By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

The Natick High girls ice hockey team may be young but it has enough strengths to be a formidable foe in the state tourney. 

Coach Bruce Ihloff’s squad, which had an 11-6-1 record at Local Town Pages deadline,  will be competing in Division 1 for the first time in the program’s history. To the Redhawks credit, the latest power rankings had them listed at No. 23 in Division 1. Thirty-two teams will qualify for the playoffs.

The task will no doubt be challenging but Ihloff likes the attributes that his skaters possess. 

“We forecheck well and have a solid defensive corps,’’ he said. “Our goaltending is good, our team chemistry is a plus and our players are coachable. We have no seniors but rely on four junior captains, eight sophomores and eight freshmen.’’

 Now in his 10th year as Natick’s coach, Ihloff knows what’s needed for a lengthy playoff run. He’s guided the Redhawks into the playoffs six times and his 2022 contingent advanced to the Final Four where it lost to Canton. He won his 100th game last December when Natick defeated Bishop Stang.

“We know that playing in Division 1 will be very challenging because we’ll be facing high-level competition,’’ Ihloff noted. “We’ve prepared for that by scheduling strong non-league teams. We’ve faced Algonquin twice, Arlington Catholic, Bishop Stang, Medway and Notre Dame of Hingham.’’

Ihloff’s three goals at the start of the season were to qualify for the playoffs, compete for the Bay State League’s Carey Division championship, and provide strong efforts against Division 1 opponents in the tourney. The Redhawks have achieved Ihloff’s first two objectives and are now ready for the third.

“They keys for success in the tourney are to be poised and calm, be in good condition, and be mentally prepared,’’ said Ihloff. “It also helps if we get a high seed.’’

Natick’s captains will be playing key roles in the post-season. They include defensemen Elizabeth Curley and Maggie Connors (4 goals and 8 assists) and assistant captains Shaylie Rutledge and Hannah Cohen, who both play wing.

“All four captains promote team unity, communicate well and lead by example,’’ Ihloff said. 

“Elizabeth is well-skilled, has a high compete level and is a solid checker,’’ he added.  “She blocks shots, plays in the slot on power plays and she can be offensive-minded. Maggie is one of our best players. A defensive defenseman, she’s physically strong, is a great skater who can score, and she’s a good back-checker.

“Shaylie played defense but now is at wing on the first line. A very good shooter, she’s smart, has speed and keeps improving. Hannah provides energy on the third line. She’s vocal, always gives a strong effort and is a very effective teammate.’’

Goaltending chores are in the capable hands of freshman Sophia Luoni, who had four   shutouts and a goals-against average of 1.39 at the paper’s deadline. “She’s rock solid,’’ Ihloff offered. “She’s calm, poised and cool. Playing the angles well, her footwork is sharp, she’s confident and very coachable. Sophia is the foundation of our team. When necessary, she makes huge saves.’’

Two freshmen — Jordan Digiandomenico (wing) and Izzy Mastrangelo (defense) — are top-notch talents.

“Jordan has a high hockey IQ, gives great effort and sees the ice well,’’ Ihloff said. “Small but effective, she’s one of our top scorers. Izzy is our most natural defender. She’s smart, disciplined, well-skilled and coachable.’’

Ava Kelley and Elle Ferguson are sophomore centers who are energetic and skilled. “Ava plays on the second line and is a tremendous forechecker,’’ Ihloff noted. “She’s energetic, has a high compete level and outworks opponents. Elle is our first-line center. She sees the ice well, is skilled and instinctive. A good shooter, she picks her sports in the corner.’’

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 to the program.’’

Ihloff, who’s owned and operated JMH Automotive in Natick for 34 years, knows what it takes to achieve success on the ice. When he won his 100th game, he said: “I’m proud of the accomplishment but the credit also goes to our staff and the players who buy in.’’

Natick qualified for tourney play without too much stress and at Local Town Pages deadline the Redhawks were in the mix for the Carey Division title.

Now, the tourney has arrived and the Redhawks are hoping they can compete admirably in Division 1. They may be young and not as experienced as their foes, but don’t discount their talent and ability. 

Or their desire and dedication.