2018-2019

(From the Stanstead College yearbook)

The Stanstead College Spartans Varsity Girls Hockey Team achieved another successful season, winning their 4th NAPHA Championship in a row, this time on home ice in front of a supportive Stanstead crowd. The Varsity Girls learned a lot in 2018-2019. as key players persevered through long-term injuries and the team suffered a very tough weekend in Stowe, losing 4 of 5 early in the season. As the team got healthier by Christmas, we came back in the new year, committed and focused on playing a higher calibre of hockey. The second half was extremely successful on and off the ice, as the girls went 26-2-1. Anfred Naud, won a gold medal at the U-18 World Championships and she doubled up her success by joining Spartan teammate, Marianne Picard with Team Quebec to earn silver at the Canada Games. Dominique Cormier also put in a fantastic tournament for Team Atlantic as well.

By year's end, 10 Spartans earned college commitments at Division I or Canada USports schools, showing that winning games and individual advancement go hand in hand. Clearly, our girls benefit greatly by being so well supported on every level at Stanstead College. We are eternally grateful for tremendous foundation of support we receive from our board, administration, faculty and support staff.

(From the Stanstead College website, October 9th)

VG Hockey: Still a force to be reckoned with

The Varsity Girls Hockey Spartans went 4-0 at the JWHL Showcase at Merrimack College in Andover, Ma. this past weekend.

The coaches are very proud of the team. As the best-dressed team on and off the ice at the tournament, the girls subdued their hecklers quickly, asserting themselves physically and offensively every game. Total goals for, 22, with 5 goals against reveals just how dominant the Spartans were. Capping off the weekend with a 5-1 victory against Ridley College, the Varsity Girls defeated the Boston Shamrocks 6-0, Balmoral Hall Prep 4-2 and New England Hockey Club 7-2, going 4-0 and running their season record to 7 wins and 2 losses.

Julia McLellan posted all four victories in net and was particularly stout against prep rival Balmoral Hall in a 4-2 victory. Emily Holmes (2G + 4A) and Laurence Frenette (3G + 3A) led the way for the Spartans on offence. Leading the team in scoring overall, for the season so far, Tam Thierus (2 +3) and Melianne Reynolds (4+1) were also very dominant throughout the weekend, asserting themselves physically on a consistent basis. Newcomers Anne-Frederick Naud 0 +4), Audrey McCutcheon (3 + 1), Alexia Moreau (3 + 3), Emily Eikleboom (2 + 0) and Emile Fortunato (1 + 3) showed just how strong our Varsity Girls program will be in years ahead, as they all had particularly strong weekends as well. Highlighted by a booming slap shot, top shelf, against the Boston Shamrocks, Emilie Fortunato was rock solid on defense, logging major minutes as she prepares for the final stages of Team Quebec tryouts.

As our season rolls along, its becoming clear that the 2018-2019 Spartans get contributions from every team member. Returning Gr. 12’s Erin Hinch, Julia McLellan, Audrey Choi and Issy Lebrun (0 + 3) earned strong interest from Division I and III programs alike by the end of the tournament. Choi, Hinch and Lebrun were exceptional on the penalty kill, as they refused to give up any goals on 7 PKs over all four games. To date, the Varsity Girls are 95% on the PK this year, having given up just 1 goal over 21 kills overall. On the power play, the girls potted 4 goals on 12 attempts for 33% on the weekend. Overall, the girls are 7 for 34 or 21%. Maintaining a combined special teams % of 110% or higher will lead to great success in the future for sure.

With the eventual return of key players such as Hannah Johnson, Marianne Picard, Jane Gervais and Dominque Cormier, the Varsity Girls are poised to grow into another dominant team for 2018-2019. While we continue to improve our transition game and ability to attack offensively with complete control, more and more girls are playing the game ‘the right way’ by getting head up and making quality plays in all three zones.

Based on the laughter and joking on the bus and in the hotel, this group is developing great chemistry and learning how to have fun together while becoming focused for game time. As our Grade 12 girls start to get a little clearer on their future school destinations, our newcomers are starting to learn what it takes to develop and contribute at this level. We anticipate all 22 girls to earn college advancement opportunities by the end of the 2018-2019 season, a real benchmark for a program like ours. All girls are settling into Stanstead life well, participating in all events, choosing a variety of clubs and excelling in the classroom. As next year’s recruiting season begins in earnest, this current crop of leaders is showing the hockey world that Stanstead College is still the preeminent program in Canada.

We look forward to seeing students and faculty alike attend our upcoming home games against JWHL contenders, The Ottawa 67s next Saturday and Sunday.

(From the Stanstead College website, October 15th)

Spartans Girls hockey split against 67s

It was a solid weekend for the Spartans varsity girls hockey team as we continue to get quality contributions from the entire team.

Despite outshooting the Ottawa Lady 67s 12-4 in the 3rd period and 8-1 in the thrilling 3 x 3 OT, the varsity girls lost in a shootout. Clearly, a tough outcome for our home opener. Goals in game one came from Emily Eikleboom and Ann-Frederick Naud who continue their dominant play this season. Laurence Frenette was a great addition on that line as two-sport sensation Tamara Thierus was with the Stanstead girls soccer team at the CAIS Championships.

Uncharacteristically, the girls took 9 minor penalties, killing 8/9 off the hard work and determination of Erin Hinch and Audrey Choi. Despite a strong 31-save performance by Julia McLellan, the Spartans went 0/5 on the power play and simply could not get the deciding goal past 67s ominous and imposing goalie.

Getting off to a slow start again in game 2, the Spartans started from behind, giving up another early goal in the first period. From that point on, the girls gave Grade 12 standout goalie Julia Mclellan a manageable game, going on to outshoot the 67s 33-12 and outscoring them 5-1 overall in the game.

Returning from her standout performance at the Team Atlantic Championships, Dominique Cormier tallied a goal and 2 assists while her partner Emile Fortunato continued her dominant play with 3 assists, capping off her consecutive 4 pt. weekend. Anfred Naud seems to be getting hot at the right time as she notched her 4th and 5th tallies of the year, narrowly missing the hat-trick on several occasions. Chipping in her customary goal a game, Emily Eikleboom scored the Spartans 4th goal, her team-leading 6th goal of the season over 11 games. Laurence Frenette rounded out the scoring by scoring the 5th and final goal of the afternoon, also her 5th on the season. The Spartans now have 4 players with 5 or more goals and 6 with 4 or more, revealing the depth and commitment to team offense. Sunday also marked the return of a strong power play, as the girls went 2/3 on the game, establishing a lofty 31% PP on the year so far and combined special teams aggregate of 126%, 95% PK.

With the return of Hannah Johnson and hopefully Jane Gervais, we get closer to full health and are extremely eager to take a step up this weekend as we head off to Stowe, Vermont to play in NAHA Showcase against NAHA, Edward Monpetit (CEGEP), prep rival Northwood and OHA’s Tardiff and Junior teams. With a week of positive practice and renewed emphasis on puck control, puck possession and transition, the girls are determined to play their best hockey of the season thus far. Playing former captain and Team Canada standout, Alexi Guay (NAHA White) will be special for our returning and new players alike. The Boston College commit remains an integral piece of Stanstead’s strong tradition of development and competitive success. This game will be a biggest test to date!

Puck drops at 12:30 on Friday in Stowe. Until then, we will continue to improve by playing fast, smart, skilled hockey on the ice and remain steadfast in our care and commitment to each other.

(From the Stanstead College website, October 22nd)

Uphill battles in Stowe for Varsity Girls

On the weekend of October 19-21, the Stanstead Varsity Girls Spartans experienced their worst weekend (results-wise) in quite a while as we lost 4 of 5 in Stowe, Vermont.

Despite an unbelievable 28-save performance by Julia McLellan, our girls gave up a late power play goal to NAHA White with just over 3 minutes remaining in what was a tough, tight defensive battle to that point. Sticking with it, Anfred Naud earned a tremendous breakaway with less than 2 minutes remaining to almost tie the game, narrowly missing on a great save from their goaltender.

From there, the Varsity Girls played a strong CEGEP Eduard Monpetit team to a 0-0 draw until late in the third, when, once again, we gave up a power play goal with less than 5 minutes remaining. The CEGEP rivals, the oldest team in the tournament, capped off the win with an empty netter and went on to win every game of the NAHA Showcase event. Despite losing both games on day one, our girls played hard, challenged themselves every shift. It was simply great to see Hannah Johnson and Jane Gervais return to the line-up after more than 4 weeks off due to injury.

On Saturday, our girls scored 8 goals over two games, defeating Northwood 5-1 off a hat trick effort from Alexia Moreau (2022) and a 2-goal performance from Audrey McCutcheon (2021). In a 4-3 loss in game two against OHA Tardiff, Laurence Frennette (Clarkson, 2021) and Tam Thierus (UNH,2019) were outstanding, carrying the team in come-from-behind efforts of 2-0, 3-1. With less than a minute to go, leading team scorer, Emily “Boomer” Eikleboom came within an inch of tying the game as the OHA player covered the puck with her hand with the puck on the line. A resulting penalty shot taken by Tam Thierus proved agonizingly close.

Sunday showed a desperate need to step our game up as we were thoroughly worked over by OHA’s other team, losing 5-1. Despite outshooting our opponents 27-23, we were out-chanced and outmatched, particularly in the defensive zone. With an open mind and deeper determination, the girls have returned for a hard week of practice and enjoyable weekend off before heading down to Boston to play the East Coast Wizards U19.

(From the Stanstead College website, December 4th)

Varsity Girls Hockey: NAPHA league play last weekend

The Stanstead College Spartans Varsity Girls Hockey Team ran their record to 13-6-1 with 4 wins in NAPHA League play.

Playing games at St. Lawrence University and SUNY Canton, les filles gave up 2 goals on this weekend, outshooting their opponents by an average of 34 to 9 over the four games.

In facing great goaltending and tightly defended net fronts all weekend long, the girls managed to score key goals at key times of each game. Defeating Trinity 3-0, Northwood 1-0, Nichols 3-1 and Hoocsac 6-1, goal scorers on the weekend included: Audrey McCutcheon (2 +2), Laurence Frennette (1 +4), Tam Thierus (1 + 3), Alexia Moreau (3 + 1), Emily Eikleboom (2 +1) and Domique Cormier (1 + 1). Special notable goals include Georgia Bailey (1 +2) and Victoria Mozerolle (1 + 1) who both potted their 1st goals of the season.

Elodie Roy also cashed in her 2nd of the season as well. The Defensive core was especially potent this weekend as Hannah Johnson, Dominique Cormier and Emile Fortunato all collected at least 3 pts. each. Jane Gervais is starting to heat up, after recovering from her knee injury as she collected 1 shutout on the weekend in 2 wins, while Julia McLelland also earned a shutout in her 2 wins.

Next up is a homestand against the Navan Lady Grads this coming weekend before heading off to Brampton for the 2 Nations Cup. The girls had a great weekend, hosted by Coach, Mrs. Corie Jacobson (2 Time National Champion, Clarkson Golden Knights) who showed us all around the wonderful sights of Potsdam, NY, including an amazing meal at Maxfields and a men’s hockey game at Clarkson University future home of Laurence Frennette.

(From the Stanstead College website, December 5th)

Varsity Girls Hockey Spartans Go 4-1 @ Brampton Two Nations cup

In running their winning streak to a season’s best 10 in a row, the Stanstead College Varsity Girls Spartans came up short of advancing to the semi-final of the Two Nations Cup in Brampton, Ontario last weekend

Losing 3-2 in a shootout to the Ottawa Lady 67’s, 2017-2018 Ontario Intermediate Bronze Medallist on Sunday, the girls showed great resiliency all weekend long.

After Julia McLellan (12) played stellar in defeating USA U-19 4th ranked Belle Tire 7-5 in their opening game, the Spartans went on to defeat the Boston Shamrocks 3-2, NAPHA rivals Gilmour Academy 3-2 in OT and RNS 4-2. Anfred Naud (11) capped off an amazing weekend, scoring 5 goals with 4 assists while Audrey McCutcheon (10) and Emily Eikleboom (11) continued their consistent play generating 6 pts. each as well.

Hannah Johnson continues to thrive on as an ‘offensman’, generating 1g and 5a while leading a powerplay that was 3/9 on the weekend.

The Varsity Girls take their 20-6-2 record into Colgate University next weekend as they play 3 games against Rochester Selects Academy U-19, U-16 and RNS. Coach Pimm is particularly proud of the girls performance considering the majority of them had multiple tests, quizzes and assignments to complete in between games.

Given the distance travelled, competition, academic demands, age of our current line-up, this weekend was a crucial character builder for our group. The girls continue to improve their commitment, care and selfless play, clearly getting a little better every day.

One side note: Julia McLellan had been released from Belle Tire 3 times in her life! A real life story of sticking with it—GOOO DUCKWORTH!

(From the Stanstead College website, January 10th)

VG Hockey back in action after break

Over the break, the Varsity Girls Hockey Spartans beat Rice 5-0, tied #4-ranked Willisten (New England Prep) and defeated BB&N at BU Arena. 5-2.

The line of Audrey McCutcheon , Alexia Moreau, Laurence Frenette were dominant, scoring 6 of our 12 goals on the weekend. Marianne Picard has returned from ACL injury and continues to look stronger every game. Julia McLellan has won 16 games on the season, with 3 shutouts and a goals-against average of 0.11. Laurence Frenette (46), RD-Hannah Johnson (27) and RD-Emile Fortunato (24) continue their tremendous point producing season. Eighteen of Emile Fortunato's 24 points have come on 5x5, and she continues to be impossible to play against. Finally, Jane Gervais continues to improve every weekend, coming off a near season-ending injury as she stopped a breakaway in OT with 3 seconds left vs. Williston to preserve the tie.

We get set to host a NAPHA Weekend with games vs King's Edgehill and RNS (2 games each). We currently sit first in our division with a record of 5-0 and look to continue our success towards winning our fourth league championship in a row.

Finally, shout-out to Ann-Frederick Naud, 2020, one of five under-agers playing for Team Canada U18 in Tokyo, Japan. Canada is 2-1 in round robin play so far, defeating Sweden 2-1, Russia 5-1, while losing to USA 3-2. Former Stanstead College standout Alexi Guay was dominant yesterday, generating 1G and 2A in Canada's 5-1 win against Russia.

(From the Stanstead College website, February 4th)

Varsity Girls Hockey: January update

The Stanstead College Spartans Varsity Girls wrapped up their last long road trip of the year, going 4-0 in NAPHA league play in Buffalo, at Nichols Academy on the weekend.

Combining for 18 goals for and 2 against, the Spartans dominated in every aspect on the weekend, running their NAHPA League record to 12 -0-1, securing their 5th regular season title in a row.

This was a good response, after losing our last 2 games of the JWHL Challenge Cup in Arlington, VA., the weekend before. By winning their first 3 games of the Challenge Cup, including a thrilling 4-2 win against NAHA White, the girls dropped an emotional 3-2 quarterfinal game against arch rival, Balmoral Hall, Winnipeg on Sunday in Washington. Monday morning, in a consolation game against Ridley College, the girls got behind 3-0 again, before clawing their way back to tie it, mid-way through the 3rd period. Earning her 10,11, 12th goals of the tournament, Team Canada standout, Shailyn Snow, pushed back in a heavy way, leading Ridley to a 6-3 victory with a 3rd period hat trick. It was the most dominant effort we’ve seen by one player all year, clearly striving to make sure her team beat Stanstead College at least once before her reign at Ridley came to an end. Her performance showed our young group, first-hand, what a world class performance looks like!

As has been the case all season, the girls continue to struggle on Sundays of tournaments, when competitive pressure is at its highest. Despite our depth of young talent, we are learning how important it is to prepare properly and stick together when it matters most. As a team, we are still learning what it takes to compete for each other at the highest level.

Despite our 36-9-2-2 record, there is a sense of underachievement in our group that will serve us well moving forward. Challenges like the upcoming NAPHA Championship and tournaments in the future will provide opportunities for collective growth and improvement moving forward.

The Challenge Cup losses were the 1st two of 2019 as the Spartans finished up gruelling January of three long road trips (Boston, Washington, Buffalo) with a 12-2-2 record. Our young girls have grown so much because our veteran leaders are some of the best kids I’ve ever coached. Buffalo was amazing: our 4th tough weekend in a row and girls knuckled down with 4 decisive wins, a full day of study hall, a cool NWHL spectator experience and some tremendous ‘beats’ on the bus.

Hat Tricks…Shutouts….etc.

Special recognition goes out to Julia Mclellan for winning her 20 and 21st games of the year, Jane Gervais for giving up just one goal last weekend, Anfred Naud and Laurence Frenette for scoring hat tricks of their own over the last two weekends. For Frenette, she earned her 60 and 61st points of the season in Buffalo. Marianne Picard continues her torrid pace upon her return from ACL surgery, generating 18 points over her 1st 12 games.

The Wisconsin commit, is joining Anfred Naud with Team Quebec at the Canada Games in late February, while Dominique Cormier is attending the Games with Team Atlantic as well. With her 32 and 33 points of the season, Hannah Johnson continues to lead a potent group of ‘offensmen’ that includes Emile Fortunato (32), Dominque Cormier (27), Elodie Roy (13), Emily Holmes (12) and Portia Eldaun (6).

Generating offense from the defense has been key to our success all season long. With Tam Thierus, Emily Eikleboom continuing to pitch in, offensively, it appears the Spartans will finish the season with as many as six 20 goal scorers. Tam Thierus is finishing her Spartan career in style, leading on and off the ice with consistency. Her intrinsic drive is second to none.

Coming Up

Varsity Girls taking on NAHA White, at home, on Wednesday, February 6th. Shortly after the break, Stanstead will host the NAHPHA Championship and be striving to win its 4th title in a row.

We are seriously hoping we can use our home ice to our advantage by getting as many students out as possible to watch.

(From the Stanstead College website, February 20th)

Varsity Girls win 4th consecutive NAPHA title

The Stanstead College Spartans Varsity Girls hockey team completed their dominant NAPHA League season by capturing their fourth championship title in a row this weekend, February 15-17, at home, in Pat Burns Arena.

In front of their own rowdy Sparties (Stanstead Students), the Spartans combined for 15 goals versus just 1 against over the three games by defeating Trinity College 6-0, Kings Edgehill 4-0 and Northwood Prep 5-1 in the final. By dominating with their puck possession style of play, the Spartans gave up just 19 shots over three games, giving goaltenders Julia McLelland and Jane Gervais a very manageable weekend.

Led by Hannah Johnson (Gr. 12-Syracuse), 4A; Dominique Cormier (Gr. 11), 2G + 2A; Emile Fortunato (Gr. 11), 3A; Emily Holmes (Gr. 11), 2A; Portia Eldaun (Gr. 11); Elodie Roy (Gr. 8); and Isabelle Lebrun (Gr. 12), the Varsity Girls defence continued their outstanding offensive play by generating several goals from the point. Johnson (38), Fortunato (37) and Cormier (31) continue to lead the offensive punch from the back end, showing their dynamic ability to generate offense on a consistent basis.

Spartans forwards continue to grow as well. Led by Laurence Frenette (Gr. 10-Clarkson), 3G + 3A, the girls high-octane offence was dominant all weekend long: Marianne Picard (Gr.10-Wisconsin), 3G + 3A; Audrey McCutcheon (Gr. 10-RPI), 3 G + 2A; Anfred Naud (Gr. 11), 4A; Tam Thierus (Gr. 12-UNH), 2G + 2A; Audrey Choi (Gr. 12), 1G 1A; Emily Eikleboom (Gr. 11), 1G; Melianne Reynolds (Gr. 11); and Georgia Bailey (Gr. 8), 1G. In running their season record to 40 wins, 10 losses, 4 ties, the Spartans were able to play with the lead all weekend long, relying on all 4 lines, getting complete contributions from everyone.

The weekend was, gratifying and filled with school spirit as players got to showcase their talent while also taking in the Anderson-Bailly Basketball Tournament on College soil at the Mackay Gym as spectators themselves. It was a great weekend to be RED and the girls appreciated the support of friends and family alike.

Latest News

11 Varsity Spartans made Term II (Interim) Honours with Marianne Picard (10) earning Chair’s List, Audrey Choi (12), Hannah Johnson (12), Emile Fortunato (11), Georgia Bailey (8), Elodie Roy (8) earning Head’s List. Earning Honours List were Erin Hinch (12), Julia McLellan (12), Tamara Thierus (12), Jane Gervais (11), Laurence Frenette (10).

Congrats to Audrey McCutcheon (10), Stanstead Varsity Girls latest NCAA Division I Commit. Audrey will be attending RPI in 2020-2021.

Good luck to Marianne Picard, Ann Frederick Naud (Team Quebec) and Dominique Cormier (Team New Brunswick), who are off the Canada Games in Red Deer, AB this week.

Next Up

Girls finish the season with 2 last road trips. Coming up next weekend, the girls head back down to Stowe, VT to play in a 3 game exhibition series against NAHA Red, NAHA White, OHA Juniors. Finishing up in Ottawa, March 2,3, the Spartans finish the season in Ottawa, to play the 67’s Intermediates.