Girls Hockey Season Recap

Season Overview
By: Maggie Cross

        Hockey players must make significant sacrifices to play hockey at the highest level. The list of things needed to reach the highest physical and mental shape seem longer than the Great Wall of China.

The team poses for a picture after a hard workout. 

At National Sports Academy, the girls U19 AAA hockey team is put through a long grueling season resembling that of an obstacle course, with loop holes to jump through and towering walls to climb. The girls compete in a league called the Junior Women's Hockey League (JWHL,) regarded by most as the best league in North America. The league allows multiple opportunities for the girls to be exposed to college scouts at both the D1 and D3 level. In early September, the girls started a rigorous off ice training program in order to whip them into shape and late September hit the ice to start developing the girls individually and grooming the team into one fit to compete for a national championship.

Team picture

The first half of the season was a little rocky for the girls. Heading into the Deerfield Tournament at Christmas break, their record was 12-12-7. Then, everything just clicked. Players, coaches and scouts alike all could agree that the National Sports Academy team had come alive. Moving the puck forehand to forehand bouncing it around like a pinball machine. This chemistry on the ice lead to a tournament win outscoring their four opponents by a score of 23-6.
Despite the two week break following the Deerfield Tournament the girls team came back ready to work. The intensity during off ice was amped up and on ice practices were flowing. The next seven games, including a JWHL weekend were played similar to the Deerfield Tournament resulting in a mere one loss. The team was slowly gaining speed and confidence as they headed in the Northwood Tournament in their own backyard.
The NSA girls swept the New Jersey Colonials and Rothesay-Netherwood School under the rug with relative ease, then, prepared to face off against Ontario Hockey Academy. The girls looked unfazed as they took to the ice playing an extremely competitive two sided game for an entire fifty one minutes. With this win the girls were able to advance into the semi-finals were they would face off against their arch rivals; North American Hockey Academy.

Girls after wining Northwood Tournament 

After regulation time sweat was dripping down both teams faces and if you were sitting close enough to the benches you would be able to hear the deep gasps of the players catching their breath. Yet, the score remained tied at 2. As the teams headed into overtime anticipation hung in the air. Thus far in the game both teams had competed and played with heart and knowing that hockey was a game of mistakes the question was, which team would be next to make a mistake that would eliminate them from the tournament? That question remained unanswered for the next two overtimes. Then during the third overtime after a crisp pass, hard one timer and amazing shot off a rebound, National Sports Academy was the team piling up in celebration knowing they were heading to the championship.
In the championship the girls faced off against the younger North American Hockey Academy team. Wether the girls were dead from the morning or lacked intensity due to the fact that they were playing against fourteen and fifteen years olds, the NSA team looked as though they were stuck in quick sand. But, they were still able to buckle down and pull out a 2-0 win and become victors of the Northwood Tournament.

Before the first game in the JWHL playoffs all the
girls signed player, Kelsey Lynch's stick blade. 

In early May the team boarded a plane and flew out to Colorado for the JWHL championships. Their end record for the weekend was 3-1 but the one game they lost completely put them out of contention for any medal landing them in fifth place. Following the weekend, in order to give the girls a break and let them enjoy the places hockey takes them coaches Bill Ward and Kelli Vossler planned a 2 day trip in Vail where many of the girls tubed at Copper Hill.
When the team returned the focus was completely on states. States would be a simple two games and whoever has the best record at the end of the weekend advances to Nationals. The first game went off without a hinge as NSA defeated Troy-Albany Ice-Cats by a score of 8-1. The second game however was a different story. The girls looked as though they had lost focus further demonstrated by sloppy passes and hastiness with the puck. All this compounded together resulting in a main biter until the very end. But, when the clock struck zero and the buzzer sounded it was NSA that was in the lead by a score 3-2.

The team tubing in Colorado on Copper Mountain

Two weeks later the team loaded the buses and trucked off to Marlborough Massachusetts for the final road trip of the year. The road trip was bitter sweet, after seven months of daily workouts both on and off the ice it was time for a break. Yet, the team knew that it would be the last games the team would ever be playing together. Memories of the brutal sandhill workouts, late nights in the dorm rooms, team bonding activities like Zumba, and many others were running through everyones mind. But, when the team hit the ice there was nothing sensitive about them demolishing the first two teams by scores of 9-1 and 7-2. Then, Shattuck St. Mary's made an appearance. The game was the fasted paced game the team had played all year and despite the ending score of 4-1 in favor of Shattuck many college scouts approached Coach Ward saying that it was one of the fastest girls games at the U19 level they had ever seen.
Even with the loss the girls earned themselves a spot in the quarterfinals against Chicago Mission. While the team fought till the buzzer they just were not connecting with their passes and seemed a step behind causing a heart breaking 2-1 loss, ending the 2011-2012 National Sports Academy Girls U19 season.

All the girls have made memories and friendships thanks
to NSA and all the people that make it possible

After the game heads hung low and water gathered at the corner of everyones eyes. Realization was hitting that it was over and this team would never be together again. The team consisted of 8 seniors all of which would be heading off to college next year. But, throughout the year friendships were forged and relationships were made with the potential to last long beyond the high school years. Together the 2011-2012 National Sports Academy girls team worked, sweat, cried, lost and triumphed together creating one of the most successful NSA girls team to walk the halls of National Sports Academy yet.

Whiddon commits to Mercyhurst

  By: Kelsey Lynch and Wes Moon

Megan Whiddon

LAKE PLACID--National Sports Academy has something to celebrate this week, as Junior Megan Whiddon made a verbal commitment to Mercyhurst. At just 10 years old, Whiddon could not even comprehend the idea of playing college hockey, as she took her first step on the ice, forgetting to remove her skate guards.

At the age of 15, Whiddon made the decision to leave behind her family and friends in Redondo Beach, California to pursue her hockey ambitions. Although it was difficult to adjust to a new environment, Whiddon somehow made it all work.

When I sat down with NSA Head Coach, BIll Ward, he remembered Whiddon's 2010-11 season, her first one at NSA.

"She was young and had trouble adjusting to the everyday intensity," he said. "But, she was aware she took days or shifts off." Whiddon finished the season with 23 goals, 17 assists, and ending with 40 points total.

When Whiddon returned to school in the fall of 2011, her focus was taken to the next level. She " made a big academic jump,” Ward commented, which landed her on honor role for three quarters. Her improvements did not stop in the classroom; on the ice Whiddon was improving everyday.

Ward began to get into specifics regarding Whiddon's strengths and areas where she needs improvement. Whiddon is a "strong skater, has good hands, and has the ability to set up her teammates." Ward would like to see her improve on her, "defensive play and wants her to shoot the puck more because she is capable.”

As the NSA Mountaineers fell to Chicago Mission at Nationals, Whiddon’s 2011-12 season came to an end. She finished the season with 46 goals, 62 assists, for a combined total of 108 points. Whiddon was able to get 132 more shots on net then her previous season. As Whiddon was able to improve her game, her dream of playing D1 hockey became more realistic.

As her college process started she began getting looks from many top-notch D1 hockey programs. After exploring her options she was most impressed by Mercyhurst, which is located in Erie, PA. Whiddon then explained in detail her visit and what influenced her decision.

Whiddon puts one top right over Pride goalie.

“When I visited the school the coaches were welcoming, I loved the campus, and the team chemistry.” As she sat down with her future coaches they expressed their interest and offered her a full athletic scholarship.  Whiddon accepted and will officially become a Mercyhurst Laker in the fall of 2013.

When I asked about her biggest fear she answered, “ I’m nervous for a new environment, being prepares physically, and maintaining good grades.” Although it is normal to feel nervous about a new adventure Whiddon did mention she was also excited for, “ the higher level of play and the freedom that comes along with the college experience.”

With senior year just a few months away Whiddon and Ward have come up with goals and expectations for the upcoming season.

Whiddon will use her senior year to, “Concentrate on my game, to stay on honor roll, and to increase my SAT scores.” With that being said, Ward has athletic goals as well. “ As a senior I expect her to be a leader, a goal scorer, and a good mentor now that she has gone through the experience.”

Ward added, “It’s good for Megan and the program that she has a commitment now she can concentrate on improving athletically and academically.”

Whiddon smiled and said, “ the process is over and I’m glad.” 

Seniors

After a long successful season the National Sports Academy Girls Program is sad to see their seniors go, but wishes them the best of luck as they continue on at their respective colleges.

After two years at National Sports Academy Pennsylvania native Maggie Cross finished her career with a wide range of accomplishments both on and off the ice.  This Class President ended her career at NSA with five goals, thirty-nine assists, and playing one hundred thirty-seven games.  Cross became a defenseman her team can admire.  She will continue on with her academic and athletic career at Norwich University in Vermont.  She is excited about this next step in her life, choosing to become a Norwich Cadet because she, “liked the coach, the military influence, and just the overall feel [she] got from the school.”

Three year Mountaineer forward Jaclyn Arbour is leaving National Sports Acedemy to continue her promising career at the Division One program at Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania.  Arbour is has the “potential to be the best player on the ice on any given day” its no surprise she leaving NSA with tremendous record racking up eighty-seven goals, one hundred and fifty assists, and playing two hundred and thirteen games.  She is looking forward to playing at Mercyhurst saying she feels, “like the program will get the best hockey player our of her.”

 

Defenseman Rachel Weich from St. Louis, MO came to NSA for her senior year where she completed a successful season as a Mountaineer.  Weich finished the year with six goals, thirty-five assists, and played sixty-nine games.  An important player in the success of the season she possesses, “raw skill, competitive nature and tough style of play” She will continue playing hockey at Lindenwood University's Division One program in St. Louis.

The four year player Emily Laurenzi has become one of the most influential players on the team.  Laurenzi has, “hard work and commitment on the ice [that] easily sets her apart from other players” and “you will never find her taking a shift off .”  After four years Laurenzi has accumulated seventy-eight goals, two hundred and three assists, and played two hundred and ninety games.  Her hard work earned her a place on Penn State’s brand new Division One girls program.  Laurenzi is “excited for something new since she has been [at NSA] for a while, but will miss parts of it.”

Piper moles, a local three-year student at NSA, ended her career with 39 points. She joined the community as a sophomore and after playing with the prep team for a year she worked her way up to the junior team where she played her next two years. She will be continuing her hockey career at Stevenson College next year where they are starting a new Division III program.

Sam Puckhaber, another three year local student unfortunately had to sit out the past year and a half due to medical reasons. Although she was not able to play she showed her support for her team the best she could, whether it was showing up for games, making signs, or helping out at practices. She is on her way to Adelphi University next year where she will be majoring in communications.

Traveling all the way from Casper, Wyoming this senior couldn’t wait to finally play with in a competitive girls league. Martha Smith had played boys hockey for most of her life, and was excited for the change. She has completed 27 games with NSA and has accumulated 16 wins, 3 losses, and 4 shutouts. She will be heading back west where she will be closer to home to attend Colorado College.

After looking at many other traditional prep schools, Kelsey Lynch decided on NSA her sophomore year. Her positive attitude and commitment to her team easily sets her apart from others as a teammate. She ended her NSA career with 64 points in her 192 games played. She will suit up next year for Salve Regina where she will be studying interactive communications technology.

NSA's Rising Star

 NSA's Rising Star

By: Mattia Laudi, and Sam Puckhaber

Kali (Left), TT (Right)

National Sports Academy's own Kali Flanagan begins her decent to the top in only her sophomore year. Flanagan has made a verbal commitment to Boston College, and in her own words is “Super excited!”

Flanagan came to National Sports Academy last year as only a freshman, but demonstrated great potential. Coach Bill Ward had brought her here in mid-season of last year and decided she would be a great asset to the teams defensive lines. As it turns out Coach Ward had made a very wise decision.

As only a second year sophomore, Flanagan made a huge impact and became the teams captain for this year. This demonstrated her leadership qualities as well as a bubbly personality to keep the team spirits up. With leadership skills on and off the ice Flanagan had become a hot commodity, and was a great player to boot. And now the rest is history, as Boston College made an offer Flanagan didn't want to refuse.

Teammate Carina Randazzo had this to say about Captain Flanagan, “She was very approachable, and easy to talk to,” and continues to say, “It was nice to have someone to talk to if we needed it.”

Also teammate Maggie Cross has this to say, “Kali is one of the hardest working players I have ever played with, she plays with a determination exhibited by very few players and one hundred percent deserves to be where she is.”

Speaking with Kali Flanagan earlier this week she tells me, “I'm really happy with my decision,” and continues in saying, “I love the campus, and I wouldn't change my mind.”

Flanagan in action.

Of course verbal commitments are never set in stone, which means Flanagan can change her mind at any point until she signs her scholarship papers. Many people feel that verbal commitments mean next to nothing because everything can change with a couple words, but Flanagan thinks otherwise.

Flanagan says “I wouldn't take back my commitment, it's too important.” and says, “I do not see myself going back on my word.” When asked if she felt the coaches were worried about her leaving her commitment she says, “No, I feel they know I won't de-commit, I think they trust me with my decisions.”

When mentioned, we spoke about academics in comparison to NSA, and how the academics differ to see if she would be prepared. Flanagan responded in saying, “As long as I maintain my grades here and work hard, I feel I will be okay for my future academics.” but fires, “Academics here will however be an extreme difference from those of NSA. I'll have to work really hard, but I'm willing to do that.”

Action Shot

Some may think the extreme pressure of keeping up in school and staying on top of their athletics would be difficult, Flanagan had this to say to those who feel that way, “I don't feel pressure, I don't think I should.” and continues to say, “Although I understand those who feel pressure, I just know if I keep doing what I'm doing I'll be fine in the end.”

Kali Flanagan has an 89% grade point average, and started her hockey career at the tender age of three years old. Needless to say the pressure has been on her for a very long time, but deals with it with grace, and hard work.

Student Life

Life of a NSA Student

By: Martha Smith, Wes Moon, and Mattia Laudi

Students at NSA are all into similar activities, these following photos display some of the activities students partake in outside of their sports and training.

In this photo we chose to capture Kelly’s class outside for class.  Often when the weather is nice classes will go outside for class, it provides a nice change of scenery.  While editing this picture we tried to bring out the shadows from the trees but it was harder to do because the branches do not provide a crisp shadow.

In this picture we took to show students doing homework up in their rooms.  We had to mess with the Hue Balance in order to bring out the difference in colors between the curtains and the pillows.

This picture was taken to capture the common area on the main floor of the school.  Students can always be found hanging out on the couches watching a game of just flipping channels.  We cropped this picture to give it more or a panoramic look to emphasis the focus is on the students, not just the room.

This picture shows the students mailboxes; makeup homework or letters and postcards are placed in each students box.  The tennis rackets in the rafters display how active the students are.  During free periods and after school many kids will go play tennis on the courts across the street.

This picture was taken in the Exeter Room; this room has computers that students can do their schoolwork on.  We had trouble editing this picture because the window behind the student was so washed out and it was near impossible to bring out any color.

This picture shows a student writing on the white board.  We messed with the levels in this picture to bring out the reflection of the students arm on the whiteboard.

This picture shows a student logging onto APEX, this is the online program that most students have at least one class on.  We cropped this picture to make it longer so that the computer was in the lower third, making the rule of thirds very obvious in this picture.

This picture shows a student out on the tennis court across from the school.  We again messed with the hue saturation to bring out the red and green on the court, along with the colors in the background.

This picture shows a student using Twitter on her iPod, many students spend time on Twitter, and Facebook during their free time.  The lighting in the picture was not very good, therefore when editing it; it was hard to bring out the different shades of white. 

Playoff Hockey Takes Over At NSA

By: Emily Laurenzi, Kelsey Lynch, and Sam Puckhaber

As the spring activities have taken over here at NSA the students have let loose and are enjoying the little time they have left. Although our competitive seasons are over we rely on our favorite NHL teams for a little friendly competition. As the NHL playoffs are underway many students are showing their support through apparel and trash talk

With a lot of imagination and hatred of other NHL teams it didn't take long before this Tampa Bay Lightening poster of Zenon Konopka had been transformed into a Claude Giroux poster.

The sacred flyers shirt can not be touched until after the game and no sooner. Even though Baye Flanagan was aware of this little ritual she touched the shirt purposely. Little did she know this was only the beginning of a war. While this die hard Bruins fan was in class the Philly fans made their move. They gathered every article of clothing they could find. They then headed across the street where they hung each item and made a sign that said, "free garbage." Baye's reaction was priceless and the Philly fans got their revenge.

Baye Flanagan leaves the Bruins hanging out to dry after their loss in the first round of the playoffs, she is now rooting for the Flyers.

We took this picture to capture some of the teams that have been apart of the playoffs. We used a special affect to make the picture black and white in order to make the flyers and burins shirts pop.

As defending Stanley Cup Champs the Bruins entered the playoffs hoping for a repeat of last year. Although they fail to pass the first round, they were defeated by the Washington Capitals.  Their long season is over, however, the dedication continues here at NSA.

Former NSA teacher John Spear has always participated in trash talking with students about their hockey teams. Kelsey Lynch still owes him a jump in the lake after the Flyers were swept by the Bruins in the first round of playoffs last season.

As two friends sit down for dinner they try to keep their playoff fever out of their conversation but fail to do so. As these two organizations are facing different teams in the Eastern semifinals this could be a potential match up in the next round. 

Although Wayne Simmonds has only scored once in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, his determination and physical play sets him apart from other players on the team.

The Flyers are currently trailing 3-1 to the Devils in round two of playoffs. As the series plays on Flyers fan's spirit still continues.

As you can see from the headline of the article "No sympathy from the devils" is exactly right. The Flyers came into the series thinking the series would be an easy win, little did they know that they would be losing by two games and now have to win three before the devils win one to advance to the next round.



NSA vs New England Stars

Mattia Laudi

National Sports Academy vs New England Stars

LAKE PLACID – National Sports Academy and New England Stars are facing each other in the 1932 rink for the conference final and right to access to the McCarthy Cup and Nielsen Cup at the Stoneham Arena, Massachusetts, April 16-18.

When the puck is dropped at 8:00 pm for the first game of this conference final, the game suddenly started out to be really physical and fast, where the teams try to make pressure on each other dumping the puck deep in the offensive zone and make forecheking.

After roughly ten minutes the good work done by the Stars pays off, and when Kevin Valenti is sent to the penalty box for hooking a good power play is executed by Costa and Bowen that work the puck to serve Vincent Lariviere that nets the first goal of the game.

The second period starts really positive for the host team; after just one minute and a half number 24 Sean Duncan is assisted by Powers and Pandolfo to make it 2-0 New England.

NSA seems to be dazed by the hard beginning of period by their opponents; apparently incapable of a strong response to the Stars’ action at 11:39 of the second period, the Mountaineers are caught with six men on the ice and Eric Halin is sent to the penalty box. When just 25 seconds are missing to the end of the penalty another power play goal for the Stars adds on the scoreboard; Conley and McCullough serve Sean Duncan that scores again. It’s 3-0 for the Stars.

At 17:05 in the third period Kevin Valenti gives some hope the NSA scoring a power play goal assisted by Dednoyers and Stein.

Unfortunately the New England Stars create a good defensive asset, with a great job done by their goalie Shayne Forsley, that saves 30 shots over 31 received, and the game ends with a

3-1 for New England.

Saturday at 3:00 pm in the 1932 rink, Lake Placid, the NSA is ready to battle the New England Stars for a comeback in the series lead by the host for 1-0.

The game begins with the two teams that play a little cautious paying attention not to make mistakes, dumping the puck deep and short shifts.

At 9:38 first period Quinn Carroll opens up the scoring netting a wrister assisted by Bowen.

This time NSA is ready to counterattack and after four minutes Patrick Hayes, with great wheels on the left side scores the first NSA goal of the day with a quick release under the crossbar, assisted by White and Clarke.

The second period was tied as well. After one minute from the puck drop Zach Dymock enters the zone assisted by White and shots a good wrister, hard for the goalie to see. But just at 17:39 New England ties the game with a nice move by Brian Bowen, that fakes the shot, letting Jakob Rasmussen go down and then going around him and netting the puck on the short side with an open cage. The game now is tied 2-2.

At 12:15 NSA takes again control of the game with number 19 Marcus Astesana that with a helper from Hayes and Patraw scores from the slot with a blameless goalie.

When Zach Dymock and Derek Nutter go in the penalty box, respectively at 4:58 and 4:52, both for cross-cheking, the teams play with four player each on the ice.

With more room and more time New England’s game is rewarded when Vincent Lariviere scores the game-tieing goal just four minutes before the break.

The third period is played carefully by both teams. Just one power play is allowed by the Stars at 6:20.

This is NSA’s period. With great energy and speed they put under pressure the Stars’s defense and score the two final goals.

At 12:34 Zach White scores assisted by Hayes and Dymock and the Mountaineers take the lead. At 3:53 Desnoyers reinforces NSA’s domain on the opponent scoring with a wrister from the circles assisted by Widenmaier and Clarke.

It’s a 5-3 game and and the decision for the winner is postponed to Sunday 11.

At 1932 rink is the third and final game to decide who is the New England Conference’s champion.

The game starts strong. The teams play equally for the first 15 minutes of the first period, but at 5:52 White scores assisted by Hayes and it’s Mountaineers’ lead. After just one minute and a half Valenti scores the the second for the home team helped by Widenmaier and Clarke, and it’s 2-0.

Unfortunately at 0:04 to the end Sean Duncan halves NSA lead with an unassisted goal.

From now on it’s an NSA game. Pat Hayes scores at 13:18 in the secon period thanks to a nice tic-tac-toe with Desnoyers and Halin.

In the third period Astensana only goes on the scoreboard when at 1:47 to the end scores a short handed goal assisted by Halin that closes the game definetly.

It’s a 4-1 game and NSA wins the series. The championship game will be played in Boston at the Stoneham arena March 16-17-18 againt the Syracuse Stampede.