roles. We are looking forward to putting in the work, and competing hard in our strong league.”
Fresh off her terrific field hockey season, returning league all-star Rose Memmolo (11-8-19) will be one of the team’s top offensive players, while Batchelder returns in net.
HPNA returning a bundle
Ever since going co-op (Haverhill/Pentucket/North Andover) has almost always been a top contender in the league and this year should be no different.
“The depth of the returning players that have played significant minutes over the last couple of seasons will be a definite strength to our team,” said head coach Gary Kane.
Leading the way will be goalie Jules Taylor (1.45 GAA), defensemen Paige Nottingham, Chase Nassar and captain Rachel Keating, as well as forwards Gabby Harty (4-8-12) – fresh off a terrific cross-country season for NAHS – Gabi Locke (6-7-13), Kendall LaRivierre (7-7-14), Quinn Bennett and Mia Kmiec (4-5-9).
Red Rangers building attack
Returning almost the entire team with the exception of two forwards and a goalie, the Red Rangers are hoping for more offensive production this season.
“Bree Lawrence is a tenacious forward that can match anyone in our league. One of the best competitors you’ll find in girls hockey. Kat Schille has deceptive speed and is an excellent skater,” said head coach Dave O’Hearn. “Watch for her to emerge as a top scoring threat this year. Emma Giordano is pound for pound one of the toughest players. Her motor is constantly going. Her hard style and and strong shot will create numerous scoring chances. MJ Petisce was quietly one of our leading scorers, second on the team. Looking for her to shore up an already strong defensive team while adding her offensive output.”
Lawrence (6-13-19), Petisce (7-7-14), Schille (6-6-12), Giordano (3-8-11) as well as defensemen Sammy Ryan (3-4-7) and Lyla Chapman (3-4-7) will all be looked upon to help create more offensive chances. Lawrence and Schille are returning league all-stars.
“Two upcoming freshman for us are Lyla Chapman and Sammy Ryan. Both as eighth grades last year were huge contributors to our team and we are excited to see how more potent they can be in their second season,” said O’Hearn.
MVC/DCL Division 2
Raiders hoping to take another big step
Central Catholic went from 2-18 to 10-8-2 last season and the hope is although the team lacks a lot of varsity experience, to get back to double digit wins and the state tournament.
“We are very young,” said head coach Mike Collett. “We are led by Captains Natalie Belleavue, Maddie Del Vecchio, Sophia Powers and Maddie Burke.”
Lucy Irwin has proven that she’s extremely dangerous around any net — on the ice and the soccer pitch. She’ll be looked upon to lead the offense again. Molly Boyden will be in the mix up front, while the defense will be led by Del Vecchio and Powers, as well as goalie Sydney Foster.
“We will compete hard and expect to make sure we are tough to play against,” said Collett.
New Hampshire
Division 1
Dunn cracks 100
A year ago, Pinkerton won 11 games and were led by All-State forward Riley Dunn, who finished the season with impressive stats of 30 goals and 17 assists. In the team’s opener on Monday, she notched her 100th career point. Besides her, Emily Gosselin is right there as she is coming off a sensational 20-goal, 19-assist season.
“We have a solid group of returning talent at both forward and defense. We have added a freshman goalie with several years of playing experience,” said head coach Scott Dunn.
Salem getting program going
In its second year of existence, Salem will continue to build the program up, this time with first-year coach Scott Crowther behind the bench.
“This is an exciting time for the girls Salem Blue Devils girls’ varsity hockey team,” he said. “The program is coming out for their second season. We are excited the Blue Devils have a large core of players returning this year. I am excited about this team; they are working hard and want to put their school on the map. This team is full of hardworking players which makes us a dangerous team to play.”