Walpole Express was coming off an inspirational win a week ago against a Westwood team that fought hard in a 2-0 defeat and would be facing Belmont this Saturday in the championship. Walpole was ready early against Westwood and were told by the coaches they needed to be ready again against Belmont. Walpole would need another great effort from everyone to beat Belmont and end the season as champions. Both teams came out flying and were in a feeling out mode going back and forth for the first nine minutes. Belmont surprisiling caught the vaunted Walpole defense out of position for a split second and capitalized on a breakaway to make it 1-0. Walpole would take this as a challenge, they have been in this position before and they would not quit. Walpole would start to click as the first period would end 1-0 Belmont.

Walpole carried their momentum over from the first as they started to dominate the second period. All three lines were taking it to Belmont getting numerous chances many by Julia O'Connor and Jordan Dwyer who were leading the team offensively with relentless effort and hard work. Both would get breakaways only to be stymied by the Belmont goaltender who was playing outstanding and who was keeping a surging Walpole team off the board. Walpole was determined to tie this game and Averi Maxwell who's found a second gear the last two months of the year was bringing it every shift only to be hauled down multiple times to no avail. It looked like the officials were going to put the whistles away in this one and let the girls decide it on the ice. Walpole's relentless attack would finally pay off as Lauren "The Giant" Cullity would come up big again for Walpole as she would tie it on a hard fought goal in front to tie the game 1-1 five minutes into the second. It was now Walpole's time to take this game over and take the lead. Makenzie Haughey, Morgan Cunningham and Jessi Barletta were playing their best game of the year and it couldn't of came at a better time as they were creating havoc and turnover opportunities consistently every shift. It seemed to be a matter of time before Walpole would take the lead by the way they carried the play and time of possession.The second period would end 1-1.

Walpole would continue to dominate Belmont but could not score to break it open. Faith Graveline and Maya Shocket would then get into the act with great two way play creating scoring opportunities on the offensive end and being positionally sound on the defensive end. These two would be counted on heavily by the coaches down the stretch.. Defensively the lockdown was on. Ari who was handling the D just rolled the girls, all were playing outstanding and they were fresh and hungry. Kylie Acerra, Nicole Acerra, Ella Waryas, Caitlin O'Connor, Zoe Bergeron, Avery McNiff and Katie Widrow have all turned into great defensemen that the coach would call on equally in any situation. Goaltending again was outstanding as Danae Reager was at her best for the championship giving up only one goal on a breakaway and then being completely unbeatable the rest of the way. Regulation time would run out with the game tied 1-1.

Overtimes usually end early and the coaches warned the girls to be ready and play position. Play went back and forth for the first few minutes when Belmont would throw a loose puck at the Walpole goal where it would be tipped end over end for the winning score for Belmont. It would be the end to an incredible season. Starting 0-12 and then going 9-2-2 and then playing for the championship. WOW. The coaches could not be more proud of these girls for their effort, dedication and perseverance. Excellent job and great year!

Coach Bill, Chris, Ari and Glen.

March 25th vs Westwood
Player of the Game:

Walpole Express U10 girls were playing in their first playoff game as a team and they couldn't wait for the challenge. All the coaches were stressing to the girls that they had to be ready at the drop of the puck after a week lay off. One team was not going to be ready and we didn't want it to be them. So the girls took the pre-game talk to heart and came out flying from the start, Westwood didn't  know what hit them. All three lines were clicking and they finally broke through early in the first period on a great shot from the slot by Jordan Dwyer to make it 1-0. Walpole would not be satisfied with that lead though and worked hard to expand it. Averi Maxwell was at the forefront with continuous hustle and overall speed. Her hard work would pay off as she would out work everybody on the ice and finish with a pretty goal to make it 2-0. Averi has turned the corner on right wing over the last month and has showed great speed to go along with her newly found scoring touch. Great work Averi. The first period would end with Walpole holding a 2-0 lead.

Walpole would not be satisfied with that lead going into the second and it was time for their goaltending and vaunted shut down defense to take over. Defense has been this teams calling card all year and they along with new fill in goaltender Natilie who was playing outstanding would frustrate and shutdown Westwood.On defense Nicole Acerra  was giving her best Scott Stevens impression as she was playing physical all game and taking out every Westwood player who touched the puck. Nicole was so aggressive and could smell the win that she received three penalties in this game and could of got a few more.Maybe that's not exactly what the coaches are looking for in a 2-0 playoff game but Nicole was determined to not back down, play physically and try to intimidate on every shift. That's the way playoff hockey is played you step up or you get run over. So that's exactly what happened next as a Westwood player would take a run at Averi Maxwell knocking her down straight on her back. Little did Westwood know who they were hitting as Averi would bounce straight up letting Westwood know she would not be intimidated. Averi did not go back at the girl knowing the score was 2-0 and the game was more important. I think we all know what would have happened had it been a regular season game.You don't mess with City Hall. Great composure Averi there's always next year for payback. By the way her number was 8 in case you forgot and I'm not there next year. 

Playoff games always seem to be close and this game would be know different as it would end in a shutout 2-0. I told the girls prior to the game they'd be no players of the game in the playoffs, we win and lose as a team. Well this was totally a team effort, forwards, defense, and goaltending it all came together today.  This was a great overall effort by all, a total team victory. Great work. 

March 18th vs Reading
Player of the Game: Julia O'Connor, Caitlin O'Connor, Makenzie Haughey, Katie Widrow

Walpole was coming of an exciting 2-1 win over Reading earlier in the day and with their whole team in attendance they were looking to make it two straight. Reading though was ready to start this game and came out strong and took the 1-0 lead early in the first. Both teams would go back and forth the rest of the period with Walpole getting the edge in time of possession and offensive zone play but could not tie the game.

In the second Walpole was a different team and started to gel as they carried the play early and finally broke through on a hard working goal by Morgan Cunningham who's played outstanding this year for a seven year old first year player, keep competing Morgan. Jordan Dwyer would score one of her many goals  this year only three minutes later and Walpole would take a 2-1 lead and start to roll. Julia O'Connor one of our players of the game would score with four minutes to go in the period and that would prove to be a big goal giving Walpole a two goal lead going into the third. Julia's been a true leader this year through her attitude and play, Julia leads by example. True captain material.

Starting the third it was more of the same as Walpole continued to carry the play as another player of the game Makenzie Haughey was having a strong game as she created many scoring opportunities and was involved all game battling hard in all the dirty places.Great job Makenzie. The defense who was having another strong game was led by two other players of the game the tandem of Caitlin O'Connor and Katie Widrow who were shutdown and overall sound defensively. I think everyone takes the defense on this team for granted. They are shutdown and have evolved into a great defensive group. Clearing the puck, keeping it in on the blue line, picking up in front of our own goal, they do it all.

Hard work and focus has brought them a long way.The third period was winding down but there is no  quit in these girls as the hardest worker on the team Averi Maxwell would put the icing on the cake as she would out work two girls for the puck and finish with a nice shot to the lower corner and the game would end 4-1. Two straight wins over Reading sweet!

March 18th vs Reading
Player of the Game: Kylie Acerra, Nicole Acerra, Serena Prince, Jessi Barletta, Maya Shocket and Avery McNiff

Walpole Express U10 girls were wrapping up their 2011-2012 season with a home and away series against Reading this weekend.  Walpoles first win of the season came against Reading who was undefeated at the time and was the turning point of the season for the Walpole Express girls. Walpole Express was short handed in the early game in Reading missing five girls but that would be no excuse because on this team the next girl just steps up.

Walpole would come out strong carrying the play for most of the first period along with their usual stifling defense Meagan "Tuukka Time" Miranda was having an unexpected easy first period. With Walpole shorthanded they were playing inspiring hockey led by one of our players of the game Maya"The Wing with the Bling" Shocket  who went down hard into the boards on a great forcheck but in true hockey tradition made it back to the bench and didn't miss a shift. Great effort Maya. Late in the first Walpole's effort would pay off as Faith Graveline who's becoming a goal a game player delivered the big goal again to make it 1-0 to end the first.

Walpole would continue their outstanding play in the second period with two players of the game Kylie and Nicole Acerra leading the defense in a shutout effort.Walpole was only going with four defensemen and their play along with Ella "The Roadrunner" Waryas and Avery McNiff was textbook defense in all regards. Two other players of the game would play key roles Serena Prince who was stepping in and filling a role nicely on the right wing as she got a few scoring oppurtunities on some great hustle. The other was Jessi"I Play Big" Barletta who had some family in the house who she didn't dissappoint as she had her best game of the year. Jessi was everywhere creating havoc,pressure and scoring oppurtunities, great work. Walpole would dominate the second period but Reading would not go away and was hanging tough as the period would end 1-0.

Walpole was told by the coaches to not hold back and keep playing the same way as they've been playing and bring it to Reading. Walpole did just that as they kept the pressure on, but Reading would get the break they needed as they scooped up a loose puck on a rebound and tied the score 1-1 with only five minutes to play. With only five minutes to play it looked like Walpole would have to settle for a tie in a game they dominated from start to finish. Walpole though was not finished as our last player of the game  Avery McNiff would score the most exciting goal of the year with only one minute left on the clock. Avery would start out behind our own goal and take it the lenghth of the ice before firing the game winning goal lower corner for her first goal of the year. Avery has been a coaches dream this year and no one deserved it more than her.Thanks for taking it to the house Avery that was AWESOME. Final 2-1 Walpole Express.

March 17th vs Westwood
Player of the Game: Jordan Dwyer, Lauren Cullity, Morgan Cunningham, Faith Graveline

Walpole Express U10 girls were meeting Westwood for the third time this year, a 5-0 loss early, a 3-1 win mid season and today would be the final regular season meeting. This would be a good measuring stick for the season as Walpole lost their first game of the year 5-0 to Westwood and it didn't look like they should be on the same ice as Westwood. Walpole though is a much different team from that September team and six months of hard work and dedication would show in March.

Walpole would come out flying to start the first period taking it to Westwood from the drop of the puck and never looking back. They totally dominated  the first period with nothing to show for it but satisfaction knowing that it might be Westwood that should not be on the ice with Walpole.

The second period would be more of the same as one of our players of the game Jordan Dwyer got the ball rolling with her first goal of the game early in the second to make it 1-0. Walpole would continue to carry the play and Jordan would score her second goal to make it 2-0. Jordan could smell blood and was looking for the natural hat trick against a Westwood team that was reeling from the intense Walpole pressure. Bounces were not going Walpole's way early in the season but lately they've been getting a few as another player of the game Faith Graveline would show as she slid on her back towards the goal propelling the puck into the net to make it 3-0 to end the second period. Great hustle Faith.

Walpole would not relent and was determined to finish strong and not let Westwood back in the game. Lauren Cullity another player of the game who is slowly becoming our best passer on the team set her linemate Jordan Dwyer up for the second time in the slot and Jordan wasted no time completing the hat trick to make it 4-0 Walpole.Great job Jordan on your first official hat trick. Walpole would not be content with just four and our fourth player of the game Morgan Cunningham who made great strides this year for a seven year old scored one of her many this year to end it 5-0 Walpole. Keep up the hard work Morgan.

March 3rd vs Waltham
Player of the Game: Morgan Cunningham, Caitlin O'Connor, Ella Waryas

Walpole was back at it Saturday at Nashoba Valley against Lexington/Bedford. These teams met once before at the beginning of the year with Morgan Cunningham one of our forwards in net a 3-1 loss but Lexington/Bedford would see an entirely different Walpole Express team from six months ago. Walpole is coming together as a team and playing extremely well right now. Danae Reager was back in goal and the girls would come out flying taking the game right to Lexington/Bedford. Walpole would get multiple scoring chances early, on a few breakaways but could not get one past the Lexington goalie who was standing on her head. Lexington/Bedford though would score first on a deflection at the side of the net that Danae and our defense wished they had back. Walpole though has been down before and they usually take it as a challenge and that is exactly what they did as they threw the kitchen sink at the Lexington goalie but could not score and the first period would end 1-0 Lexington.

The second period would be more of the same as Walpole continued to pull out all the stops pounding Lexington with numerous scoring chances led by one of our players of the game Morgan Cunningham who's aggressive play and all out effort set the tone. Keep up the desire and focus Morgan good job.Walpole did not know what more they could do to score as Lexington's goalie was not going to let one in and was giving her best Martin Brodeur impresssion.Finally Walpole would break through on a Jordan Dwyer patented  wrist shot lower corner to even the score 1-1.

Caitlin O'Connor and Ella Waryas also two players of the game were playing outstanding defense holding Lexington to a few shots in this game and frustrating their players buy continuing to tie them up and winning all races and one on one battles.Great job girls continue the great work and continue to battle. This game was  lopsided in all aspects as Walpole carried the play all game and deserved better but every so often you run into a red hot goalie and you can't do anything about it. This game would end in a 1-1 tie and we must tip our hat to the Lexington goalie who deserved MVP of this game.

February 26th vs Waltham
Player of the Game: Lauren Cullity, Ella Waryas, Maya Shocket

Walpole was back in action this Sunday coming off a hard fought 1-0 loss to Andover last week. Up this week was Waltham and the girls were looking to get back in the win column. Walpole would come out strong and take the lead half way through the first on a great shot by Jordan Dwyer to make it 1-0. Waltham  would not give in and would  quickly even the score 1-1. Both teams would go back and forth and with one of our players of the game Ella"The Roadrunner" Waryas playing net for only the second time this year the team would go into lock down defensively.Walpole was playing great defense just waiting for the offense to get going which it did on a Julia O'Connor breakaway goal to make it 2-1 deep in the first. Walpole would not be content with only two goals in the first and kept the pressure on culminating in an Averi Maxwell goal fired from the slot to make it 3-1 to end the first period.

Lauren Cullity who did not score but was playing a great two way game also earned player of the game. Lauren has really stepped up her game over the last few weeks providing hustle, scoring, and grit three traits of a great player. Keep it up Lauren. Walpole's lead was 3-1 and the coaches told the girls the next goal could swing the momentum and change the game. Hearing this Faith Graveline swung into action and connected on a great shot from the side of the net to make it 4-1. Waltham  would not go away and kept fighting finally breaking through Walpole's stingy defense to bring it within two with a late score at the end of the second to make it 4-2.

The third period would be mostly Walpole as Faith Graveline who has really stepped up scored her second goal of the game on a hard working goal in front to make it 5-2. Waltham would refuse to roll over and give up and clawed and fought all game only to be kept off the board by Walpole's great line of defense led by Caitlin O'Connor, Nicole Acerra, and Zoe Bergeron.These three girls have played defense all year and have improved so much that the identity of this team is defense first and the goals will come second. Walpole rarely gives up more than two goals a game given in large part to our great goaltending and the great effort and improvement of our defense. Great job girls.

Well we can't talk all defense that would be boring so we needed an offensive play that would lift us out of our seats. Maya "The Wing with the Bling" Shocket would provide that and more with her high light rendition of Guy LaFluer down the right side. Maya was flying, deking the first girl out of her skates at the defensive blue line only to leave the next Waltham player naked at the offensive blue line. Still streaking down the right side hair flying in the wind Maya would get to the top of the circle where she would let go with the patented Guy LaFleur shot.Waltham's goalie would not flinch as she was beat before she could even move, make it 6-2 (WOW). I thought I was at the old Montreal Forum and we had a too many men on the ice when Maya went in motion, what a flashback.Maya also gets player of the game for bringing the house down with such a dazzling show of skill. I hope to see more Maya.Waltham would score an irrelevant goal at the end of the third to end the game 6-3.

February 18th vs Andover
Player of the Game: Zoe Bergeron, Kylie Acerra, Avery McNiff

Walpole Express was back at it Saturday playing up again against an Andover team that is a division above them. The game didn't have much scoring to write about but what an exciting game it was. Walpole was missing four girls and you would of thought they'd be in trouble, but not these girls they never quit.

The first period was fast paced with both teams getting scoring chances. Walpole missed two of those opportunities on two different shots from the point that found there way through many legs and missed wide by inches. Exciting up and down action would follow for most of the remainder of the period when Andover would finally break through Walpole's stella defense on a rebound goal of a Meagan"Tuukka Time" Miranda spectacular save that the girls could not clear and the first period would end 1-0.

More exiting action would follow in the second period as both teams went up and down the ice blow for blow. Playing defense for Walpole were only four girls seeing they were short handed. Nicole Acerra, one of our player of the game Zoe Bergeron, another player of the game Avery McNiff and  Ella"The Roadrunner"Waryas all played outstanding and were everywhere all day. These four players were exhausted but overcame and played stifling defense. The score could have been a lot different had these girls not stepped up. On offense  Makenzie Haughey was playing hard and almost converted on a partial breakaway and ended up flying into the corner on a great hustle play.Right wing Kylie Acerra was also playing great and going to the net hard, she also earned player of the game. The second period would end 1-0.

Walpole would come out hard in the third taking the play right to Andover trying to even the score. At the same time some girls were coming to the bench telling the coaches that Andover's big girl was taking liberties with some of them. So Katie"You'll Feel the Lumbar" Widrow our biggest player took it upon herself to put a stop to it. Katie on her next shift after hearing this through down the big girl at center ice drawing a good hooking penalty. Katie was sticking up for her teammates and got a" that a girl" from the coaches on the bench. We've been teaching the girls to play like a team and stick together and Katie exemplified that, great job. I guess Katie just took the job of muscle on this team. After the girls killed off Katie's penalty it was back to more of the same exciting back and forth hockey. Walpole would get one last scoring opportunity on a Jordan " I leave it all on the Ice" Dwyer attempt from the slot that missed wide by inches. Time would run out on a game where Walpole deserved better, as the coaching staff agreed the girls outplayed Andover. Walpole though would learn a great lesson about sticking together and playing as a team. Great game girls.

Players of the game were Zoe Bergeron, Kylie Acerra and Avery McNiff

February 12th vs Watertown
Player of the Game: Jessi Barletta, Katie Widrow, Makenzie Haughey

Walpole Express was playing down this week against Watertown who is a division below us and the coaches decided it would be a good oppurtunity to move some of the girls up to forward.

Entering the first period the girls were taking the play to Watertown getting numerous chances culminating in a breakaway goal by Lauren "The Giant" Cullity to make it 1-0 early. Walpole then put it in high gear and started rolling as Faith"I Bring It" Graveline started heating up and scored one of her many in the last few games to make it 2-0.Then the goal we've been waiting for all year happened as one of our players of the game Jessi"I Play Big" Barletta scored her first goal of the year on a hard working play in front to make it 3-0. Jessi has been working hard all year and it was good to see all her hard work pay off. Good job Jessi. 

The second period got under way and it was more of the same as Katie"I Bring The Lumbar" Widrow another player of the game started taking control. Playing forward for one of the few times this year she parked herself in front of the Watertown net and let go a nice wrist shot through a crowd  to make it 4-0. Not wanting to be out done Jordan "I Leave It All On The Ice" Dwyer playing defense for maybe the second time this year broke up a play at center ice and took it to the house releasing an awesome wrist shot lower stick side for the score making it 5-0 to end the second period.

Third periods are make or break and Walpole decided to keep the intense pressure on as our third player of the game Makenzie"Fed Ex" Haughey made one of her special deliveries as she netted her third goal of the year on a pretty shot from the slot to make it 6-0. Katie Widrow being at forward for one of the few times this year decided she was not through and took full advantage of this oppurtuniy and netted her second goal of the game on another hard working goal in front. Then it was an all out effort to get Katie the hat trick. She was out there the last shift of the game and came close a few times, but to no avail time ran out on Katie's unforgettable game. Walpole Express played great and the whole team had a lot of fun lets try to continue on with both.

February 9th vs Arlington
Player of the Game: Julia O'Connor, Avery McNiff, Averi Maxwell, Jordan Dwyer

Well the girls were finally playing a team in the lower division as opposed to playing up as usual.  Arlington 10B is in first place in the minor division. This game seemed to be a good opportunity for the girls to get a win and to gain some confidence. In the first period it was all Walpole as they carried the play and got numerous scoring opportunities, many were point blank as they had two breakaways one by Lauren"The Giant" Cullity and another by one of our players of the game Julia"My Play does the Talking" O'Connor. Both got off point blank shots only to come up empty as the Arlington goalie was standing on her head. The coaches instructed the girls to not let up and keep skating the goals would come.Two minutes later the period would end in a 0-0 tie.

Second periods can sometimes be momentum swingers, but the girls from Walpole would do anything to make sure that would not happen as they turned it up a notch and through everything but the kitchen sink at the Arlington goalie. Jordan"Leave it all on the Ice" Dwyer another player of the game and linemate Maya"The Wing with the Bling" Shocket both had door step chances only to have shots squeak out the back door going wide by inches. Walpole just can't seem to get any bounces this year and the girls knew it so they would have to make their own breaks. So Walpole continued to take the game to Arlington playing a great two way game led by one of our other players of the game defenseman Avery McNiff who just continues to impress with her improvement and all out effort. Arlington though would break the stalemate late in the second with a fluke rebound goal that slipped under the pad of our outstanding goaltender Meagan "Tuukka Time" Miranda. The second period would end 1-0 Arlington.

Arlington would  carry that 1-0 lead deep into the third when things would suddenly change for Walpole as our fourth player of the game Averi"City Hall" Maxwell would grab a loose puck at the top of the circle and break in all alone on the Arlington goalie. Little did the Arlington goalie know that this would be a fight she could not win as Averi promptly fired a pea far corner to tie the score 1-1.

From that point on the girls from Walpole would unleash an all out barrage led by a Maya Shocket goaline chance that to this day we still don't know how it didn't go in. Walpole just couldn't buy a break and with the Arlington goaltender doing her finest impression of Ken Dryden circa 1971 the out come was enevitable. So to no avail the game would end 1-1. Walpole deserved better as the girls played great and carried the play all game.This just shows you what good goaltending can do, so we must tip our hat to the Arlington goalie who was spectacular. We are 2-1-1 in our last five games that's 5 points out of 8 not bad so lets keep it up girls.

January 28th vs Needham
Player of the Game: Avery McNiff, Katie Widrow, Serena Prince

Walpole Express U10 was coming off a two game winning streak and was looking to make it three in a row. Needham who they lossed to twice before by one goal were up next and the girls were looking for a big game. Walpole came ready to play and were carrying the play early and was taking it to Needham. Morgan Cunningham who's been playing lights out lately jumped on a loose puck half way through the period and raced in all alone on the breakaway and wristed a nice shot lower corner to make it 1-0. Walpole did not let up and continued to take the game right at Needham when Faith Graveline carried the puck over the blue line and with her head up broke to the net with a strong move and let go a sweet wrist shot to make it 2-0.

The second period was more of the same with Walpole carrying the play when misfortune set in with two bad bounces for Walpole and the game was quickly tied at 2-2 and that score would hold up going into the third.

In the third the girls seemed to tire and could not get off the ice a few times and it cost them as Needham capitalized on two long shifts by Walpole for two scores to make the final score 4-2 Needham. Overall the girls played outstanding the forwards, defense, and goalie all showing marked improvement in positioning and passing.

There were three players of the game Avery McNiff, Katie Widrow, and Serena Prince all back up players (in name only) who are just dying to get in there, and who show up to play whenever called. These three girls played outstanding and the team does not lose a beat when they are called upon. These girls practice hard, play hard, are good teammates, and are an inspiration to the team concept.Keep it up you three the coaches notice your great effort and enthusiasm.

January 22nd @ Northeastern University Women's Intermission

January 15th vs Westwood
Player of the Game: Zoe Bergeron, Nicole Acerra, Faith Graveline, Meagan Miranda

Walpole Express U10 was coming off a shutout win against Belmont and were now facing Westwood and the coaches were stressing to the girls they didn't want to see a let down.They now know what kind of effort it takes to win and they would need to show it again. Walpole had lost 5-0 in their previous meeting with Westwood.

Walpole Express came out strong carrying most of the play throughout the first period with Lauren Cullity,Jordan Dwyer and Maya Shocket playing tenaciously in the offensive zone. On the backend two of our players of the game the tandem of Nicole Acerra and Zoe Bergeron played outstanding stifling defense all game long to go along with the other four defensemen Caitlin O'Connor, Kylie Acerra,Averi Maxwell, and Avery Mcniff who were outstanding. As the play went back and forth you could see this would not be another Westwood romp as the first period ended 0-0.

Walpole Express had improved greatly in five months and their day to day effort at practice looked liked it was finally going to pay off. Walpole came out flying in the second and exploded for three goals by Ella Waryas, Julia O'Connor and Lauren Cullity and Walpole carried that 3-0 lead into the third.

At the beginning of the third the coaches emphasized to the girls that there was twelve minutes left and they needed to finish strong.Well our third player of the game Faith Graveline took it to heart and responded by putting the nail in the coffin with a pretty goal that went top shelf where grandma keeps the cookies.From that point on Walpole played relentlessly trying to preserve the shutout for our fourth player of the game Meagan" Tuukka Time" Miranda who was nothing but spectacular in goal and was an integral part of the girls second shutout win in a row. Great effort and great win your best game of the year, keep it up.

January 7th vs Belmont
Player of the Game: The Team

It's so much more fun to write about a win so I'm going to enjoy this. The coaches all had a feeling before this game that if the effort was there, the results would be there and the girls did not disappoint. In this blog I'm going to give each girl a nickname for this game and maybe a little about what the coaches see in each girl, let's see if we can have some fun. You might have to explain some to them but that will be fun. I think we need more of it going forward. The final was Walpole Express 2 and Belmont 0. The score was one of my kids questions see if they can find out which one. So here we go.

Ella "THE ROADRUNNER" Waryas
Maya "IF I STAY ON RIGHT WING WE"LL SOON HAVE THE BLING" Shocket
Caitlin "JUST CALL ME THE PROFESSOR BECAUSE ON THE ICE I HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS" O'Connor
Julia "I MAYBE QUIET BECAUSE MY GAME DOES THE TALKING" O'Connor
Jordan "CAN SOMEONE GRAB MY EUIPMENT BECAUSE I LEAVE EVERYTHING  OUT ON THE ICE" Dwyer
Kylie "I DON'T CARE IF YOUR 6 FEET DIDN'T YOU SEE THE NO PARKING SIGN IN FRONT" Acerra
Katie "IF YOUR WITHIN REACHING DISTANCE YOUR GOING TO FEEL THE LUMBER" Widrow
Lauren "JUST CALL ME THE GIANT BECAUSE I ALWAYS COME UP BIG" Cullity
Zoe "JUST CALL ME THE VETERAN BECAUSE I DON'T PLAY LIKE A ROOKIE" Bergeron
Jessi " I MAY BE SMALL BUT I PLAY BIG" Barletta
Danae "I MAY NOT BE AROUND FOR THE AWARD CEREMONY SO CAN YOU JUST GIVE ME THE VEZINA NOW" Reager
Makenzie "JUST CALL ME FED EX BECAUSE IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AND I'M GONNA START DELIVERING" Haughey
Averi "JUST CALL ME CITY HALL BECAUSE I'M A FIGHT YOUR NOT GONNA WIN" Maxwell 
Nicole "THE BIGGER THE GAME THE BIGGER I PLAY" Acerra
Faith "JUST CALL ME ICE BECAUSE WHEN I SEE IT I BRING IT" Graveline

and last but not least
Morgan "IF I KEEP PLAYING LIKE THIS THEY"RE GOING TO ASK FOR A BLOOD TEST" Cunningham

The player of the game goes to the whole team for an outstanding effort our goal scorers were Lauren Cullity and  Morgan Cunningham great job. Lets bring it again next week girls.

January 1st vs Wellesley
Player of the Game: Makenzie Haughey, Morgan Cunningham

Well the girls returned to the ice Sunday for a game against Wellesley. Walpole Express was playing up again this week as Wellesley is a division above theirs. Walpole Express has been playing up pretty much all year and would not be deterred as their usual all out effort was on display again. Walpole got on the board first on one of our players of the game Makenzie Haughey's  first goal of the year. She showed great patience in front of the net and banged home a quick shot in the slot for a 1-0 lead. Walpole was again showing their outstanding defense led by Ella Waryas, Kylie Acerra, and Caitlin O'Connor. Danae Reager was her usual force in net stopping two breakaways and multiple scoring oppurtunities to keep Walpole in the lead entering the second period.

Wellesley kept up the pressure in the second and finally broke through with their first score to even it at 1-1. Both teams went back and forth the rest of the period with our second player of the game Morgan Cunningham having her best game of the year. Morgan got an assist on Walpole's first goal and showed her best overall effort of the year. Keep it up Morgan.

The third period proved once again to be Walpoles achilles heel as Wellesley got some fortunate bounces and got two more goals to end the game 3-1.

Starting next week we start playing teams in our division and hopefully we can see some fruits of our labor of playing up most of the year. Great effort girls.

December 18th vs Melrose
Player of the Game: Averi Maxwell, Ella Waryas, Meagan Miranda, Jessi Barletta

Well the girls were playing up again going against the mid-north division leaders Melrose. Walpole started out strong and were holding there own getting all out effort from two of our four players of the game Averi Maxwell and Ella Waryas who were demonstrating to the other girls what non-stop work really means.Melrose got on the board first though on a loose puck in front to make it 1-0 going into the second. Our third player of the game goaltender Meagan "Tuukka Time" Miranda was standing on her head  and kept the game close after making numerous saves on point blank chances and breakaways. Walpole could not muster to many offensive chances and Melrose scored again to make it 2-0 going into the third. Walpole battled hard in the third  with our fourth player of the game Jessi Barletta leading the way with inspired play and great effort from the off wing, but Melrose proved  to be to tough getting three consecutive scores to end the game 5-0.The girls are playing teams in a division above them but are battling hard and should be proud of  their play.

December 11th vs Seacoast
Player of the Game:  Lauren Cullity

The Walpole Express U10 team has been improving game to game as a team, while they have no wins to show for it  their improvement has been encouraging and inspiring to the coaches. Walpole was to face another girls A team sunday and they would be ready to battle, there's no quit in this team and they said bring it on Seacoast. Well both teams came out determined to win in the first period, they both exchanged some early chances and with Danae Reager tending the goal the girls were playing with confidence and drive. Walpole would get some late period chances on hard work from Ella Waryas and Julia O'Connor who rang one off the side of the net. Walpole battled hard late into the first but it was Seacoast who got on the board first to make it 1-0 going into the second.

Walpole would not be deterred as the girls were getting there chances and the D was holding tight led by Kennedy Lawton, Katie Widrow, and Kylie Acerra who are all new on D and are responding with great play and determination. Walpole's hard work paid off mid way through the second period when one of the players of the game Maya Shocket put great pressure on the puck carrier and made the player cough it up. Jordan Dwyer in turn swooped in on the loose puck went down the slot and let a perfect wrist shot go lower corner stick side to tie the game 1-1.

Walpole with such a young squad was playing their best game of the year competing with an A team and carrying a tie into the third period.That's when things went a little south for the girls as they got a few bad breaks and bounces, Seacoast capitilized on those bounces and scored three quick goals to put the game out of reach 4-1. Walpole though would never give up and would never quit as our other player of the game Lauren Cullity scored late in the third on  all out hustle play as she fought off two defenders for a breakaway score on a tremendous shot to cap the game 4-2. Great effort girls.

December 4th vs Needham
Player of the Game:  Nicole Acerra, Caitlin O'Connor

Well the last time these two teams met it was a 1-0 loss for Walpole but was quite a game. This one would be no different. Both teams came out firing trying to take control of the game. Walpole got a few chances early as Julia O'Connor and Ella Waryas both got point blank opportunities on great hustle but were stymied. Needham battled back and got on the board first on a goal late in the first period and carried that lead into the first intermission. Danae Reager was her stella self in goal and kept the team in the game deep into the second..Walpole then caught the break they were looking for when Faith Graveline made a heads up play and fired it on net from the far blue,  the shot confused the Needham goalie and found the back of the net and the game was tied 1-1..Good things happen when you put the puck on net and that held true for Faith and the girls on Walpole. Co-Players of the game Nicole Acerra and Caitlin O'Connor Walpole's defensive duo were broken up for this game to help some teammates out who were new to defense. Both girls were every where on the ice and helped  Walpole  keep the game tied deep into the third. Well this game was so exciting and close you knew it would end on a fluke goal somehow and that's exactly what happened as Needham corralled a bouncing puck at mid ice sped in with two minutes left and scored on a goal that broke off the goaltenders pad after a great save to make it 2-1. Walpole deserved better but this was the most competitive game all year and was a thrill to watch and they should be proud of their all out effort. 

November 20th vs Belmont
Player of the Game:  Meagan Miranda, Kylie Acerra

Belmont was on the schedule for the girls this weekend and they were fired up to get back on the winning side of things. The girls came out playing their game keeping it tight to the vest with defense first. One of the players of the game goalie Meagan "Tuukka Time" Miranda was playing great and backboning the team making numerous saves in the first. But to no avail Belmont got on the board and made it 1-0 at the end of the first period. Walpole would not be deterred though and tied the game on Morgan Cunninghams first goal of the year on a hard working play in front of the net early in in the second period. Both teams went back and forth in the second but our girls seemed to lose steam as an oncharging Belmont team got two quick goals to go up 3-1. In the third period Walpole got their second wind and started their incredible comeback. First our other player of the game Kylie Acerra started a nice passing play by feeding Makenzie Haughey at the top of the circle who in turn fed Kennedy Lawton at the side of the net for the score to make it 3-2. Walpole now had all the momentum and was taking it to Belmont. Walpoles hard work paid off as Lauren Cullity parked behind the net fed a perfect pass out to the slot where Jordan Dwyer wasted no time and one timed it into the net to tie the game 3-3.From there on it was anyones game but time expired in this incredible comeback. Congratulation to the girls on a great comeback and for never quitting.

November 12th vs Newton
Player of the Game:  Caitlin O'Connor, Kennedy Lawton, Katie Widrow

Well the girls were coming off their first big win of the season and the coaches were expecting some more inspired play from the team .They didn't disappoint as they came out flying in the first period and got a couple of goals from center Jordan Dwyer to take a 2-0 lead.She's been listening to the coaches and has been putting all her shots on net which paid off. Her leadership and play should set an example for the other girls. We try to carry over everything we do at practice to the games.We practice well we play well. Newton responded late in the first with their first goal of the game and made it a one goal game. It was a tight game back and forth with our new back up goaltender Meaghan "Tuuka Time" Miranda coming up with some big saves to keep the game close.The girls were getting their typical outstanding defensive play from one of the players of the game Caitlin O'Connor who backs down from no one and considers no girl to big to challenge. She has a great attitude which is only out done by her all out courageous play. Kennedy Lawton playing right wing was another player of the game and had her best game so far playing for the U10 team, she had a few good chances all coming from hustle and hard work and with a few breaks or bounces she would of had her first.The girls seemed to tire as the game went on as Newton started to turn up the pressure and tied the score 2-2 at the end of the second. Our third player of the game Katie Widrow played outstanding on defense and seemlessly fills the void when her numbers called. The team doesn't skip a beat when she's called upon and her desire to learn and her all out effort are only surpassed by her love of the game, and her committment to the team. In the third period the girls seemed to run out of gas as Newton got two unanswered goals and took home the win 4-2.

November 6th vs Reading
Player of the Game: Maya Shocket, Jesse Barletta, Averi Maxwell, Makenzie Haughey 

Well I don't know where to start. Can I just say "WOW".The girls were missing four players this week and were up against a undefeated Reading team. When Reading walked in most of there girls were as tall as our girls mothers. They had all there personalized warm-ups on and looked like the Canadian Women's Olympic Ice Hockey Team.Coach thought we might be in trouble.Well from now on I'll never underestimate these girls. The game once again was a defensive battle which seems to becoming our teams identity. We have the best goalie in the league, we play stifling defense, and we take advantage of our chances when we get them. Well they played that strategy to a tee. The girls went down 1-0 early in the first period but were not deterred and continued to battle hard deep into the third.That's when one of our players of the game center Maya Shocket got on the board with her first goal of the year. Maya was flying all game and played outstanding. The girls were also getting solid play up front from our other players of the game Jesse Barletta, Averi Maxwell,and Makenzie Haughey.These three girls played outstanding and showed all out effort for 3 periods.I must also mention defenseman Avery McNiff who is an alternate but comes to play every time her numbers called.She was never out of position and played great. Avery might be an alternate but if she played regularly could easily be a top 3 defenseman on this team.The score was tied 1-1 and the girls decided they would lose no more.That's when Julia O'Connor scooped up a loose puck at center ice and went in all alone on the breakaway promptly ripping off a perfect shot to the lower right hand corner for the score. The girls were ecstatic but had to be reminded by the coaches the game was far from over. There was still 3 minutes on the board and Reading would not quit. Reading stormed our end the remaining 3 minutes getting called for goalie interference trying to even the score.But the girls were determined not to lose and held on for their first win of the year. For this total team effort and first win they have been promised a Papa Gino's party by the coaching staff. Great job girls.

October 30th vs A/B/CC
Player of the Game: Danae Reager

The girls entered into there second meeting of the year against A/B/CC Sunday. They lost the first meeting 3-2 in a hard fought game.The girls were all fired up and looking for payback. They came out strong in the first period and took an early lead on a hard working goal by Faith Graveline from the right side of the net. It was the second game in a row they scored first and took the early lead.They carried that lead into the second period and were playing lockdown defense led by Averi Maxwell who's repertoire includes all out effort all the time. With her play and commitment she might have that "C" stitched on the sweater soon.But with five minutes left in the second A/B/CC got on the board and tied it 1-1. This was playoff hockey with the fans on the edge of their seats.Walpole then bounced back with a quick goal to make it 2-1 by Julia O'Connor who's starting to pickup her game and is slowly becoming the teams offensive threat. But this period would turn out to be a high scoring one as A/B/CC came back to tie the game before the second period came to an end 2-2.

Entering the third all 3 lines were clicking with a strong game from our 7 year olds line of Jesse Barletta, Morgan Cunningham and Maya Shocket. Maya who was having her best game of the year was controlling the right wing all game long and put in an outstanding performance.The third period turned out to be a test of wills with player of the game Danae Reager playing out of her head with 2 take them off the board saves to keep the game tied deep into the third. But the girls can't seem to catch a break as A/B/CC scored with 7 minutes left to go ahead. Walpole pulled their goalie but just ran out of time in this brewing rivalry.

Early Season Recap

Well, we can't seem to get that elusive first win but the girls are playing better and are real close. Quite a few nail biters lately. While wins don't concern me, I wish we had some it would be great for moral. But we are, what we are, and the girls have a lot of work ahead of them. We keep emphasizing to the girls that they need to play harder, compete more for the puck, and stop watching. While they do need to do that, in reality they are playing extremely well. Most of them don't have much game experience so I think the compete level will go up the more games they play. The coaches will try to institute some more competitive drills in practice. We have a team that is about 70% 8 year olds and younger which is challenging playing in the U10 league. Ten and nine year olds have 2 or more years of experience which is a huge advantage in strength, skill, and development but yet our girls continue to compete which is inspiring. So let’s keep it all in perspective their doing great despite not winning a game.. We were placed in the Mid Division not the Minor which is challenging considering our age but we will meet the challenge as a team and compete. Tough to realize how well you’re playing when you’re not winning. Development wise being in the Mid division is better, tough in the beginning but better. I've already been told by the league this is our division and we won't be moved seeing we are in every game. At the team meeting I said I rather lose every game by 1 than win every game by 7. I still stand by that. I just didn't know it would really happen. (lol) We might be a little behind these teams in skill and development and at a slight disadvantage because of our age but we will strive for excellence and have no excuses. These girls should be proud of the way they've played but with that said we need to go back to work and practice hard and close the gap. We have undefeated Reading this week so it doesn't get any easier.

One other thing I would like to touch base on. The player of the game was instituted to be a fun thing but can sometimes turn into a bad thing. I have to pick a player of the game each week and write a positive blog about the game for the website. The kids enjoy reading about the team, themselves and their teammates. The only thing about this is someone will be picked player of the game first and someone will be picked sixteenth. Tough if you’re picked sixteenth. I assure you all that it will come out even in the end I write everything down. I respect all the girls’ feelings and consider it an honor to coach them. That being said I will spread them out as quickly as possible so no one feels left out or if they’re not good enough. But I will use my experience as a coach to implement this. One example, we had two girls play goalie and both times they won player of the game. Granted they played great and deserved it but that's not why I gave it to them. Think for a second these are little girls who have never played goalie in a game before. You know they're scared probably thinking about it all week. Don't want to let their teammates down, big game, nervous as hell. Well, when she plays great and she wins that honor after the game her self-confidence and esteem skyrockets and that's what it's all about not the award. Letting these girls know they can accomplish anything they put their mind to. Don't be afraid to fail, being a good teammate, trying your best, all the things that come with being a good person and teammate. Now on the flip side one girl might think she deserved it but her teammate got it. Well there's another life lesson to be learned as they grow up. Life is not always fair and things don't always go our way. So compliment your teammate and continue to work hard and have a good attitude. These are some life lessons we want our girls to experience, learn, and figure out on their own. The coaches realize we have a great bunch of girls. I have given out 8 players of the game in seven games doubling up some games to get them out quicker and to spread them around. Trying my best. I gave Danae a second one last game before I gave some girls their first one. I did this for a reason. It falls in the category of coach’s decision see above example. It’s not easy but trust me it will be all good in the end.
On a less serious note the coaches are trying to put together some more fun things for the team stayed tuned.

Thanks,
Bill Acerra

October 22nd vs Lexington/Bedford
Player of the Game: Morgan Cunningham

We were missing a few girls Saturday so the coaches had to rally the troops. The girls came out firing taking their first lead of the season 1-0 in the first period on a nice goal by Julia O'Connor. Julia was flying and played strong all game getting many chances throughout the contest. Morgan Cunningham our youngest player showed great courage by volunteering to take the reins between the pipes. She played outstanding in goal and was awarded player of the game for her effort and commitment to the team.The team played hard but didn't get many bounces to go their way and went down in a hard fought loss 3-1 to Lexington/Bedford. Again Caitlin O'Connor and Nicole Acerra led the way defensively slowly becoming our shutdown defensive combination.The girls seem to be getting more involved than earlier in the season and we as coaches see only good things on the horizon. Great job girls.

October 16th vs Waltham
Player of the Game: Nicole Acerra, Zoe Bergeron

Well the girls got humbled Saturday 7-0 in a game with a powerful Waltham U10A squad. The girls played very hard and never gave up. The coaches have been emphasizing tenacity, drive,first on the puck,team speed, and no watching. In that respect the girls got an A+ from the coaches as they showed all that and more. While they were outmatched skill wise their effort was second to none and they never gave up till that last siren sounded. Leading the way on offense and on the bench was Jordan Dwyer who takes losing to anybody very personal and expressed that to her teammates. She was inspiring to the team competing from start to finish. The defense was led by co-players of the game Nicole Acerra and Zoe Bergeron who  played their best game of the year showing great positioning and all out effort.

October 9th vs Medford
Player of the Game: Faith Graveline

The girls were playing in their fourth game of the season on the road Saturday against Medford. They were shorthanded only having 10 players and came up a little short in the 3-2 defeat. Once again Lauren Cullity led the way with 2 goals and inspirational play as she competed hard for three periods. Faith Graveline the player of the game played her best game of the year creating numerous chances with her none stop skating. Danae Reager was again her solid self in net making countless saves and showing that she could be indispensable to this team. With the team playing well and competing hard that first win should come soon. 

October 2nd vs Needham
Player of the Game: Danae Reager

The U10 girls team played their first home game Sunday and it was a defensive battle. The team came up a little short in a playoff type hockey game 1-0 to Needham.The team came out skating hard and got a couple of chances early by Ella "I play every position well" Waryas. Ella was flying in the first period getting hauled down a couple of times as Needham tried to slow her down. She would get no calls from the refs though, one who happened to be former NHL ref Paul "never owned a whistle" Stewart. This would not deter Ella who just kept skating and fighting and got a few more chances. On the defensive end it was a team effort led by player of the game goalie Danae Reager. Danae made some outstanding saves down the stretch in the third period, one being an upper  blocker save to keep this a one goal game. The defense was outstanding, playing great position and only giving up one goal, all pairings should be commended Nicole Acerra and Caitlin O'Connor, Jordan Dwyer and Jessie Barletta, Maya Shocket and Lauren Cullity. Six defensemen with a combined minus one great work.As long as we keep working hard that first win will come soon.

September 25th vs A/B/CC
Player of the Game: Ella Waryas, Lauren Cullity

The girls were back on the ice for their second game of the season against first place A/B/CC and early on it looked like they might have the same struggles as the first as they got down 3-0.But the team fought back. Leading the way with "OUTSTANDING" goaltending was co- player of the game Ella Waryas. After going down 3-0 Ella received a little help from her best friend, some between period inspiration from the coaches, and in turn went out and carried the team making numerous saves. With Ella backboning the team with stella play the team responded and came out firing in the third. We got our first two goals of the season one by co-player of the game Lauren Cullity who was everywhere in this game and was by far the hardest worker on the ice. The second coming from right winger Jordan Dwyer on a nice deke and tuck. We pulled our goalie to no avail as time expired on this outstanding comeback. The team played outstanding and the coaches could not be happier with their progress. I can just smell our first win it's that close.

September 18th vs Westwood
Player of the Game: Jordan Dwyer

Well the girls were nervous and excited for their first game, as it was the first organized one for most of them and it showed early. The girls went down 3-0 in the first period and were on their heels, but bounced back with a valiant effort through the next 2 periods only giving up 2 more goals the rest of the game. They were led by the player of the game right wing Jordan Dwyer. Jordan gave an outstanding effort and left it all on the ice. Our girls should take a page from Jordan who never gave up.We were strong up the middle with good play from all 3 centers Lauren Cullity, Avari Maxwell, and Kylie Acerra. On Defense Katie Widrow and Julia O'Connor led the way. Danae Reager was great in net and kept us in the game when it could of got ugly. We could not mount much of an offense so we must tip our hat to Westwood who played great defensively. Next game we will be much better with all are butterflies gone.