MASSENA - The Massena Central girls hockey team will look to improve on last winter’s 6-11-4 record starting Wednesday night when the Lady Raiders open the 2012-13 season on the road against league rival Canton Central.

“We have a great group of girls, although young, this year’s team does not lack in hard work and hustle,” noted coach Jennifer Gray, who opens the season with a team that features an even mix of returning players and rookies

“With ten new players and only two seniors, it will be an exciting season for us” she added. “We will strive to be competitive each and every game and see where the season takes us.”

While forward Jaclyn Spinner and blueliner Mackenzie Young return as the lone seniors on this year’s squad, the Lady Raiders welcome back a solid nucleus of players who made lead contributions last winter. At forward, that includes juniors Chelsea Streeter and Carlie Leary along with sophomores Bailey Dillabough, Emily Wilmshurst and Mia Jermano. Returning to bolster the blueline corps are junior Shannon Casey and the sophomore duo of Ellen Green and Colleen Besaw.

The Lady Raiders also return a capable goaltender in freshman Maddi Dillabough while eighth-grader Kyrsten Stone is showing potential as a first—year varsity backstop.

Newcomers expected to make an impact at forward for Massena this winter include: freshmen Molly O’Connell, Abbie Paquin, Abbey Paduano and Rachael Davis along with eighth-graders KC Herne and Katie MacCuaig. First-year defensemen working toward regular playing time include junior Kelley Paduano, freshman Shaunnessy LaClair and eighth-grader Bailey Thomas.

Wednesday’s season-opener at the Canton Pavilion begins at 7 p.m. The Lady Raiders make their home debut on Friday against Alexandria at the Massena Arena at 6 p.m.

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