Fontbonne Academy Hopes to Knock off St. Mary's

Ever since day one of training camp, it’s been a contest that’s been circled on the schedule with a heavy black marker for the Fontbonne Academy girls hockey team.

The Ducks, who have managed a fine 7-0-2 start, will take to the ice on Thursday afternoon where they’ll battle No. 1 ranked and currently unbeaten Division 1 powerhouse St. Mary’s of Lynn at Shea Rink. Face-off is slated for a 4 p.m. 

Not only are the Spartans the three-time Division 1 state champions, but they have held an impressive 86-game unbeaten streak, dating all the way back to 2007.

In last year’s showdown at Shea Rink, the Ducks managed to escape defeat by battling to a 1-1 tie against the Spartans.

While the Spartans may still hold the unbeaten streak, they’ve managed to show some chinks in the armor. After struggling to a season opening 0-0 tie against Braintree, the Spartans recorded several impressive wins before tying Norte Dame of Hingham in a 2-2 affair.

“The girls are very excited, but at the same time, they’re loose and relaxed,’’ said Ducks’ coach Bob Huxley. “We’ve had some great practices the past couple of days and all the girls seem to be focused of the task at hand. The girls are relaxed, but they’re also very confident that we can go out and play a strong game against St. Mary’s.”

Leading the way for the Ducks has been the stellar efforts of senior co-captain Taylor Shepherd. Through only nine games, Shepherd has already amassed 26 points, including 20 goals and six assists. While she’s emerged as one of the leading scorers in the state, she’s also currently being recruited by several Division 1 schools.

“Taylor is having a great season, and she’s got such a great shot,’’ said Huxley. “She’s a great skater and she has many ways to beat you. She’s definitely taken charge of things, and she’s having a very strong year.”

Also among the league leading scorers in the Catholic Conference are Erin McLoughlin, Liz Coleman and McKenna Russell. Coleman, who’s also Shepherd’s mate on the first line, has recorded 18 points (3-15-18) followed by Russell, who’s positioned on Huxley’s second line with 14 points (6-8-14). Other contributors on the offensive end include McLoughlin, also on Huxley’s top scoring line. McLoughlin has posted a stellar season, recording four goals and eight assists for 12 points.

Serving on Huxley’s third line are Kelly Downie, Kayanna Ham and Paige Frabetti-Merlino.

“I’ve been very pleased with the way all three scoring lines have played this season,’’ said Huxley. “Any one of those three lines can really put the puck in the net. Even though we have like three our four top scorers, we’ve had a lot of contributors this season.”

For defenders, the Ducks are led by senior co-captain and Stoughton native Meghan Collins followed by Michelle Barrett followed by Erin Ferrara and Kristen McCarthy.

“All four defensemen have played very well for us this season,’’ said Huxley. “They’ve managed to do a pretty great job keeping the puck out of the zone as well as puck possession.”

As for goaltending, Huxley has used both Sam Curley and Milton native Lan Crofton, but is leaning towards Curley.

“Both goalies have done a great job for us this season,’’ said Huxley. “They’ve come through for us in the clutch with some key saves. (Curley) has had two shutouts this season, and both of them have been excellent for us.”

For the Ducks to have a chance to upend the mighty Spartans, Huxley is well aware that puck possession and capitalizing on scoring opportunities are essential.

“We have to do a great job with the puck possession,’’ said Huxley. “We have to be very smart with what we do with the puck, and we can’t be careless with it. We have to get out to a strong start, and take advantage of our opportunities.”

Huxley is also aware that the Ducks must have a strong start to maintain their edge against the Spartans.

“We’ve gotten off to slow starts in a couple of games this season, but we have to be consistent for all three periods,’’ said Huxley. “There isn’t really any margin for error against a team like St. Mary’s.”

With an expected capacity crowd on hand, Huxley remains optimistic of the Ducks chances to knock off the Spartans’ historic 86-game unbeaten streak.

“It’s going to be a tournament like atmosphere on (Thursday),’’ said Huxley. “It’s probably going to be at capacity and the girls are excited about it. We’ve had a (week) to prepare for this game, and the girls are loose and relaxed, but at the same they’re very excited and they can’t wait.”