The Charles River 14-1 team has returned home from a fabulous trip to the 2009 National Championships, which took place at the ESL Sports Centre in Rochester, New York.  The squad opened round robin play with a disappointing 1-2 loss to the Maryland Montgomery Blue Devils.  Despite outshooting their opponent 36-28, the team couldn’t get the equalizer, although Captain Natalie Flynn just missed a goal in the third period with a shot from point blank range that deflected off the goalie’s mask.

 

Charles River’s second game was against the Connecticut Mid Fairfield Stars, one of the most talented teams in the tournament.  Charles River attacked from the opening face-off, the club’s aggressiveness leading to several first period scoring chances, but the period ended with the teams still tied 0-0.  Unfortunately, the strong start wasn’t enough, as the team was done in by five second period penalties, which led to three goals and ultimately to a 1-6 final score.

 

Despite the two losses, the team still had a chance to advance, but the undefeated California Anaheim Lady Ducks, who boasted the tournament’s fastest skater and leading scorer (at that time) stood in the way.  Charles River came out absolutely flying – “they had us back on our heels” said the Duck’s coach – and dominated play.  Courtney Turner scored in the second period to offset an Anaheim power play goal in the first, but Anaheim’s goalie managed to keep the game tied 1-1 through the end of regulation.  With exactly two minutes left in overtime, a pile-up in front of Charles River goalie Courtney Davis led to a whistle.  Instead of the expected face-off, players, coaches and fans were stunned to discover that the officials had called for a penalty shot because a Charles River player had unwittingly covered the puck in the crease.  Anaheim’s top scorer did her job, and so Charles River’s tournament ended on a heartbreaking note.

 

In the end, with one point earned for the tie in regulation play in their third game, Charles River finished ninth out of twelve in the tournament. On the ice, the girls fought hard against the best competition in the country and played better every game.  Off the ice, the girls and their families and coaches Brian McColgan, Steve Celata and Chris Cronin thoroughly enjoyed their time together as they shared  a thrilling, unforgettable experience.

Check back soon to see the 14-1's photo album from their National Tournament!