As Madison High School’s girls’ ice hockey team gears up for the 2024-2025 season, there’s a palpable sense of optimism and potential surrounding the program. Coming off a challenging previous year during which they graduated nine seniors, including standout player Mia McSherry, the team is looking to its promising underclassmen to rise to the occasion. Among them are sophomores Athena Halewicz and Brooke Gundlach, whose exceptional play and goal-scoring prowess were pivotal last season. Junior Leah Jobe is also expected to play a crucial role as she transitions into a more prominent position within the team’s lineup. Each of these players showcased their capabilities by scoring goals in nearly every game they played last season, contributing significantly to the team’s overall success with at least eighteen points apiece.
Last season, Madison finished with a commendable record of 9-6, but their journey was bittersweet, culminating in a narrow defeat against Westfield in the Annis Cup Final Round. This close loss has fueled their fire for the upcoming season. Conversations with team captains—including Emma Wirth, Mia Stack, Elizabeth Farrell, and Catie Leary—reveal a group that is not only well-prepared but also brimming with confidence. The team kicked off their season with a scrimmage against Randolph, which served as a strong statement of intent, resulting in a resounding 9-1 victory.
Looking ahead, the schedule is packed with several compelling matchups that could prove pivotal for the team’s growth and performance. They are set to face off against competitive teams such as Newark East Side, Cranford, Princeton, and Pingry. Each of these games presents a unique challenge that the team is eager to embrace, as they believe such competition will only enhance their skills and cohesion as a unit.
While the window between the start of the season and their first scrimmage is relatively short, the team’s chemistry stands out as one of their greatest assets. The camaraderie and mutual support amongst teammates extend far beyond the ice rink, as they engage in team-building activities and spend time together off the ice, thereby fostering a strong and supportive environment.
Furthermore, their commitment to improving their physical abilities is evident in their training regimen. The players regularly attend sessions at The Chatham Club, where they focus on enhancing their agility, strength, and overall athletic performance. This dedication to off-ice training underscores their seriousness about succeeding in the upcoming challenges.
With such a promising start to the season and an enthusiastic roster, there is much anticipation surrounding what this year’s team will achieve. Fans and supporters are eager to see how their skills will translate in upcoming games, and observers can’t wait to witness the journey ahead for the Madison High School girls’ ice hockey team.