Rams Girls Hockey Looks to be Championship Bride

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. An old saying about what a bride should have on her wedding days, but a saying equally as appropriate with this year's Rams girls ice hockey team.

The "something old" this year is the team's senior class. Led by captains Shelly Barada, Maggie Burke, and Jana Persky, it is one of the most experienced and decorated classes ever to play hockey for New Canaan.

"Something new" are this year's freshman, a class head coach Rich Bulan says is one of the best he's ever had, and definitely the best since the seniors that are headed out at the end of this season. The freshman quintet of Olivia Hompe, Bea Ettler, Madzie Carroll, Julia Corbett, and Bianca Schultz are expected to contribute immediately, with all but Schultz (who is currently injured) already placed in key roles.

"Something borrowed" and "something blue" go together. Prior to last season, the Rams had won three straight state championships, and were eyeing a fourth after defeating rival Darien twice during the regular season (edging them by one goal in each game). Darien took control in the postseason however, beating the Rams by a single goal for both the FCIAC and state titles. If the Rams have anything to say about it, the Blue Wave will only be borrowing the titles for a season.

"We just hope to be there at the end," Bulan said of competing for the division and state championships. "We've developed a big rivalry with Darien; we definitely both want to beat each other. We just want to get back to being king of the hill."

Despite the influx of young talent on the squad, the Rams return all but one player from last season. With the roster currently at 22, Bulan is pleased with the amount of depth his squad will have in a league where each game promises constant action.

A key asset for the Rams will be goalie Charlotte Spitzfaden. Last season Spitzfaden set a league record for shutouts, and looks to top that mark this year.

"Charlotte is a big reason why we're successful," Bulan set of his net-minder. "She's always making great plays and coming up big."

Leading the charge on offense will be junior captain Jana Persky. She'll center the first line, and will be flanked by two freshman at the wing spots. Bulan is looking to her to help the talented freshman develop a rhythm, get comfortable and really come together as a team.

Taking charge of the second line will be senior captain Shelby Barada, and Bulan is expecting more of the same from her; excellent leadership and poise on the ice. She'll also be out there with two freshman, so it will be up to her to get them used to playing high school hockey.

The player Bulan describes as his best skater, Maggie Burke, will lead the Rams on defense.

"She can carry the puck, shoot, and play defense," Bulan said, adding that she'll be a key to stopping the offensive attacks of top squads like Darien, Greenwich, and Ridgefield.

An early season motivator for the Rams is that their next win will be the 300th in the program history.

"It's a nice number," Bulan said of the milestone. "It really shows how many great players and teams we've had over the years."

At the same time, however, the coach is more interested in what's coming up for his current squad.

"We're just very focuses on what's ahead of us," he said. "Right now all our energy is going to Ridgefield on Saturday night."

The Rams face Ridgefield in the season opener at 8:30 p.m. Saturday at Darien Ice Rink.