The U12 Manchester Lady Hurricanes won the GSL II Championship game against the Lady Monarchs 3 to 2 in double overtime Sunday.  The Lady 'Canes came out flying in front of a crowd of loyal MRYHA fans.  For the first time in 3 meetings this season, the 'Canes struck first. Marissa Fifield flew down the right wing at the 7:43 mark of the first period beating the Monarch goalie with a wrist shot to the top corner.  The lead was short lived as the Monarchs marched back and scored 5 seconds later.  Determined, the Lady 'Canes held their composer and played the first period to a 1 to 1 tie.  Fifield again found her stride beating two Monarch defenders before netting her second goal of the game.  This time the 'Canes kept up the pressure with a solid fore check led by Hannah Cote. Erin Joyce collected a rebound off of a shot from Hannah Madden and rang the post denying the 'Canes of an insurance goal. The Monarchs then struck back halfway through the second period knotting the game at two. The second period again would end in a tie.  Kelcey Crawford in net for the 'Canes stood strong in period three turning back shots from all angles. Emma Tufts on a pass from Kaylie DeCosmo came up short on a nice Monarchs save. With standout defensive play from Kerry Chouinard, Madison Earle, Kailah Donovan, and Hannah Curley the game remained tied after the end of the 3rd period.  The game was sent to overtime where both teams had their opportunities. Not being able to capitalize, the teams ended the first overtime tied and headed to their respective locker rooms for a fresh sheet of ice.  The 'Canes went with the hot hand coming out with the line of Fifield, Sarah Garret, and Jenna Mead. Winning small battles at center ice, the 'Canes gained possession of the puck.  Fifield again found herself one on one against a Monarch defender. Cutting to the slot the defender was beat and Fifield blasted the game winner by the goalie and into the net. Fifield's hat trick capped off her MVP performance in leadership.  The game winner came on the heels of a huge team effort. Participating in the excitement were Crystalle Parent and Jennifer Bairam both sidelined with injuries.  The State Champion U12 Manchester Lady Hurricanes will next take on Vermont in round one of the Regional playoffs March 17 at 7:00 PM at Tri Town Arena.

 

Left to Right
Bottom row: Kaylie DeCosmo and Kelcey Crawford

Second row: Coach Glen Fifield, Jenna Mead, Hannah Cote, Kerry Chouinard
Third row: Jennifer Bairam, Erin Joyce, Hannah Curley, Marissa Fifield, Emma Tufts, Madison Earle, Hannah Madden, Sarah Garrett

Back row: Coach Pat Joyce, Crystalle Parent, Coach Greg Bairam Kailah Donovan, Head Coach Darren DeCosmo

 

Congratulations U12 Manchester Lady Hurricanes Tier II State Champions