Girls prep hockey is stacked with talented individuals and teams entering this season.
Many of the Small School teams have strong cases for the NEPSAC postseason.
Williston Northampton and Cushing each reached the Elite 8 last season. Both are ranked inside the top five of our preseason rankings. Rivers, who made the Small School tournament last season, is also inside the top 10 entering the season.
Groton also reached the Elite 8. Meanwhile, New Hampton, St. Mark's, Governor's, Frederick Gunn, Mount Saint Charles and Lawrence Academy made the Small School tournament, which New Hampton won for the third straight season, taking down St. Mark's.
New Hampton, Groton, Gov's, St. Mark's, Lawrence and Frederick Gunn are also ranked in our next 15.
Each of the above teams is likely to be a factor this season, while others listed below are sure to challenge.
Here’s our breakdown of every Small School team.
Berwick
Coach: Kelly Souza
2024-25 record: 6-13-0
Players to watch: Ella Souza, D; Ava Souza, F; Sophia Courchesne, F; Frankie Cormier-McFarlane, F; Ragan Schank, G; Emily Hester, F; Maggie Fitzgerald, F
Outlook:Â Berwick only graduated one skater from last season's group, and they bring in six new skaters. The Bulldogs will be a young team, but seniors Ella Souza, Hester, Schank and Fitzgerald will be key leaders. Top scorers like the Souzas and Courchesne will help set the pace, while Schank looks to carry momentum from a strong junior year in the crease.
Brewster
Coach: Bill Ward
2024-25 record: 13-12-2
Players to watch: Megan Tremblay, D; Grace Rizzitano, F; Victoria Hayden, F; Evelyn Heppler, F; Chloe McLain, F; Gracie Penney, D; Kaya Moulton, D; Tori Donahue, D; Sophia Rock, G
Outlook:Â The Bobcats are aiming to contend in the Lakes Region once again, returning one of the most productive defenders in prep in Tremblay. She led all blue-liners in goals last season. Rizzitano was nearly a point-per-game producer, too. Elsewhere, Brewster will lean on Hayden, Heppler, McLain and Penney, among others. In net, Rock has experience after seeing ample action last winter.
Brooks
Coach: Michael Burns
2024-25 record: 4-19-3
Players to watch: Isabel Previte, F; Angela Fabbo, F; Elsa Wood, F; Michelle Caiazzo, F; Cassie Ling, F; Shelby Buckler, F; Natasha Godfrey, F; Kenzie Moore, D; Ashley Long, D; Ella Puleo, G; Maeve Phinney, G
Outlook: The Bishops are aiming to improve on last season as they bolster a young roster with an influx of talent. In his second season at the helm, Burns will lean on returning experience like Wood and Fabbo. Incoming youngsters like Ling, Buckler, Godfrey and Long should provide boosts as well. With a clean bill of health, Brooks expects Puleo to give them a foundation in the crease.
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Canterbury
Coach: Eliza Beaudin
2024-25 record: 9-15-0
Players to watch: Vicky Concepcion, F; Grace Steers, F; Lauren Elliott, F; Maggie Samela, F; Jaelyn Beauvais, D; Lauren Kessing, D; Taylor Bavis, F; Zoe Gorra, F; Hailey Farace, F; Kylie Schawb, G; Raven Reaves, G
Outlook:Â The Saints lost several of their top producers to graduation, but an experienced group of 15 upperclassmen, including eight seniors, returns to lead the way. Concepcion and Steers are the top returning scorers, while Elliott, Samela, Beauvais, Gorra, Farace and others will look to step up. Schawb and Reaves each saw time in net last season, too.
Cushing
Coach: Brandy Fisher-Bailey
2024-25 record: 24-8-1, lost to Loomis Chaffee in quarterfinals of Chuck Vernon Elite 8 tournament
Players to watch: Bella Freitas, F; Julia Lambert, F; Brooke Harb, F; Brooke Fallon, F; Lily Winckler, F; Madi Soderquist, F; Molly Bardol, F; Blake Metcalf, D; Caroline Harrington, D; Emersyn Fisher-Bailey, D; Sadie Bellissimo, G; Ines Khamis, G
Outlook: No team in prep scored more goals than Cushing last season, and the Penguins are primed for another high-flying season. Much of the same forward core is back with Freitas, Lambert, Harb and Soderquist expected to lead the way. A new-look defense group will look to several sophomores, be it Metcalf, Harrington, Fisher-Bailey or others, to step up. Cushing will rely heavily on Bellissimo and Khamis.
Frederick Gunn
Coach: Daniel Allen
2024-25 record: 14-12-1, lost to New Hampton in quarterfinals of Dorothy Howard Small School tournament
Players to watch: Maria Gilshannon, F; Sofia Cuozzo, F; Izzy Blake, F; Brianna Boulanger, F; Ashley Edmonds, F; Maddie Caramante, F; Sophia Dadd, D; Briana White, D; Raven Bennett, D; Moira Landsverk, G
Outlook: Although Gunn graduated nine seniors, Allen’s group still returns its four leading scorers from last season in Gilshannon, Cuozzo, Blake and Boulanger. They bolstered that group by adding Caramante as well. In the crease, standout newcomer Landsverk is expected to make an immediate impact.
GIRLS PREP BREAKOUT CANDIDATES: 24 forwards | 22 defenders | 8 goalies
Governor’s
Coach: Claudia Barcomb
2024-25 record: 14-13-2, lost to St. Mark’s in quarterfinals of Dorothy Howard Small School tournament
Players to watch: Lana Hardin, F; Brooke Carlson, F; Parker Roenick, F; Caroline Justicz, F; Ella McDonald, F; Megan Carlson, D; Lauren Dockray, D; Joey Calderara; Lucia Peraza, D; Liz Luong, G
Outlook: Gov’s returns many of its top contributors from last season, including its top two scorers in Brooke Carlson and Hardin. Roenick and McDonald could see increased roles as well. On the blue line, Megan Carlson brings skill and skating alongside Dockray, Calderara and Peraza. In net, Governor’s Academy knows it can rely on Luong.
Groton
Coach: Tim LeRoy
2024-25 record: 17-5-2, lost to Williston Northampton in quarterfinals of Chuck Vernon Elite 8 tournament
Players to watch: Tina Scalese, F; Jaelyn Trudell, F; Ella Nannene, F; Charlotte Matusovich, F; Zoe Smith, F; Ava Barbour, F; Tatum Friedholm, D; Oona Kathan, D; Jamie Noonan, D; Sydney Nelson, D; Caroline Matusovich, D; Nora Wilson, G
Outlook: Groton has its sights set even higher after reaching the Elite 8 for the first time last season. The Zebras will rely on their superstar in Scalese to lead the offense again, along with returners Trudell and Nannene. Friedholm is in line to take the next step on an experienced blue line that includes Kathan, Noonan and Nelson, while Wilson is coming off a strong first season as the starter. Keep an eye on newcomers like Barbour, as well as Charlotte and Caroline Matusovich.
Hebron
Coach: Courtney Carnes
2024-25 record: 1-12-2
Players to watch: Isa Fischer, G; Trinity Nardelli, G; Elena Seremetis, F; Mathilde Boisvert, F; Aiva Dorman, F; Lilliana Baldasaro, F; Emily Finch, D; Sage Joyce, F; Scotia O'Handley, D; Payton Barnier, F; Olivia Consolo, D
Outlook:Â Hebron returns plenty of contributors from last season's group after graduating just two seniors. Eight juniors are back in the mix, looking to take the next step. Carnes' group has stability in the crease with Fischer and Nardelli expected back, while Seremetis is the top returning scorer.
Holderness
Coach: Bianca Moreau
2024-25 record: 15-13-0
Players to watch: Songdy Assoume, G; Stella Regan, F; Julia Lemire, F; Elizabeth Maher, F; Lexi Morris, F; Katherine Geswell, F/D; Kassidy Haley, F; Lydia Watts, F; Ryleigh McNelly, D; Carsyn Weglarz
Outlook:Â The Bulls could contend for the postseason with a strong returning cast. Top scorer Stella Regan will lead the way alongside other productive forwards like Lemire and Maher. Moreau will look to McNelly to lead a young blue line, which will be aided by Assoume in net, who is ready to take over the full-time gig after sharing the net last season. Holderness has 13 underclassmen this season.
Hoosac
Coach: Alli Sugar
2024-25 record: 3-16-0
Players to watch: Gabriella Cohen, G; Irene Damianakis, F; Sarah Lawson, F; Mackenzie Richardson, F; Rylie Richardson, D; Meghan Grace, F; Isabella McKenna, D/F; Beatriz Pomar, F; McKayla O'Donnell, F; Teyla Geekie, D
Outlook:Â Although the Owls graduated several seniors from last season's group, their top eight scorers are back in the fold for 2025-26. Lawson paced the offense last season with over a point per game, while Grace and Mackenzie Richardson reached double-digit points. Cohen was a force in the crease last season, even while sharing the net. Hoosac will rely on her once again.
Kents Hill
Coach: Steve Kasper
2024-25 record: 8-14-4
Players to watch: Maddy Place, F; Remy LeBel, F; Marissa Payne, F; Avery Ross, D; Adrianna Ducey, D; Addison Estey, D; Alannah Baggs, D; Megan Dolan, G; Alana Wheeler, G; Suki LaLonde, G
Outlook:Â Kents Hill has a new voice behind the bench in former NHLer Steve Kasper. He'll rely on top returning scorer Payne, as well as LeBel and Place, to lead the forwards. On the back end, the Huskies will lean on Ross and Ducey, along with talented newcomers like Estey and Baggs. The crease is up for grabs as Dolan, Wheeler and LaLonde enter the mix.
Kimball Union
Coach: Mary Edmonds
2024-25 record: 7-18-3
Players to watch: Ali Sprissler, D; Emily Gosselin, F; Julie-Catherine Bernard, F; Anna Baker, F; Gabi Young, F; Shannon Freeman, D; Gracie Porter, F; Kaida Okamura, F; Ana Fryar, G
Outlook:Â The Wildcats graduated their top two scorers from last winter's group, but several key skaters are back with Sprissler and Gosselin leading the way. Bernard, Porter, Baker, Okamura, Young and Freeman are expected to contribute as well. Fryaer is expected back in net as well.
PREP PREVIEWS: Nobles | Exeter | Cushing | Tabor | Groton | New Hampton | Andover | Dexter Southfield | BB&N | Williston Northampton | Loomis Chaffee | Thayer
Lawrence Academy
Coach: Nikki Petrich
2024-25 record: 10-16-0, lost to St. George’s in quarterfinals of Dorothy Howard Small School tournament
Players to watch: Courtney Shifrin, F; Violet Safari, F; Kate Tarr, F; Callan Stewart, F; Georgia Costello, F; Clover Logan, F; Mairead Carey, D; Katelyn Nickerson, D; Kailey Hannon, D; Olivia Doucette, G; Keagan Gray, G
Outlook: The Spartans are looking to build off a playoff appearance in Petrich’s first season as coach. The forward group is now in Shifrin and Tarr’s hands after LA graduated a trio of productive seniors. On the blue line, seniors Hannah and Carey bring experience, while Doucette will be vital in net, coming off a strong sophomore season.
Millbrook
Coach: Erica Shapey
2024-25 record: 8-11-5
Players to watch: Merritt Tessier, F; Jaicee Downs, D; Leah Frost, F; Hailey Vigna, F; Maja Wielgos, F; Andrea Sassatelli, F; Abby Roberson, D; Brooke Ness, D; Kate Rubinstein, G; Ella Wiley, G
Outlook:Â Millbrook brings back eight of its top 11 point-getters from last season, which will help offset graduating its top three scorers. Ainley, Vigna, Frost, Wielgos and Downs each reached double-digit points last winter. Rubinstein and Wiley both return in the crease for the Mustangs as well.
Mount Saint Charles
Coach: Sophia Vingi
2024-25 record: 14-7-0, lost to Rivers in quarterfinals of Dorothy Howard Small School tournament
Players to watch: Calleigh Campanelli, D; Vanessa Bradley, D; Fallon Smith, G
Outlook: In their first season in the NEPSAC, Mount played 32 games overall last season, going 20-12-0, while they went 14-7-0 in NEPSAC play, reaching the postseason. Vingi expects her group to be strong defensively, thanks to returners like Campanelli and Bradley on the blue line and Smith in net. The key for Mount will be finding the back of the net after key departures.
New Hampton
Coach: Craig Churchill
2024-25 record: 22-6-4, beat St. Mark’s in championship of Dorothy Howard Small School tournament
Players to watch: Kelsey Baker, F; Emma MacPherson, F; Merritt Fitch, F; Kiara Drake, F; Ella Fischetti, F; Addy Peel, D; Roxie Merrick, D; Audra Custance, F; Avery Lucier, F; Kate Usilton, F; Lily Thomas, F; Liv Murray, F; Elizabeth Vincent, G
Outlook: The new-look Huskies don’t plan on resting on their three-straight Small School titles as expectations remain high, despite graduating a chunk of high-end experience. New Hampton is eager for Baker to take the reins up front, along with MacPherson and Fischetti, while experienced Fitch and Drake will be key additions. On the back end, Peel will shoulder more responsibility, as will Merrick. Vincent gives the Huskies a strong, reliable backbone in net.
Pomfret
Coach: Dave Peltz
2024-25 record: 7-18-1
Players to watch: Sydney Kelm, G; Maeve Molloy, F; Rylee Welch, F; Charlotte Peltz, D; Sophia Matusevich, D; Mady Davies, F; Liv Bissell D
Outlook:Â The future is bright at Pomfret as the Griffins feature 18 underclassmen this season. Kelm returns as a rock in net, putting up excellent numbers as a freshman last season. Meanwhile, Pomfret returns its top five leading scorers from last season, led by Molloy, Matusevich, Welch, Davies and Bissell.
RANKINGS: Who leads the first girls prep top 10 entering 2025-26? | Which teams outside of the top 10 could contend?
Portsmouth Abbey
Coach: Kurt Carter
2024-25 record: 10-14-3
Players to watch: Brooke Marston, F; Anna Hutton, D; Megan O'Connor, F; Brigid Dowd, F; Mabel Harlin, F; Clara Corbin, F; Kendra Michaels, D; Abbey Neirinckx, F; Marguerite Cordahi, G; Emmry Anderson, G
Outlook: Fresh off winning the Eastern Independent League title over Pingree, Portsmouth Abbey brings back their top four scorers from last season in Marston, Hutton, O'Connor and Dowd. Marston is the reigning EIL Player of the Year. Cordahi and Anderson will have opportunity in the crease after Jayden Elias moved on to NAHA.
Proctor
Coach: Mikah Baptiste
2024-25 record: 8-17-3
Players to watch: Viltaute Jasineviciute, F; Christina Fossum, D; Katy Grady, G; Abby McInerney, F; Bella Simeone, F; Lily Warner, F/D; Sage Fields, D; Reagan Martens, D
Outlook:Â Proctor has an older roster this season with 14 upperclassmen. Last season's top three scorers are back, led by Jasineviciute, Fossum and Simeone. Warner, Fields and Martens are expected to be impact skaters once again, while Grady returns after a busy sophomore season in net.
Rivers
Coach: Keith McLean
2024-25 record: 18-10-1, lost to St. Mark’s in semifinals of Dorothy Howard Small School tournament
Players to watch: Brooke Bartlett, F; Simone Burns, F; Nora McLean, F; Nora Swaim, F; Chloe Chitkara, F; Kate Hayes, F; Mia MacDonald, D; Joelle Burns, D; Kyleigh Rabazzi, D; Kathryn Butkus, D; Ellie Beigel, G
Outlook: Everything began to come together last season for Rivers, which fell short of expectations in the Small School semis. The Red Wings return much of the same team with valuable experience to look to. Skilled forwards like Bartlett, Simone Burns, McLean and Swaim headline an aggressive offense, while MacDonald, Joelle Burns and Butkus can move the puck on defense. Rivers is confident in Beigel as she takes hold of the top job in net. This team has a chance to continue the upward trend.
‘PROVE PEOPLE WRONG’: Why Rivers is a sleeping giant in girls prep
St. Mark’s
Coach: Kerstin Matthews
2024-25 record: 11-13-3, lost to New Hampton in championship of Dorothy Howard Small School tournament
Players to watch: Maribeth Fitzgerald, F; Caroline Kreuz, F; Katie Barrett, F; Allie Sauls, F; Jocelyn Gray, F; Abigail Deroeve, D; Bridget Fitzgerald, D; Kayleigh Koen, D; Shae Webber, D
Outlook: After coming oh-so-close to a championship last March, St. Mark’s brings back a core with key playoff experience, along with exciting newcomers. Maribeth Fitzgerald will be among the leaders of the forward group, while Kreuz is poised to take a step. Gray, a former MIAA standout at Notre Dame (Hingham), will provide a jolt as well. On the blue line, Deroeve is a key addition from Thayer to watch alongside returners like Webber and Bridget Fitzgerald.
Tilton
Coach: Erika Silva Adams
2024-25 record: 11-17-1
Players to watch: Madelyn Andrade, G; Grace Collins, F; Anna Davidson, F; Shae Gould, F; Gabby Cerqua, D; Chloe LeMay, G; Isa Rioux, F
Outlook: The Rams bring back several critical pieces from last season's team as Silva Adams takes over behind the bench. Cerqua and Collins are the top returning scorers, while Gould was productive last winter, too. LeMay and Rioux enter as newcomers from the MIAA ranks. Rioux was a standout forward for Bishop Stang, and LeMay led Auburn in the crease. Andrade has a chance to take over as the starter after a strong sophomore season behind Evelyn Lacey (Braintree, Mass.), who is now at Tabor.
Vermont Academy
Coach: Madison Paydos
2024-25 record: 10-13-3
Players to watch: Taylor Blaise, G; Talia Engel, F; Becca Sadlon, F; Kennedy Jensen, D; Carley Guarino, F; Mia Ryder, F; Honora Walsh, D
Outlook: Vermont Academy looks to improve on a fifth-place finish in the Lakes Region tournament last season, returning a talented crop of upperclassmen, which includes 10 seniors. That maturity and leadership will be big for Paydos' group. Top scorers Sadlon and Engel are back in the mix, while Jensen is a key mainstay on the back end. Vermont will look to Blaise to hold down the crease after starting goalie Juliette Belanger graduated.
Williston Northampton
Coach: Christa Talbot Syfu
2024-25 record: 22-3-1, lost to Phillips Andover in semifinals of Chuck Vernon Elite 8 tournament
Players to watch: Mia Daley, F; Brooke Schlutter, F; Quinn Toll, F; Zola Piekarski, F; Riley Stocker, F; Brenna Ziter, F; Caroline Doherty F; Nina Coffee, D; Yasmine McKenzie, D; Catie Putt, D; Keira Gould, D; River Grady, G
Outlook: The Wildcats might have graduated a handful of core pieces from previous championship teams, but there is still a plethora of high-end experience ready to take the reins. Up front, seniors Piekarski and Ziter will help lead an exciting young group that includes Daley, Schlutter, Toll and Stocker. On defense, Coffee, McKenzie, Putt and Gould will be relied upon. Newcomer Doherty and Krotee could provide a boost to the offense as well, while Grady has a shot to step up in the crease.
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Worcester Academy
Coach: Kevin Zifcak
2024-25 record: 9-15-3
Players to watch: Abbey Gallagher, D; Lauren Moran, F; Hayley McNeal, D; Natalie Spaeth, G; Delilah Cioffi, F; Abby Tredo, F/D; Annie Rhodes, F/D
Outlook:Â Worcester Academy brings back plenty of experience with 16 upperclassmen in the mix. Last season's leading scorer, Moran, is back to lead the way, along with McNeal, a productive blue-liner. Gallagher will be a key piece on defense as a co-captain with Moran and McNeal, too. Spaeth returns in the crease, looking to build on her sophomore season.
