Girls’ Ice Hockey
This year’s varsity squad
finished the winter with a respectable 12-10-1 record, though
there were many chances for the team to garner a few more
victories. In the end, Taft competed tenaciously with the best
teams in New England, only to come up just short in most of
those contests. Those crucial 3rd period goals never
materialized for this scrappy, physical team, and this inability
to finish off opportunities haunted Taft in close games versus
Hotchkiss, Cushing, and Berkshire, the three top-ranked prep
school teams. Yet, there was some remarkable scoring prowess
from senior co-captains Nicole Uliasz and Kelly Sheridan, along
with a very solid season for senior Emily Smith in the net.
Sheridan, a gifted forward and playmaker, set a new standard for
assists in one season (34), while Uliasz’ team-leading 25 goals
propelled her to the career record of 108 goals in four years,
just passing Sara Coan’s (’88) 106. Coach Patsy Odden closes out
her exceptional 25-year career with 371 wins, 99 losses, 13
ties, and 3 N.E. Championships.
Boys’ Ice
Hockey
All the superlatives, statistics, and awards could
not quite capture the special triumph of this year’s hockey
team. With a best-ever 20-0-3 regular season record and the #1
ranking in New England, Mike Maher’s fast, united, and powerful
team succeeded at the highest level in this most competitive of
prep school leagues. The team dominated most opponents with a
high-flying offense led by captain Tim Pettit and juniors Ryan
Shannon, Christian Jensen, and Ryan Trowbridge. The season began
with the Lawrenceville Tournament title—thanks to an inspiring
double-overtime victory over Choate in the finals—and included
spectacular wins against very talented teams from Deerfield
(1-0), Hotchkiss (4-1), and Avon (5-1). While the offense
entertained the packed crowds at the Mays Rink, it was also
remarkable team defense that held opponents to 33 goals in 23
games, an improbable 1.43 average per game. Juniors Chris Ries
and Mark Spadaccini shared the goaltending duties, while
defensemen Ryan Sochacki, John McNicholas, Sean Cronin, Mike
Erensen, and Jamie Sifers all had tremendous seasons.
Co-captains Eric Dalton and Pettit deserve much of the credit
for uniting this very talented team which, despite a first-round
tournament loss, accomplished more than the coaches, players,
and fans ever imagined. Mike Maher was honored with the Referee
Asssociation’s Coach of the Year award.
Boys’ Ice Hockey
Housatonic Valley and Founders’
League Champions
Head Coach / Mike Maher
Captains / Eric
Dalton ’00, Tim Pettit ’00
Record 20-0-3
Angier Hockey
Award / Eric Dalton
Coaches Hockey Award / Tim Pettit
Captains-Elect / Christian Jensen ’01, Ryan Shannon ’01, Ryan
Trowbridge ’01
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