ConVal-Conant Griffins girls’ ice hockey team seniors Hannah Leahigh, Jennae DeShane, Tasha Mcneil, Mackenzie Roy, Abbi Lussier and Kiara Stephenson were joined by their families, teammates and friends for a ceremony to celebrate their senior year before the Griffins’ game against Souhegan Monday night at Keene ICE.

The Griffins were the first to light the lamp with a shot by Sophia Spingola from the right faceoff circle that beat Sabers keeper Maveve McNamara. The second period was a defensive battle, with action on both sides of the ice before Sabers forward Vye Hogdon-Rogers found the back of the net with 38 seconds remaining in the period to tie the game at 1-1. 

The third period saw some of the best hockey of the year by both teams. Battles along the boards intensified as both teams pushed for the go-ahead goal.  The Griffins once again looked to Spingola to provide the offensive spark, as she trickled one through the legs of McNamara for a 2-1 lead. The Sabers answered with an Emily Facey wrist shot that just beat Griffins goalie Olivia Riley. 

Spingola would get her third of the game off a pass from junior captain Aubrey Niemela with 3:50 remaining, but two late third-period goals from Ari Goulet would put them up 4-3. With Riley pulled, the Griffins pushed for the tying goal but ultimately came up short.