By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Coach Bruce Ihloff set three goals for the Natick High girls ice hockey team at the start of the season and so far his Redhawks have checked two boxes. But, before the third objective can be checked, more details will be needed on the Division 1 state tournament that’s currently underway.

“Improving daily in practice and in games is a goal the girls have achieved,’’ said Ihloff, who’s in his 11th year as the program’s head coach. Another goal was to win the Bay State Conference’s Carey Division. That’s also been achieved.’’

Ihloff’s other objective was to qualify for the playoffs and go on a deep run. Qualifying wasn’t a problem, thanks to the Redhawks’ 16-3-1 record and its No. 10 power ranking at Local Town Pages deadline. Going on a lengthy run, however, seems realistic but it has yet to be determined. The Redhawks certainly are aiming for better results than last year.

“We competed in Division 1 for the first time last year and got beat, 1-0, in the opening round by a co-op team comprised of Haverhill, Pentucket and North Andover (HPNA),’’ Ihloff recalled. “We had a 12-7-1 regular-season record heading into that game.’’

Records so often don’t mean much in a highly competitive division. And, although the higher ranked HPNA squad won, the outcome could have easily gone either way. HPNA was seeded No. 12 and Natick was ranked No. 21.

It’s a different year now and Natick has a better grip on what Division 1 hockey is like.

“We’ve got a variety of team strengths this year that are important,’’ Ihloff offered. “We’ve got experience and depth, a hockey IQ that’s still improving, and we’re skilled. Our leadership is good, our goaltending is outstanding, and we’re a fast, aggressive forechecking team.’’

Natick’s senior captains — Liz Curley (defense), Maggie Connors (center) and Shaylie Rutledge (left wing) — personify many of the strengths Ihloff lists and he’s upbeat about their leadership styles. 

“Liz and Maggie were captains last year and Shaylie was an assistant captain,’’ he said. “They’ve improved in their roles. They lead by example, by being vocal and are supportive.’’

The 57-year-old Ihloff admires Curley’s coachable nature. “Liz will do whatever it takes to get the team to the next level,’’ he emphasized. “She’s physical, can skate well and is strong. An instinctive player, she’s a defensive defenseman.’’

Connors and Rutledge also get high marks.

“Maggie moved from defense to center,’’ Ihloff noted. “She’s our most all-around competitor. She’s physical, can skate and is a good stick-handler. Her offense has blossomed. Shaylie has improved (14 goals, 14 assists). Her effort is great, her offense is an asset, and she skates fast. Relying on a hard shot, she’s a very good decision-maker.’’

Goaltending is a plus for Natick and that’s because of sophomore Sophia Luoni.

“Sophia started as a freshman,’’ Ihloff said. “She’s got seven shutouts this season and has a 1.00 goals-against average. A butterfly style goalie, she’s got sound skills, fantastic instincts and she makes the big save. She’s vocal in a positive way and she’s one of the best goalies to come out of this program.’’

Sophomore Jordan DiGiandomenico, a first line center-wing, is the best offensive threat on the team, according to Ihloff. “Jordan so far has 22 goals and 11 assists. She gets position, has a hard shot and has a high hockey IQ. Our smallest player, she takes advantage of scoring opportunities and has a knack for the net.’’

Junior Ava Kelley is a second-line center. “Ava’s forechecking is relentless,’’ Ihloff said. ”She’s got lots of energy, creates opportunities and is fast and fearless.’’

Sophomore Izzy Mastrangelo is labeled as “our most dependable and natural defenseman’’ by Ihloff. “She’s smart, is always in position, has speed and she shoots well.’’

Ihloff likes the development that freshman defender Lauren Danahy has displayed.

“She’s got size, is physical, a good skater and she’s fast,’’ he said. “She’s more of a defensive defenseman. A jayvee player last year, she’s learning and improving.’’

Junior Catherine Catchings is a second-line wing who’s very capable. “She’s physical and very effective on penalty kills,’’ Ihloff noted. “She’s embracing a leadership role and has started to find the net.’’

Two assistant coaches have played key roles in the success of this year’s squad. They include Jen Yancey who instructs the forwards and Alyssa Cimino who works with the defensemen. 

“Jen played on the first Natick High girls hockey team in 2000,’’ Ihloff recalled. “She’s in her ninth year with the program and relates well to the players. I coached Alyssa when she played for the Natick Comets at the U-12 level right up to high school. She later played goalie for Wellesley High.’’

Ihloff’s coaching philosophy focuses on his players reaching their potential and enjoying their athletic experience. “If those things occur, then winning usually follows,’’ he said. “And, I try to coach in a way that helps our players learn life lessons. Some of those are overcoming adversity and being resilient, becoming leaders and quality teammates and to be accountable and committed.’’ 

During his previous 10 years as the Redhawks’ coach, he’s guided NHS to eight tournament berths. He’s now helped NHS earn its ninth playoff date.

This time, however, Bruce Ihloff wants a lengthy journey in the Division 1 tourney. If that occurs, it’ll be mission accomplished for the 2024-25 squad.