The girls’ varsity ice hockey team went 3-1 in the 2011 Southfield Holiday tournament. After finishing exams, Middlesex quickly transitioned into “hockey mode” to face four non ISL teams, Kimball Union Academy, Canterbury, Millbrook and Southfield. The weekend proved to be both exciting and competitive as the Zebras faced some tough competition to help them prepare for the season ahead.

            In their first game Friday afternoon against the Wildcats of Kimball Union Academy, Middlesex struggled to find their rhythm. Although they were able to get on the score board seven minutes into the game, they knew they would have to come together as a team in order to sustain the lead. After re grouping in between the first and second period, the Zebras came out determined to shake off the stress of exams and ready to play Middlesex hockey. In the final two periods, MX scored four more goals to Kimball Union’s one. Maddie ’14 finished the game with a hat trick while line-mate Cici’ ’14 contributed a goal and an assist. Senior Eliza capped off the scoring with one minute remaining in the third period and also had two assists. Jordan ’12 helped set up four out of the five goals and defensemen Ashley ’13 and Leah ’15 both had assists as well. Sophomore goaltender Christina made her first career start and was solid in net to help earn the win.

            Saturday morning Middlesex faced a strong and fast Southfield team. The Zebras knew from past history that this game was going to be challenging. Southfield got on the score board three minutes into the game and did not stop applying the pressure for the remaining 12 minutes. They scored two more goals before Middlesex was able to find their momentum and respond with a goal of their own. With five minutes remaining in the period, Maddie ’14 received a pass from line-mates Jordan ’12 and Eliza ’12 and fired the puck past the Southfield goaltender to get MX on the board. Two minutes later, Maddie ’14 struck again with assists from Eliza ’12 and Isabel ’13 to help close the gap. Southfield would score one more time before the end of the period to make the score 4-2. 

            Middlesex stepped on the ice a completely different team for the second and third periods; they skated with a new found drive and determination.  Neither team was able to score in the second, as both Katie ’12 and Southfield’s goaltender were relentless in the net. With ten minutes on the clock in the third, Middlesex’s Maddie ’14 scored her third goal of the game for her second hat trick of the tournament assisted by Jeanie ’13. The Zebras continued to apply the pressure but were unable to get the puck past the Southfield goaltender. With one minute remaining in the game, Southfield was able to score on an empty net to end the night with a 5-3 victory.

             In their third game Saturday evening versus Canterbury, Middlesex had a goal to play three consistent and strong periods of hockey. As soon as the puck dropped in the first period, the Zebras rallied together for an entire 45 minutes of solid play to defeat the Saints 7-2. The victory was an entire team effort, with noteworthy performances from the defensive unit of Leah ’15, Ashley ’13, Brooke ’14 and Jeanie ’13. Junior Eleanor got Middlesex on the score board one minute into the period and would score again in the second. Jordan ’12 tallied two goals and one assist, while Cici ’14 had two goals and one assist as well. Leah ’15 scored her second goal of the season from the point assisted by fellow D partner Brooke ’14. Maddie ’14 had four assists to help the Zebras earn their second win of the tournament. After teammate Eliza ‘12 was injured in the Southfield game, Arushi ’14 left the comforts of her position on defense and moved to the forward line to play a great game on offense. Nell ’14, Hailey ’14 and Maddie M. ’13 all stepped up on the forward line to help Middlesex secure the victory.

            The final game of the tournament against Millbrook proved to be the most exciting. Both teams played a strong 45 minutes of hockey. Millbrook was the first team to get on the score board but Middlesex was quick to respond. Maddie '14 notched two goals while Jordan '12 had a goal (assisted by Cici '14) and two assists to give MX the 3-1 victory. Brooke ’14, Leah ’15, Ashley ’13 and Jeanie ’13 stepped up on defense to shut down the fast and powerful Millbrook offense. Katie ’12 pounced on every puck within a five foot radius. The forward line of Arushi ’14, Eleanor ’13 and Isabel ’13 generated great puck movement in the offensive zone and played smart defensive hockey in the final minutes of the game.

            Middlesex left the Southfield rink ready for a much needed break but excited about what lies ahead for the remainder of the season. The Zebras will return to action on Saturday, January 7 when they travel to Holderness for a 4:00pm game.