As the 2025-26 season winds down, MassLive is taking a position-by-position look at some of the season’s top high school girls ice hockey players in the state.
Our first list focuses on the best forwards.
We contacted MIAA schools across the state and asked them to have their girls ice hockey coach fill out a survey requesting information about their team. These lists were compiled based on the information provided by the coaches who chose to respond.
Think you belong on this list? Encourage your coach to fill out our survey! If you are an MIAA high school girls ice hockey coach who believes you did not receive a survey, email jhumburg@advancelocal.com. We will continue to add to these lists as appropriate.
Check back soon for the poll in which we’ll ask fans to vote for which of these forwards is the best of the best!
BEST FORWARDS IN MASSACHUSETTS GIRLS ICE HOCKEY
Lauren Albertson, sr., Shrewsbury
Albertson has 10 goals and six assists this season. “A dynamic offensive player with a college-level shot,” Shrewsbury coach Frank Panarelli said. “A two-year captain and a key member of the 2023 state championship team.”
Ava Anderson, sr., Waltham
Anderson is a three-year captain who has continued to excel despite changing positions. “She started the season as one of our top defensemen, but she was moved to forward to provide more scoring depth,” Waltham coach Chris Watson said. Anderson has 10 goals and 10 assists this season. “She is a leader both on and off the ice for our team,” Watson added.
Elizabeth Barnes, jr., Grafton
Barnes is a junior captain with five goals and three assists, but her contributions go far beyond the numbers. “Elizabeth is the definition of versatility and hustle,” Grafton coach Deirdre Burchill said. “She contributes in every situation, whether it’s on the power play or the penalty kill. Elizabeth never stops moving and brings relentless energy every shift. Her work ethic and ability to adapt make her one of the most dependable players on the ice.”
Riley Bergeron, fr., Acton-Boxborough
Bergeron is a freshman who this season reached 100 high school points — she’s been playing since seventh grade, when she had 12 goals and 13 assists for the varsity team. She had 22 goals and 12 assists last season. “Riley loves the game of hockey and takes every opportunity to play, practice or train,” Acton-Boxborough coach Joe Marashio said. “She is a driven hockey player who embraces any role or challenge presented to her with enthusiasm. She is one of the best players I have ever seen in regard to winning puck battles and handling the puck in high-traffic areas. She has great vision, skill and grit.”
Danielle Bowers, sr., Reading Memorial
Reading Memorial coach Carolyn Avery said Bowers grinds every shift. “She forechecks hard and is always willing to go to the dirty area,” Avery said. “She plays a strong physical game.” The senior captain has four goals and 11 assists this season. “Dani is able to pick corners and shoot while also seeing the ice to set up her teammates,” Avery said. “The PK is an area of strength for Dani.”
Casey Buccigross, sr., Weymouth
Buccigross is a team captain who at midseason was approaching 50 points in high school, according to Weymouth coach John Heffernan. “She is on power play and PK,” Heffernan said.
Leah Carson, fr., Medfield
Carson has 42 points as a freshman — 28 goals and 14 assists. “Strong forward who plays all three zones of the ice and special teams,” Medfield coach John Summers said.
Mia Cataruzolo, fr., Milton
Cataruzolo is a freshman who sees the ice extremely well and has a high hockey IQ, according to Milton coach Matt Lodi. “Mia plays a style of game well beyond her high school experience level and provides a dynamic offensive element,” Lodi said. “Mia also plays strong in all three zones, which makes her a complete player.” She has 15 goals and 14 assists this season.
Josie Chang, sr., Winchester
Winchester coach Tommy Scarpa can’t say enough good things about the senior captain and center. “This girl has an engine like no other I’ve coached,” Scarpa said. “Very difficult to play against. Strong on faceoffs and is used in all big situations. She impacts play with her relentless style of hockey.” Chang has nine goals and 10 assists, but the coach said her play doesn’t always find the scoresheet. “The things she does every shift, every game, determine how the game is going be played,” Scarpa said. “This girl is the ultimate teammate and is just a great human being on and off the ice.”
Allie Condon, jr., Hanover
Condon had six goals and four assists through 13 games while serving as a team captain. “Allie gives you everything she has in games,” Hanover coach Danny Dailey said. “She’s a leader and sets the tone with her compete level. The team feeds off her tenacity.”
Meghan Costa, sr., Bishop Stang
Costa plays right wing and was voted captain this season. She has four goals and seven assists. “She skates on our first line and brings great speed to our forecheck,” Bishop Stang coach Bill Theodore said. “Meg plays a hard game and battles in the dirty areas of the ice. A very good PK player and also plays on the top PP unit.” Costa committed to play field hockey for Endicott College.
Callie Crean, jr., Hingham
Crean was unanimously voted captain as a junior. “Hardworking and skilled winger, can get pucks out and score goals at will, great teammate,” Hingham coach Courtney Turner said. Crean has 25 points this season (14 goals, 11 assists), giving her 78 in high school.
Christina Curran, sr., Whitman-Hanson/Silver Lake
“Christina has provided steady leadership as a senior assistant captain,” Whitman-Hanson/Silver Lake coach Robbie Winter said. “The right wing from Kingston has provided spark offensively. She brings a strong work ethic to the rink each day.” Curran plans to attend college to pursue a degree in Sports Management & Analytics.
Payton Curran, so., Reading Memorial
Reading Memorial coach Carolyn Avery had a great quote about Curran: “When Payton is buzzing on the ice, her teammates are, too.” She has 15 goals and eight assists in her sophomore season. “Every game that we scored in, Payton has at least one point, with many multipoint games,” Avery said. “She has speed and grit and can beat anyone in a race. She is the spark plug of energy for our offense.”
Camryn Dematos, jr., Whitman-Hanson/Silver Lake
Whitman-Hanson/Silver Lake coach Robbie Winter calls Dematos the team’s “rock” at center. “She is a standout in all three zones,” Winter said. “She is a leader in the room and on the ice as a junior assistant captain.” Her big moment this season came when she recorded a hat trick at home against Nantucket on Dec. 27.
Jordan DiGiandomenico, jr., Natick
DiGiandomenico had 26 goals and 12 assists last season. She had seven goals and four assists midway through this season. “Excellent skater, great hockey IQ, strong competitor, looking to play in college,” Natick coach Bruce Ihloff said. “She is always targeted and double-teamed as an offensive threat.”
Emma Doucette, seventh grade, St. Mary’s Lynn
That year in school is no typo — Doucette is second on the team with 24 points (16 goals, eight assists) despite the fact she won’t be a freshman in high school for two more years. “Emma is an outstanding player and one of the best players in Mass as a seventh-grader,” St. Mary’s coach Frank Pagliuca said. “She possesses a unique blend of size, skating ability and puck skills that make her an elite player. She always has a smile on her face and is mature beyond her years.”
Ella Duffy, sr., Methuen/Tewksbury
Duffy is a four-year player and a three-sport athlete, also excelling in volleyball and tennis. She has 11 goals and seven assists this season while serving as a captain. “She is a great leader for our team and is a point-per-game player,” Methuen/Tewksbury coach Ryan Sheehy said. “She is dominant in the faceoff circle and sees the ice very well. She brings the energy up and always works hard.” Duffy committed to play volleyball for Worcester State University.
Lana Ermilio, jr., Grafton
The junior captain “has been a true offensive powerhouse for the Gators,” Grafton coach Deirdre Burchill said. “With seven goals and nine assists, she plays a key role in creating scoring opportunities and driving the team’s attack.” Ermilio has many strengths as a player. “Dominant on faceoffs and confident with a strong, accurate shot, Lana consistently helps set the pace and control the game,” Burchill said. “Her intensity and skill make her a major force on the ice.”
Vanessa Federico, sr., Hanover
“Vanessa is a captain who leads the right way on and off the ice,” Hanover coach Danny Dailey said. “She’s a dependable center, outstanding on faceoffs, and she can make plays while still taking care of our end defensively. Vanessa competes every shift and sets the standard for our group with her play.”
Reese Ferrara, sr., Winthrop
Winthrop coach Anthony Martucci has been coaching for 17 years, so this statement really means something: “This is in my opinion one of the best three-zone players I have ever coached.” The center has 12 goals and 12 assists this season. “She is a tremendous skater with great hockey sense,” Martucci said. “She is a Selke Trophy nominee all day long, and she can also score goals.”
Emily Fleming, jr., Archbishop Williams
Archbishop Williams coach Doug Nolan refers to Fleming as the team’s Swiss Army knife. “She plays in all situations for us,” Nolan said. “Her hard work and energy are contagious throughout our team.” Fleming has 17 points in 18 games.
Paige Fowler, so., Dennis-Yarmouth
Fowler plays center and has 27 points in her sophomore season. “Her strengths are her shot and her power to take the puck wide,” Dennis-Yarmouth coach Colleen Myers said.
Kathryn Freeman, sr., Braintree
In her second season as a captain, Freeman has eight goals and six assists. “Heart and soul of the team, a leader by example,” Braintree coach Kevin Burchill said. “She volunteers at a Braintree youth hockey learn to skate and is involved with ‘Best Buddies.’”
Addy Harrington, sr., Duxbury
Harrington is a senior captain and a two-time state champion. She has 37 points this season (15 goals, 22 assists) and 117 in high school. “She is the heart and soul of our team,” Duxbury coach Dan Najarian said. “She leads by example and is a great student and a great person. No one ever has a bad word to say about Addy.”
Abby Hermann, eighth grade, Medfield
Hermann won’t be a freshman until next season, but she has 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists) for the varsity team. “Smart player, hard forechecker,” Medfield coach John Summers said.
Sophia LaFauci, sr., Waltham
LaFauci has 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) this season. “Sophia is a first-line center for the team and plays in all facets of the game,” Waltham coach Chris Watson said. “She helps bring energy and grit to the squad game in and game out.”
Hannah Lasch, jr., Hingham
Lasch has 74 high school points and 21 this season (14 goals, seven assists). “Dynamic 200-foot center with speed,” Hingham coach Courtney Turner said. Lasch committed to play Division I college soccer for Holy Cross.
Madison Lewis, jr., Bishop Stang
Lewis suffered a broken wrist early in the season and recently returned to the lineup. She has two goals and five assists in limited action. “Madi plays right wing on our second line,” Bishop Stang coach Bill Theodore said. “She brings relentless energy and is very proficient around the net.”
Annie Lough, so., Bishop Feehan
Lough has seven goals and four assists this season. “Annie works extremely hard every shift,” Bishop Feehan coach Mike Cripps said. “She is one of the best at forechecking and backchecking. Annie has a good shot and is on the first power play and penalty kill units.”
Sarah Marano, so., Methuen/Tewksbury
In her second season on the varsity team, the sophomore has 15 points (eight goals, seven assists). “She can skate around anyone in this league and sees the ice very well,” Methuen/Tewksbury coach Ryan Sheehy said. “She hustles and is a great person to have on this team. Dominant on the PK.”
Allie Martel, jr., Shrewsbury
Martel leads the team in scoring with 11 goals and 14 assists. “A complete 200-foot player who plays all three zones and brings intensity and skill,” Shrewsbury coach Frank Panarelli said. “A great leader on and off the ice as a junior captain.”
Liv McCormick, so., Hanover
Hanover coach Danny Dailey said McCormick has been “outstanding.” Through 13 games, she had five goals and eight assists. She had seven goals and nine assists in 21 games last season. “She’s a playmaker and makes everyone around her better,” Dailey said.
Genna McDonald, sr., Medfield
McDonald, a captain, has nine goals and 21 assists this season. “Gritty, plays D on power play, great leadership and all special teams,” Medfield coach John Summers said. McDonald plans to study nursing at Fairfield University.
Emily McDonough, jr., Braintree
McDonough is a very versatile player. “She had been playing defense for two years until I asked her to try forward,” Braintree coach Kevin Burchill said. “It has worked.” McDonough is the team’s leading scorer with 11 goals and nine assists. “Tremendous hockey IQ,” Burchill said. “Emily and her younger sister Kate are always on the same page. She will be a captain next year without a doubt.”
Rory McNeil, sr., Wakefield Memorial
McNeil is a five-year varsity player and a two-year captain. She was at 96 high school points as of Feb. 11. “Rory is an all-around player and teammate,” Wakefield Memorial coach Jacqui Mansfield said. “She is always someone you can count on to play every inch of the ice, especially with her incredible backchecking as a center.” She’ll be playing for Roger Williams University next season, and the team will miss her presence. “In the locker room, she is someone her teammates look to when challenged,” Mansfield said. “Her calm and reassuring voice keeps her team centered on the game.”
Olivia Medeiros, jr., Bishop Stang
Medeiros anchors the first line at center and plays on the top power play and penalty kill units. “She has silky smooth hands and a hard, accurate shot,” Bishop Stang coach Bill Theodore said. “Olivia was voted as an assistant captain as a junior. She is very passionate about the game of hockey and just loves being on the ice.” Medeiros has six goals and six assists this season.
Georgia Murray, jr., Bishop Feehan
Murray is a captain as a junior. Bishop Feehan coach Mike Cripps calls her a leader on and off the ice. “There are times when we have Georgia run the first part of practice with edge skating and passing drills,” Cripps said. “Younger players look up to Georgia. She is one of the top forwards in the state because her work ethic is second to none.” The coach said Murray has outstanding hockey IQ and skills, with great speed, hands and shot. “It usually takes at least two players to get the puck away from her,” Cripps said. “Besides our team practices and workouts, Georgia works on her speed and agility with a trainer and probably averages shooting 100 pucks a day at home as well as stick handling daily.” Murray plays mostly center, and she has 14 goals and 13 assists this season, giving her 47 goals and 60 assists in high school. She plans to play hockey in college.
Alyssa Norden, jr., St. Mary’s Lynn
Norden leads the team in goals (22) and points (26) through 17 games. “Alyssa is a power forward with great hands and a quick release,” St. Mary’s coach Frank Pagliuca said. “More importantly, Alyssa is a great competitor and deeply cares about her teammates.”
Julie Pacheco, jr., Bishop Stang
Pacheco (four goals, one assist) plays left wing on the team’s second line. “She has a nice, hard, accurate shot,” Bishop Stang coach Bill Theodore said. “She is a very hard worker and has great offensive skills around the net.”
Alice Peck, sr., Grafton
Peck is a senior captain who played an instrumental role in the rise of the program. “Alice has been the steady force leading the Gators in their very first season,” Grafton coach Deirdre Burchill said. “As the team’s only senior, she has embraced the responsibility of captain with poise and confidence.” She has six goals and four assists this season. “Alice has a knack for scoring unexpected, momentum-shifting goals that spark the offensive push when her team needs it most,” Burchill said. “Her leadership on and off the ice has set the tone for the program’s foundation year.” Peck plans to continue her academic journey at the University of Connecticut.
Abbie Poole, sr., Malden Catholic
The senior captain leads the team with 16 points (seven goals, nine assists). “Abbie is a 200-foot player who excels in all aspects of the game,” Malden Catholic coach Alexa Hingston said. “Her speed and quickness with both her hands and feet are one of the biggest assets she has.” Poole has committed to Endicott College. “When Abbie rises to the occasion, her teammates follow,” Hingston added. “She is a quiet, lead-by-example player whom all teammates look up to.”
Riley Precourt, fr., Dennis-Yarmouth
Dennis-Yarmouth coach Colleen Myers said it’s easy to forget Precourt is a ninth-grader. “She has unbelievable playmaking abilities for a freshman,” Myers said. “She has great vision of the game and is a strong finisher in and around the net.” Precourt has 25 points this season.
Gabby Romiza, sr., Boston Latin Academy/Fontbonne
As of mid-January, Romiza had 19 points this season — 12 goals and seven assists. “Gabby is a fast, smooth-skating forward with quick hands and a great sense of hockey IQ,” Boston Latin Academy/Fontbonne coach Steven Marini said. “She can see the ice to set up scoring chances and has a consistent ability of putting the puck in the net. Gabby plays in all game situations, including even strength, penalty kill and the power play.” According to the coach, Romiza is equally impressive as a person. “Beyond Gabby’s hockey abilities, she is a dedicated teammate who is always hustling and embodying the spirit of a true leader both on and off the ice,” Marini said. “Whether it is mentoring younger players or working on her skills after practice, her dedication to the sport is evident in every stride.”
Sammy Ryan, jr., Methuen/Tewksbury
Ryan is a four-year player as a junior, and she’s the team’s alternate captain this season. She has a team-high 23 points (14 goals, nine assists). “A solid player, always hustling, listening to our feedback and cheering on her teammates,” Methuen/Tewksbury coach Ryan Sheehy said. Ryan plans to play hockey at the next level.
Amelia Serino, jr., Winthrop
The junior left wing has 10 goals and seven assists this season. “An extremely strong player with good size,” Winthrop coach Anthony Martucci said. “She is very fast and has a heavy shot. She is a throwback to the old-school power forwards in the mold of Cam Neely or Keith Tkachuk. Very powerful with a scoring touch.”
Ashley Smith, jr., Bishop Stang
Smith is a center with six goals and three assists this season. “Ashley centers our second line,” Bishop Stang coach Bill Theodore said. “She is a quietly skillful player with a sneaky accurate shot.”
Sabrina Stone, sr., Milton
Stone, a senior captain, has 35 points this season — 17 goals and 18 assists. “Sabrina is a tremendous leader,” Milton coach Matt Lodi said. “She plays a true 200-foot game, leading the team in faceoff percentage as well, and has a +33 plus/minus ranking.” As of Feb. 12, she was four points from 100 high school points. “Despite the totals on the scoresheet, Sabrina will be remembered most for her work ethic, character and team-first mentality,” Lodi said. “She is a role model for other players and the hardest-worker on our team.”
Caitlin Sweeney, sr., Boston Latin Academy/Fontbonne
Boston Latin Academy/Fontbonne coach Steven Marini describes Sweeney as a strong, physical forward who combines speed with the vision to see everything happening across the entire ice. “She makes quick decisions, creating scoring opportunities for her teammates and herself,” Marini said. “Caitlin also plays in all game situations, including even strength, penalty kill and the power play.” Sweeney had seven goals and four assists as of mid-January. Her contributions go far beyond statistics. “Caitlin’s leadership is evident on the ice with her consistent focus, but she shows up as a leader when committing her time to helping the younger players out with further reiterating how to do a drill or creating a welcoming environment in the locker room,” Marini said. “She consistently proves herself as a reliable player on and off the ice.”
Gianna Tassi, so., Boston Latin Academy/Fontbonne
Tassi is described by her coach as a small but powerful forward who uses her speed and coordination to solidify her playmaking abilities. “She is a force on the ice, not afraid to go into any corner with anybody, and has the mindset to win those one-on-one battles,” Boston Latin Academy/Fontbonne coach Steven Marini said. “Gianna is always positive in the locker room, offering words of encouragement and uplifting the team at all times. She sets the tone with her enthusiasm and work ethic, always willing to put in the hard work to better the team.” Tassi had five goals and eight assists midway through the season.
Nayeli Thayer, sr., Milton
Thayer is a captain with 13 goals and 11 assists this season. “Nayeli has the ability to score in a variety of ways,” Milton coach Matt Lodi said. “Her strength in driving the net and scoring goals in ‘greasy’ areas has added an offensive element to our team game. As a captain, she is a great leader and role model.”
Molly Tufts, sr., Weymouth
Tufts will play soccer for the University of New Hampshire. She’s also a captain in hockey. “Very hard worker; plays power play and is a great penalty killer,” Weymouth coach John Heffernan said.
Molly Whittier, fr., Waltham
Whittier has been playing on the varsity team since she was in the seventh grade. “Molly has been one of the top forwards on the team and in our league the past three seasons,” Waltham coach Chris Watson said. “Not only is she the top forward, but she keeps the team excited and lighthearted in the locker room through funny and entertaining antics.” Whittier has 21 goals and nine assists this season, giving her 129 points in high school.
Hannah D’Angelo, sr.; Lauren Perry, sr.; Addi Nee, jr.; Peyton Sowersby, jr.; Emma Nee, eighth grade, Pembroke
D’Angelo has 32 points this season (25 goals, seven assists) and reached the 100-point threshold as a junior. Perry has two goals and 14 assists this season. “She’s in the corners working hard setting up Hannah for goals,” Pembroke coach Bill Flynn said. Addi Nee is at 17-9-26, and Sowersby is at 7-15-22. “They are two hardworking forwards who handle a lot of our penalty kill,” Flynn said. Emma Nee is Addi’s younger sister who plays a key role on the team as an eighth-grader — she has 11 goals and 12 assists.
Elise Musa, jr.; Maceo Walsh, jr.; Addie Murray, fr., Pope Francis Prep
Musa had four goals and nine assists as of mid-January. “Sleek-skating forward who plays a 200-foot game,” Pope Francis Prep coach Chris Connors said. Walsh was at four goals and five assists. “A versatile forward who is always grinding on every shift,” Connors said. Murray had nine goals and nine assists in the first half of her freshman season. “Gritty forward that knows how to put the puck in the net,” Connors said.
Nora Kelley and Kate Schneider, srs., Walpole
Both captains have shined this season. Walpole coach Kim O’Brien described Kelley as a “strong and steady presence at center and 200-foot player.” Schneider had 14 goals at midseason. “Quick, skilled, top goal-scorer on the team right now,” O’Brien said. Schneider plans to play field hockey at Babson College.
Justine Connelly, sr.; Livvy Hicks, sr.; Maggie Ash, so.; Erin Gannon, so.; Abby Presley, so.; Bridget Lewis, fr., Westwood
Westwood boasts a deep and dynamic crop of players at the forward position. “As a whole, the forwards this year have stepped up in every way possible,” Westwood coach Lauren Lopez said. “We are coming off an incredible player graduating and you wonder if everyone can step up, and these girls have. They spend a lot of time in practice working on plays, passing, cycling, shooting and rebounds, and all their hard work translated to the ice.” Connelly and Hicks are the captains and have 18 and 14 points, respectively. Ash has 21 points, Gannon has 16, Presley has 21, and Lewis has 17. “Each of them brings a different dynamic to their lines, and they put it all together seamlessly,” Lopez said.
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