Senior Defense, Sophomore Sensation Has Hockey Thinking Playoffs

The girl's hockey team will rely on a strong core of returners on defense as the Marauders make at an 11th consecutive playoff appearance this season.

Dedham returns goalie Emily Mosca and a trio of captains on defense: Tara Celata, Paige Keefe and Emily McKenna.

"[Celata] is a catalyst on the blue line," said coach Joe Huff. "She can change the flow of the game."

Huff's three defensemen will log plenty of ice time as the only returning blue-liners for the Marauders, Huff said.

Mosca will patrol the crease for the second season, after posting a 1.36 goals against average as a junior in the 2010-2011 season.

"Emily is strong enough to lead the team and keep us in the game. She has the ability to put the team on her back," Huff said.

Dedham lost seniors Samantha Parr and Meaghan Dwan off last year's 12-6-1 team. Both players went on to play collegiate hockey.

The Marauders opened their non-league schedule with a 5-0 win Saturday against Norwell.

While a seasoned crew will be stopping the other team from scoring, a young line of forwards will look to put the Marauders on the board.

The young bunch is led by sophomore Colleen Downing - the Bay State's leading scorer a year ago with 19 goals and 11 assists.

Huff will look for a strong contribution from junior forward Kathleen Donlon, who finished fourth on the team in scoring last year.

"A big key to this year’s season will be to stay healthy through the year. We will need contributions from everyone," Huff said.

The Marauders open their league schedule at Monday against Wellesley.