Liggett girls hockey team remains undefeated
By: GPN Staff on February 25, 2021
https://www.grossepointenews.com/articles/liggett-girls-hockey-team-remains-undefeated/

It was another exciting and undefeated week for girl’s high school hockey in Grosse Pointe.

After having a week off of practice for midwinter break, the Grosse Pointe South Blue Devils came back strong Sunday, Feb. 21, for a 5-1 win over the Livonia Knights at Eddie Edgar Ice Arena. Senior Kamryn Shocker scored four of the five goals for the Blue Devils. Senior goaltender Peyton Steinhebel saw 25 shots. The Blue Devils currently are in third place in the league with a 3-1-0 record. Head Coach Hailee Craig believes her team is taking the right steps forward and improving where it is needed.

“We are excited to keep building on our progress,” she said.

The University Liggett Knights had a busy week with three games. The first was a high-scoring 9-5 win over Ann Arbor Huron-Skyline at Veterans Memorial Ice Arena on Wednesday, Feb. 17. Liggett sophomore Morgan Hamilton scored a hat trick for her team. Other Liggett goals were scored by Giuliana Lufty (1), Natalia Dragovic (2), Elle Quinlan (1), Sofie Ancona (1) and Ava Jacob (1).

The Knights’ next game was played at home at McCann Ice Arena on Friday, Feb. 19, against the Livonia Knights. The final score was 6-1 with goals from Ancona (2), A.C. Doppke (2), Gabrielle Anusbigian (1) and Kendall Zinn (1).

The Knights kept their undefeated streak alive the following evening with an 8-0 win over Brighton-Howell-Hartland. Liggett goals were scored by Guiliana Lufty (1), Quinlan (2), Madeline McKee (1), Emmalyn Stahl (1), Hamilton (2) and Jacob (1).

“Our girls had a good weekend with impressive wins,” said Liggett head coach Greg Paddison. “Offensively, we have all three of our top lines hitting on all cylinders and when our depth players are getting into the game, they’re making the most of their opportunities.

“Defensively, we’ve gotten a bit careless at times with players getting tunnel vision on the offensive side of the puck, but our goalies, Brooklyn Peshl and Logan Merriweather, have been up to the task when they’ve been called upon.”

Paddison said he is proud of how well-rounded and unselfish his team is playing this season.

“Through only five games, every Knights’ player has recorded at least one point and 17 different Knights have found the back of the net.”

The Knights currently stand undefeated, holding the first-place spot in the Michigan Girls High School Hockey League with a record of 5-0-0.

When asked if there were any standout players on his team, Paddison applauded his newest additions to the squad.

“Freshman Elle Quinlan seems to only have two speeds: fast and faster,” he said. “Freshman Sofie Ancona is an absolute force with the puck on her stick and freshman A.C. Doppke has also been a very pleasant surprise, constantly finding herself in the right place at the right time and generating several high-quality scoring opportunities.”

Paddison complimented a number of his players when talking about the season thus far. He said he feels the coaching staff is seeing a well-rounded team, one where each player contributes and buys into their role.

The Knights will attempt to keep their first-place spot in upcoming games versus the Northville Mustangs Feb. 24, Grosse Pointe North Feb. 26, and Plymouth-Canton-Salem Feb. 27.

The Grosse Pointe North Norsemen also play Troy United on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Troy Sports Center. Grosse Pointe South takes on the Northville Mustangs on Sunday, Feb. 28, at Eddie Edgar Ice Arena.