With just a few games left this year, the Girls’ V1 Ice Hockey team looks back on the 2023-2024 season. Our season started with many new players joining the team. New teammates bonded with returning players in the first few games and practices. Varsity 1 learned to play together as a team despite some unfortunate outcomes on the scoreboard. Moving forward into the year, they faced many tough opponents but still rallied together and had many exciting games.
On Thursday, February 1st, Varsity 1 held their senior night to honor the graduating class. Seniors Raquel Cave (captain), Keira Crowley, Grace McCluskey, Kimberly Molchan, Kial Morley, and Grace Stifflemire were honored during the pregame ceremony. Underclassmen formed an arch for the seniors to skate out onto the ice. On this special night, the team pulled away early in the game against Saint Mary’s Ryken, ending the first period up 5-1. In the astounding 14-3 victory, each of the six seniors scored at least one goal! Seniors Grace Stifflemire and Kimberly Molchan both scored their first goals of the season. Sophomores Olivia Vogel and Mariah Sauter also scored their first goals of the season during this game.
Varsity 1 hopes to continue the season with a playoff run. Preparation begins for a home quarterfinal game versus Holy Child on Monday, February 5th, at 4:30. In their last two matchups, Spalding and Holy Child have split, each winning one game. In Spalding’s 9-5 victory over Holy Child on December 4th, Grace McCluskey scored a hat trick, with Kial Morley and Anya Trimmer each adding two goals to the scoreboard. Junior Madison Schneider and senior Keira Crowley both scored once to seal the deal.
Finishing the regular season on a high note, Spalding is ready to start their playoff run! The senior night victory motivated and inspired the team as they head into the postseason. Good luck, Lady Ice Cavs!
