December started out rocky for the 12U’s, but rebounding as 2006 begins! December started out with two games with one goal losses to the Huskies (3-2) and Rockford (2-1). But a week later, a rematch with Rockford posted a point for the TI girls with a 2-2 tie with goals from Giovanna Senese assisted by Carolyn Fuwa and Sam Ratty and the other goal was scored by Cara Piazza from Eileen Harris.
The day after Christmas, the 12’s traveled to Connecticut for the Polar Bear Tournament and were ready for the competition. First game was against the Assabet Valley 11's. This was a very good team and the TI girls kept pace allowing only one fluke goal for the 1-0 loss. The second game pitted TI against the Assabet 12U Red Team and again the TI girls played a competitive game posting a 2-0 loss. The team was playing very good hockey and the defense was awesome --- just needed to get some offense going!
The third game was against the Connecticut Northern Lights. TI led the entire game. Senese had two goals, one assisted by Fuwa and one assisted by Katelyn Hodgman. She also had an assist on a goal that Fuwa scored. The TI 12’s won the game 3-2 and felt good about the effort. The final game against the Anaheim Lady Ducks, CA ended in a 3-3 tie and perhaps they could have won but the girls were distracted by the Lady Ducks' pink gloves and sticks!!!!
Although the team did not advance to the playoffs, they played hard and had a great time. The 12’s especially had fun with the TI 16’s as both teams stayed at the same hotel and tried to get to each other’s games. The girls really loved bonding with their team and are looking forward to playing with them in January!
After Connecticut, the 12’s took on the Sabres #2 team and won 3-1. Goals were scored by Senese from Halley Baker; Piazza from Harris and Kelly Micholson; and Randi Fabsits from Piazza and Micholson. This was an important NIHL game as it put the team in third. Three days later another win (2-0) over the Joliet Jaguars with goals scored by Sammi Edelson from Fuwa and Katy Ratty from Hodgman notched a firm 2nd place in NIHL.
Remaining are five NIHL games and a spot in the NIHL playoffs and the Blackhawk Cup. The defense has been super this season, allowing only 44 goals in 30 games under the defensive strengths of Madeline Tank, Jilly Kosteck and Kelly Murray. The girls have also scored 100 goals in those same 30 games. Each of the forwards has contributed to the goal "collection". Lastly, this team is strong because Julie Gunnerson and Stephanie Lemke have been unbelievable in the net. Each has had their share of shut outs and all are looking forward to more great things from them as the season progresses.
