Author: Shaggy901516

By The Numbers: Kayla Meneghin

The NWHL announced before the start of this season that the league would be expanding the number of games the teams will play. I want to take a look at the players stats to see how players are taking advantage of the extended schedule and possible expanded roles on their respective teams. Today, we will be looking at sophomore Connecticut Whale forward Kayla Meneghin.

Kayla Meneghin played her college hockey at SUNY-Plattsburgh, where she scored 86 goals and added 102 assists for a total of 188 points in the four years she’s played college hockey. Which is good for 2nd all time in the program’s history! (According to Elite Prospects.) She came into the league signing for the Connecticut Whale.

In her rookie year, you could tell she was learning the ropes, but she did dress for 10 regular season games with the Whale. She did manage to score her first NWHL goal in her rookie season; the New Jersey native did so against the Metropolitan Riveters! She would add an assist during the year as well, and would finish with 2 points. The Whale were unfortunately bounced from the playoffs that year against those same Riveters.

Kayla Meneghin would re-sign with the Whale for a second season, and would see an expanded role, with other key players departing. The Whale would go through some transition, as there was a new head coach to play for. In her expanded role, Meneghin has played a lot better. She’s been floating between the 2nd line and the 1st line in the games she has played this season. Having played 12 games so far this season, and she has already tallied 4 times and added 4 assists on the year. She is tied with Sarah Schwenzfeier for second on the team in terms of goals, and is one of the top 5 point producers for the Whale!

She has absolutely taken full advantage of having an expanded schedule and a bigger role on the team. I think she is primed for many great things for the rest of the year, as there are 4 more games for the Whale to play in the regular season!

Previous By The Number Articles:

Emily Fluke (Boston Pride)

Audra Richards (Minnesota Whitecaps)

Sponsored by:

IMG_20190905_104656

By The Numbers: Audra Richards

The NWHL announced before the start of this season that the league would be expanding the number of games the teams will play. I want to take a look at the players stats to see how players are taking advantage of the extended schedule and possible expanded roles on their respective teams. Today, we’ll be looking at Minnesota Whitecaps forward Audra Richards.

Audra Richards played college hockey from 2012-2016 at the University of Maine. She scored 45 goals and added 25 assists for a total of 70 points, which is good enough for 13th all time, during her four years of college hockey. (According to Elite Prospects.) After a brief hiatus, she signed for the Metropolitan Riveters.

During her rookie year, she played 16 games in which she scored 8 goals and had no assists on the year. She was tied for the team lead in goals with Madison Packer. Also, 6 of her 8 goals came against the Connecticut Whale that season. However, interestingly enough, she was the only player last season to record a hat trick in the NWHL. Her efforts led to her being named an NWHL All Star in her rookie year and she got to showcase her skills in Nashville.

She even scored during the All Star Game!

The Riveters would play the Whale again during the playoffs, and Richards would add 2 more goals for a total of 10 on the year! The Riveters would get bounced in the playoffs by the eventual champions, the Minnesota Whitecaps.

In her second year in the league, the Minnesota native would not re-sign with the Riveters; rather, she would sign for her hometown team, the Minnesota Whitecaps.

She has so far not suffered any “sophomore slumps,” as her prowess for being on the score sheet hasn’t diminished at all this season. Having only played 20 games so far this season, she has found the back of the net 8 times so far. Tying her goal tallies from her rookie season; but also, this season, she has added 9 assists for a total of 17 points. She has already done better points wise than her rookie season.

Her efforts have lead her to be voted to be in her second NWHL All Star Game, this season.

She has definitely taken full advantage of having an expanded schedule. She is primed for many great things for the rest of the year. She possibly can have a legit run at the Isobel Cup. I look forward to what else she can bring to her team with 4 games remaining in the season!

 

Previous By The Number Articles:

Emily Fluke (Boston Pride)

 

Sponsored by:

IMG_20190905_104656

By The Numbers: Emily Fluke

The NWHL announced before the start of this season that the league would be expanding the number of games the teams will play. I want to take a look at the players stats to see how players are taking advantage of the extended schedule and possible expanded roles on their respective teams. The player we are looking at in this case is Boston’s Emily Fluke.

Emily Fluke played for Middlebury College, where she scored 54 goals and added 61 assists for 115 points, which is good enough for 7th all time in points, during her four years of college hockey. (According to Elite Prospects.) She came into the league after a small hiatus from college hockey and signed for the Connecticut Whale.

She had a great rookie year, in which she played 16 games that season. Being a player that can do everything, playing every forward position. She also played on the powerplay and she could penalty kill when called upon. She would go on to notch 4 goals and added 7 assists for 11 points for the season. She played in the playoff game against the Metropolitan Riveters, and unfortunately was unable to get on the score sheet, as the Whale would bow out. The Riveters would go on to win the championship that season. For her rookie year, she lead or was tied for the lead in every major offensive category for the Whale! Incredible.

She would re-sign for the Whale in the off-season, coming back for her sophomore season in the league. She would later be named team Captain, and earned herself top line minutes. She played most of the year with top players like Katerina Mrázová, Nina Rodgers, and Michelle Löwenhielm. Some players might have a dip in their second season, dubbed the “sophomore slump,” however Fluke’s ability to be on the score sheet shined. She played 16 games that season too, in which she tallied 3 goals and added 8 assists for 11 points on the year again.

That season, Fluke would be named an All Star by the NWHL fans and would showcase her skills in Nashville!

In the playoff game against those pesky Riveters, she would get on the score sheet, scoring a goal. Unfortunately, the Whale would bow out against the Rivs again. While she did not lead the team in every major offensive category again, she proved that she was one of the hardest working players on the team, with a complete 200 ft game.

In her third year in the league, she would not re-sign with the Whale in favor of playing closer to home, signing for the Boston Pride.

So far this season, she has played 20 games, mostly on the second line, but that hasn’t stopped the incredible offensive output she is producing. She has tallied 9 goals and has added 14 assists for 23 points so far, and the Pride still have 3 more games to play! She is currently right now producing over a point per game! She’s been skating mostly with Alyssa Wohlfeiler and Mary Parker this season. The line has had incredible chemistry and scoring as it has so far helped the Boston Pride obtain an incredible record of 20-1-0 this season.

She has definitely taken full advantage of having an expanded schedule. She is primed for many great things for the rest of the year. She is primed to have a legitimate run at the Isobel Cup this season! I very much look forward to seeing how she’ll do with the remaining 3 games.

 

Sponsored by:

IMG_20190905_104656

Whale Fall Short Of Sweeping The Weekend

The Whale skated today against the Riveters once again looking to sweep the weekend series. The starting goalie for the Whale would be Brooke Wolejko again. For the Riveters, they would turn to their All Star Goalie Sam Walther again.

In the first period, the Riveters would score the first goal of the game. The goal coming from Leila Kilduff, a little over halfway through the period. It would be her first goal of the season. Assists on the play coming from Mallory Rushton and Rebecca Morse. The period would end 1-0, as the Whale would pour on the pressure. The Whale would lead in the shot on goal department 11-5. Big note that before the Riveters scored their goal, Sam Walther was knocked out of the game and Dana Demartino had to come on in relief.

In the second period, the Riveters would get off to a fast start by doubling their lead. The goal coming from the captain and All Star Madison Packer. It would be her twelfth goal of the season. The assist on the play coming from (Kiira Dosdall-Arena) the goalie, Dana Demartino. 5 minutes later, the Riveters would get another goal, this time from Rebecca Morse, her second point of the game and her fourth of the season. The assist on the play coming from Madison Packer, her second point of the game. 7 minutes later, the Whale would get on the board, the goal coming from their game winning goal scorer last night, Sarah Schwenzfeier. It would be her fifth goal of the season, with the assists coming from All Star Grace Klienbach and Taylor Marchin. However, the Riveters would answer right back quickly as Cailey Hutchison would get one by Wolejko. It would be her third goal of the season, assists on the play coming from Brooke Baker and Ashley Johnston. The period would end with the Riveters up 4-1.

In the third period, both teams would trade chances back and forth but both goalies would shut the door on both offenses. It would take till about 3 minutes left in the game when Whale All Star rookie forward Emma Vlasic would get a goal, to bring the team within two. It would be her second of the weekend and her ninth goal of the season, which leads the team. Assists on the play came from Allie Lacombe and Hanna Beattie. However, that would be the closest the Whale would get, as Dana Demartino was stellar and earned her first professional win.

The goalies were once again spectacular as Sam Walther, who started the game for the Riveters, faced 8 shots and made 8 saves. While Dana Demartino came in relief, she faced 17 shots and made 15 saves. For the Whale, it was Brooke Wolejko who faced 29 shots and made 25 saves.

Fundraisers

For those keeping track at home, Shannon Doyle added 2 blocked shots today, giving her a total of 59 blocks on the year. She is donating a $1 for every block she records for her fundraiser Blocks For Books. Here is the link for those who want to make a donation too:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/1s6bzhbt5c

Kendra Broad did not register a shot on goal today, but she has 29 shots on goal. Please check out the charity that she is fundraising for. She is also donating $2 for every shot on goal for Mental Health Connecticut. Here is a link for those who want to make a donation too:

https://mhconn.networkforgood.com/projects/83116-kendra-broad-s-fundraiser

 

Sponsored by:

IMG_20190905_104656

Whale Secure Victory Via The Shootout

The Whale skated today looking to move forward from the awful weekend they played against the Whitecaps. The opponent tonight was the Metropolitan Riveters. Getting the start for the Whale would be Brooke Wolejko and for the Riveters, it would be their All Star Goalie Sam Walther.

In the first period, it was the Whale who were able to get off to a fast start, scoring early in the game. The goal coming about 2 minutes into the period from the Whale’s All Star rookie Emma Vlasic. It would be Vlasic’s eighth goal of the season, which leads the team. The Riveters would tie the game up 6 minutes later in the period, the goal coming from Kate Leary. It would be her twelfth goal of the season, which is tied for the team lead. The period would end 1-1.

In the second and third periods, the goalies would take over. Both teams would trade chances back and forth but the goalies had all the answers for the shots. Both teams would be unable to take advantage on their power plays. The Riveters had a chance at the end of the game with a late power play but the Whale defense came up big and we would head to overtime once again between the two teams.

In the overtime, the Riveters would take advantage but Wolejko would have all the answers. The game would head to the shootout. During the 65 minutes of play, Wolejko would face 35 shots and made 34 saves. Sam Walther would face 29 shots and she made 28 saves.

In the shootout, it would take 8 rounds until we got a goal, the winning goal coming from Whale forward Sarah Schwenzfeier.

The Riveters and Whale will square off against each other again tomorrow at 430p in New Jersey.

Fundraisers

For those keeping track at home, Shannon Doyle added 4 blocked shots today, giving her a total of 57 blocks on the year. She is donating a $1 for every block she records for her fundraiser Blocks For Books. Here is the link for those who want to make a donation too:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/1s6bzhbt5c

Kendra Broad did not play today, but please check out the charity that she is fundraising for. She is also donating $2 for every shot on goal for Mental Health Connecticut. Here is a link for those who want to make a donation too:

https://mhconn.networkforgood.com/projects/83116-kendra-broad-s-fundraiser

Sponsored by:

IMG_20190905_104656

Whale Recap – A Game To Forget

The Whale once again, skated against the Whitecaps to wrap up thier weekend series.

1st Period Scoring

1-0 Whitecaps: Haylea Schmid, her third goal of the season, almost 2 minutes in the game. Assists on the play came from Meghan Lorence and Amanda Boulier.

2-0 Whitecaps: Jonna Curtis, her tenth goal of the season, at the 12:40 mark of the period. Assists on the play came from Nicole Schammel and Meghan Lorence, her second assist of the game.

Score after 1 period, 2-0 Whitecaps.

2nd Period Scoring

3-0 Whitecaps: Meaghan Pezon, her fifth goal of the season, 20 seconds into the period. Assists on the play came from Jonna Curtis, her second point of the game, and Sydney Baldwin.

4-0 Whitecaps: Allie Thunstrom, her fifteenth goal of the season, at the 3:30 mark of the 2nd period. Assists on the play coming from Jonna Curtis, her third point of the game, and Meaghan Pezon, her second point of the game.

Score after 2 periods, 4-0 Whitecaps.

3rd Period Scoring

5-0 Whitecaps: Allie Thunstrom, her sixteenth goal of the season, and her second goal of the game. She scored at the 7:45 mark of the period. Assists on the play came from Amanda Boulier, her second point of the game, and Lauren Barnes.

6-0 Whitecaps: Nicole Schammel, her tenth goal of the season, and her second point of the game. She scored at the 8:44 mark of the period. The lone assist on the play coming from Haylea Schmid, her second point of the game.

7-0 Whitecaps: Lauren Barnes, her second goal of the season, and her second point of the game. She scored at about the 13 minute mark of the period. Assists on the play coming from Audra Richards and Sydney Baldwin, her second point of the game.

Final score, 7-0 Whitecaps.

Goalies

Amanda Leveille faced 34 shots and made 34 saves for the shutout.

Sonjia Shelly got the start for the Whale, she faced 23 shots and made 19 saves. Brooke Wolejko came in relief, she faced 34 shots and made 31 saves.

The Whale’s next game will be against the Metropolitan Riveters on Saturday January 25th at 630p in New Jersey.

Fundraisers

For those keeping track at home, Shannon Doyle added 3 blocked shots today, giving her a total of 53 blocks on the year. She is donating a $1 for every block she records for her fundraiser Blocks For Books. Here is the link for those who want to make a donation too:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/1s6bzhbt5c

Also, for those keeping track at home, Kendra Broad had 2 shots on goal today, This gives her a total of 29 shots on goal for the season. She is also donating $2 for every shot on goal for Mental Health Connecticut. Here is a link for those who want to make a donation too:

https://mhconn.networkforgood.com/projects/83116-kendra-broad-s-fundraiser

 

Hopefully This Will Make Everyone Feel Better

My family adopted a second dog last weekend. Here are some pictures that will hopefully make everyone feel better. His name is Arlo.

IMG_20200112_140914

IMG_20200114_225511

IMG_20200119_232151_01

IMG_20200119_221600

Well….It Wasn’t A Shutout

The Whale skated today against the defending champion Whitecaps in Minnesota. The starters for the game for the Whitecaps was Amanda Leveille, and for the Whale it was Brooke Wolejko.

In the first period, the Whitecaps got off to a fast start by scoring 2 minutes into the game. The goal coming from Allie Thunstrom, the assists on the play coming from Lauren Barnes and former Whale defender Amanda Boulier. 11 minutes later, the Whitecaps would double their lead. The goal coming from Amanda Boulier, her second point of the game. The assist coming from Jonna Curtis. 3 minutes later, Jonna Curtis would notch a goal, for her second point of the game. Assists on the play came from Amanda Boulier, her second assist and third point of the game; Meaghan Pezon got the other assist on the play. The Whitecaps would take a 3-0 lead after 1.

In the second period, the Whitecaps would once again get off to a fast start. This time it would take 3 minutes to start the scoring in the period. The goal coming once again from Amanda Boulier, it would be her second goal of the game, and her fourth point of the game. Assist on the play came from Nicole Schammel and Audra Richards. After both teams traded some back and forth chances for most of the period, the Whitecaps would tally again with about 3 minutes left in the period. The goal coming from Allie Thunstrom, her second goal of the game. The assists on the play came from Jonna Curtis, her second assist of the game; Kelsey Cline also tallied an assist on the play. Before the end of the period, the Whale would get on the board. The goal coming from their All Star rookie forward Emma Vlasic. The assists on the play coming from fellow All Star Grace Klienbach and Whale newcomer Janine Weber. The period would end with the Whitecaps up 4-1.

In the third period, the Whale decided to make a goaltending change, which saw the departure of Brooke Wolejko and the entrance of Cassandra Goyette. Goyette played some lockdown goaltending as she would face 14 shots and made 13 saves. The Whitecaps would add a fifth goal in the game, a great snipe shot my Meaghen Peronist, her second point of the game. The assist on the play went to Nicole Schammel, which was her second assist of the game. The game would end with the Whitecaps winning 6-1.

Amanda Leveille ended up facing 32 Whale shots and made 31 saves, while Brooke Wolejko faced 19 Whitecaps shots and made 14 saves.

The Whale will once again face the Whitecaps tomorrow at 3p in Minnesota. Questions for tomorrow on whether or not Wolejko or Goyette will get the start for the Whale tomorrow.

Fundraisers

For those keeping track at home, Shannon Doyle added 1 blocked shot today, giving her a total of 48 blocks on the year. She is donating a $1 for every block she records for her fundraiser Blocks For Books. Here is the link for those who want to make a donation too:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/1s6bzhbt5c

Also, for those keeping track at home, Kendra Broad had 2 shots on goal today, This gives her a total of 27 shots on goal for the season. She is also donating $2 for every shot on goal for Mental Health Connecticut. Here is a link for those who want to make a donation too:

https://mhconn.networkforgood.com/projects/83116-kendra-broad-s-fundraiser

 

Sponsored by:

IMG_20190905_104656

 

Whale Earn First Win Of The Season

A quick bit of signing news for the Whale heading into this game, they signed a pair of defenders, Brinna Dochniak and Laurel Hill, who both skated on Saturday.

The Whale skated against their rival Riveters today looking to put an end to their losing streak and getting to a good start for the new year. The starting goalie for the Whale was their hot netminder Brooke Wolejko and starting for the Riveters was their goalie in form, Sam Walther.

In the first period, the Whale got off to a slow start, having been outshot by a margin of 2-1. The Riveters would get the first goal of the game, and it would take almost 15 minutes to get the goal. Riveters All Star Kendall Cornine would get the goal, with the assist coming from fellow Riveters All Star Rebecca Morse. The end of the first would have the Riveters up 1-0.

It would be a quick start in the second period for the Whale as about 3 minutes in, they would tie up the game. Sarah Schwenzfeier would get her third goal of the season. The assist coming from Kaycie Anderson. Both teams would trade chances back and forth, but with less than a minute to go in the period, the Whale would take the lead, the goal coming from Kendra Broad. It would be Broad’s first NWHL goal! The assist on the play came from Brinna Dochniak, in her first game for the Whale. The Whale would take a 2-1 lead into the third.

In the third period, it would take a little over halfway for the Riveters to tie up the game, the goal coming from Kendall Cornine, it would be her second of the game. The assist came from NWHL All Star Captain Madison Packer. Both teams traded more chances back and forth, but with 2 minutes left in the game, the Riveters would take the lead, the goal coming from Brooke Avery. The assists on the play came from Kelly Nash and Tatiana Shatalova. However 40 seconds later, the Whale would tie the game up, the goal tallied by Hanna Beattie. It would be Beattie’s third goal of the season, with the assist coming from Whale All Star Grace Klienbach. The game would go to overtime with the score tied 3-3.

Before the end of regulation, Riveters Mallory Rushton was assessed a checking from behind major and was promptly ejected from the game. So the Whale were on the power play in overtime. It would only take about 2 and a half minutes before the Whale would score the game winner, the goal coming from Kendra Broad, it would be her second of the game.

The goalies were fantastic as Brooke Wolejko faced 40 shots and made 37 saves. While Maryland native Sam Walther faced 26 shots and made 22 saves.

There was more signing news for the Whale after the game as they signed Janine Weber, formerly of the Boston Pride.

Fundraisers

For those keeping track at home, Shannon Doyle added 4 blocked shots today, giving her a total of 47 blocks on the year. She is donating a $1 for every block she records for her fundraiser Blocks For Books. Here is the link for those who want to make a donation too:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/1s6bzhbt5c

Also, for those keeping track at home, Kendra Broad had 3 shots on goal today, including 2 goals. This gives her a total of 25 shots on goal for the season. She is also donating $2 for every shot on goal for Mental Health Connecticut. Here is a link for those who want to make a donation too:

https://mhconn.networkforgood.com/projects/83116-kendra-broad-s-fundraiser

 

 

Sponsored by:

IMG_20190905_104656

Shipping Up To Boston

There were 5 players selected to represent the Connecticut Whale in the NWHL All Star Game in Boston. let’s see who they are:

Whale Forward Grace Klienbach and Rookie Forward Emma Vlasic:

Whale Defenders and original NWHL members Shannon Doyle, Elena Orlando, and Jordan Brickner:

Representing Team Packer will be Grace Klienbach, Elena Orlando!!

Representing Team Dempsey will be Emma Vlasic, Jordan Brickner, and Shannon Doyle!!!

 

CONGRATULATIONS!

 

Sponsored by:

IMG_20190905_104656

2019 Ends For The Whale

The Whale skated again today, looking to build upon their performance yesterday, in which they took the undefeated Boston Pride to a shootout.

In the first period, the Boston Pride got off to a fast start again, scoring first in the game. The goal came a minute and a half into the game and it was scored by Lexie Laing, with the assist on the play coming from Taylor Wasylk. About 9 minutes later, the Pride would double their lead. This time the goal came from the former Whale captain Emily Fluke, the assist once again coming from Taylor Wasylk. The period would end with the Pride heavily out-shooting the Whale and having a 2-0 lead.

In the second period, the trend would continue with Boston heavily out-shooting the Whale and being rewarded for it, immediately. Just 16 seconds into the period, the Pride would get another goal, coming from McKenna Brand, and the assist on the play coming from Jillian Dempsey. 8 minutes later, the Pride would get another goal, shorthanded. Lexie Laing would nab her second goal of the game, unassisted, while on the penalty kill. 10 minutes later, before the end of the period, the Whale would get on the board. Fresh off scoring her first NWHL goal yesterday, Hanna Beattie would get her second career NWHL goal of the weekend. The assist on the play came from Kayla Meneghin, who was back in the lineup today.

In the third period, the Pride once again got off to a fast start, getting another goal within 5 minutes of the period. This time the goal came from Jillian Dempsey, who had 3 whacks at the puck before stashing it home. The assists on the play came from Christina Putigna and Kaleigh Fratkin. 6 mintes later the Whale would strike again, through a chaotic event in-front of the Pride net, Sarah Schwenzfeier would get her second goal of the season. The assist on the play came from Sarah Hughson. That would be the closest the Whale would get, as the Pride would get one back 7 minutes later, the goal coming unassisted from Tori Sullivan. The icing on the cake would be a goal coming from the ex-Whale captain Emily Fluke again. The assist on the play would come from Lexie Laing, it would be her third point of the game.

The goalies were once again on top of their games. Selander was the goalie yesterday for the Pride, today was Victoria Hanson. She faced 30 shots and made 28 saves. The Whale once again turned to Brooke Wolejko and she faced 54 shots and made 47 saves.

The Whale will have next weekend off, and their next game will be on January 11th against the Metropolitan Riveters at 630p.

 

Fundraisers

For those keeping track at home, Shannon Doyle added 1 blocked shot today, giving her a total of 42 blocks on the year. She is donating a $1 for every block she records for her fundraiser Blocks For Books. Here is the link for those who want to make a donation too:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/1s6bzhbt5c

Also, for those keeping track at home, Kendra Broad had 2 shots on goal today, giving her a total of 22 shots on goal for the season. She is also donating $2 for every shot on goal for Mental Health Connecticut. Here is a link for those who want to make a donation too:

https://mhconn.networkforgood.com/projects/83116-kendra-broad-s-fundraiser

 

 

Sponsored by:

IMG_20190905_104656