Ducks Aim for State Title Run

Ever since the first day of training camp, girls hockey coach Bob Huxley has had his sights set on reclaiming the Division 2 State Championship.

After compiling an impressive 13-2-5 season, the Ducks look to return to the TD Garden for the third consecutive season. Despite serving as the heavy favorite in last year’s state title game, the Ducks suffered a shocking 3-0 loss to Winchester. Two years earlier, the Ducks earned their first ever state championship.

Now with several key seniors in the mix, the Ducks have emerged as one of the prime favorites to skate a away with the Division 2 crown.

“I thought we had a great season, and I’m very pleased with the results,’’ said Huxley. “We have a very tough schedule, and the only team we lost to was St. Mary’s. We played them great at home, but we just had an off day against them on the road. The girls are focused and ready to go, and I hope we get another opportunity at the title.”

In Monday’s season finale against Boston Latin at Matthews Arena, the Ducks sailed to a 3-0 shutout win. Offensively, McKenna Russell, Shannon MacIssac and Maggie Leary all chipped in with a goal apiece.

“It was great for the girls to get out and play on a college surface,’’ said Huxley of the Northeastern University arena. “The girls were really looking forward to it, and they had a great time. Defensively, I thought we did a great job with puck possession, and we didn’t give them (Boston Latin) a lot to shoot at.”

Earning the shutout was both senior Sam Curley and Milton native Lan Crofton, who combined to stop 22 shots.

“It was great to get both of them out there,’’ said Huxley. “We wanted to get everyone some playing time being that it was the last game of the season and that it was on a college playing surface. It was a great thrill for them.”

On senior day at Shea Rink, the Ducks cruised to a 5-0 win over Boston Latin. After both teams battled to a scoreless tie through the end of the first period, the Ducks erupted for four second period goals. Early in the period, Liz Coleman scored off assists from Erin McLoughlin and Taylor Shepherd before McLoughlin scored minutes later en route to the 2-0 lead.

Later in the period, the Ducks added a pair of goals by Kristen McCarthy and Paige Farbroletti-Merlino before McKenna Russell secured the victory with a goal midway through the third. Minding the net was Curley, who recorded 17 saves to preserve the shutout.

“The seniors came out and had a great game,’’ said Huxley. “We’re playing our best hockey right now as we’re heading into the tournament.”

For the Ducks to succeed in the tournament, Huxley is well aware that all three scoring lines must deliver meaningful minutes.

Leading the top line for the Ducks is the unit of Coleman, Shepherd and McLoughlin while Russell, Leary and Shannon MacIssac have developed into a solid second line. As for the third line, Huxley has Madison and Nichole Devine followed by Kelly Downey and Fabroletti-Merlino, who rotate on a regular basis.

“We feel like we have three solid scoring lines,’’ said Huxley. “Two of them are producing a lot, and the third one has seen their share of opportunities. We’re pretty confident with the scoring lines we have now as head into the tournament.”

As for defenders, Huxley currently has a steady rotation of five which include Kayanna Ham, Michelle Barrett, Meghan Collins, Erin Ferrara and Kristen McCarthy, all of whom have seen quality playing time during the course of the season.

“We have a nice solid group of defensemen, who’ve done a great job for us,’’ said Huxley. “In the past few games, I thought we did a great job with puck possession and protecting our own end.”

Minding the net has been the steady duo of Curley and Crofton. While Crofton has posted a 1.68 goals against average, Curley has topped that with a 1.26.

Offensively, Shepherd has recorded 43 points (32-11-43) while Coleman is second with 25 (6-19-25). Also among the top scorers for the Ducks are McLoughlin with 25 points (11-14-25) and Russell with 20 points (9-11-20).

While the Ducks are one of the top favorites to win this year’s state title, other teams are also in the mix. Those in the running include Duxbury, Sandwich, Norwood, Canton as well as Winchester and Stoneham.

“It’s going to be a tough field this year,’’ said Huxley. “There are about 18 teams in the Division 2 tournament, and the road is going to be much tougher to go through than last year. We have to be ready to play no matter who we face, and we have to play our game.”

The Ducks, who will most likely earn a first round bye and a home game, will know who they’ll face when the MIAA hockey pairings are announced on Saturday. For seeding information, visit the MIAA’s web site at www.miaa.net.

Photos above were taken by Pat McCarthy. To view more of his photos, visit http://mccarthy-clan.smugmug.com/Fontbonne-Hockey/2010-2011-Season