The Fenwick High School girls hockey team is hoping for a return engagement to the United Center this season. Fenwick advanced to the 2013 state semifinals, losing by a goal to Loyola at the United Center. The Ramblers moved on to defeat New Trier in the championship game.
“My goal is for our team to go back to the state tournament at the United Center,” Fenwick goalie Frankie Flores said.
The Friars cruised past Maine Township 8-2 last week as Rachel Azuma, Maddie Shea and Julia Vara scored two goals apiece. Maggie Conroy and Amanda Seltzer contributed a goal each.
The matchup against Fenwick served as a good learning experience for Maine Township, a team in its first year of existence with players from Maine South, Maine East and Leyden. Conversely, Fenwick has had a program for 11 years.
Flores had 15 saves and also assisted Shea’s second goal of the game when the latter put the puck in the right side of the net on a breakaway play.
“That felt awesome,” Flores said about her assist. “That’s only happened one other time for me this season. It happened the exact same way.”
Seltzer opened the scoring when she put the puck in through traffic in front of the net with 7:21 to play in the first period. The Friars dominated an overmatched Maine Township squad. Conroy capped off the scoring with a goal at the front of the net to give the Friars the 8-2 lead with 2:21 remaining in the third period.
Conroy developed a love of hockey through her two older brothers that both played the game.
“I love the whole team atmosphere,” Conroy said. “The team aspect for hockey is a lot different than other sports. You grow a lot closer to your team and I really like that. You spend so much time with your team and you become closer because of that.”
Encouraged by her dad and older sister, Flores has been playing hockey since she could skate. Flores and her fellow Friars definitely work at honing their craft.
“I like all the hard work we put into everything,” Flores said. “It’s all about our hard work and our teamwork. That’s what makes it fun.”
With returning senior leaders in Conroy, Flatley, Azuma and Helen Susman, the Friars have the talent, experience and chemistry to produce another successful season.
“They’ve been playing great together and moving the puck around,” coach Mason Strom said. “When it’s every girl’s turn to step up, they really do step up.”
“The key is just camaraderie,” Strom said. “Knowing that you’re there for the team, that’s what’s been really successful for us. Everyone loves each other on this team. They’re excited to be here and they have a great time together.”
