NORTHBOROUGH – As the Algonquin Regional High School (ARHS) girls varsity hockey team lace up their skates for the season, they will be on the ice with new faces and a new head coach.
After serving as assistant coach for five years, this season is Tina Beauchemin’s first time taking on the role of head coach.
“Hockey has been part of my life for over 48 years. This is great and I love being able to help mentor the girls and try to give them a little bit of insight and knowledge that I have had over the years,” she said.
Beauchemin added that she is excited to “carry on the vision” former head coach Michael Hodge had for the team.
She noted that she is excited to coach alongside assistant coach Will Downs.
“Second year assistant coach Will Downs stepped in seamlessly last season and immediately bonded with the team and shared some fresh ideas,” Beauchemin said.
ARHS hockey coaches ‘very impressed’ after tryouts
This season is also bringing a new group of young talent, Beauchemin said.
Last season, Algonquin won the Division II State Championship game with a win over Canton.
Losing nine seniors from last season will be a learning experience for the team, said Beauchemin.
“The team was so close and they had so much chemistry and they wanted to play for each other and that’s why we were so successful,” she said.
She and Downs left tryouts “very impressed” with the team, Beauchemin said.
“We are looking forward to mentoring this young group of talent and providing different perspectives and insight for their development. Perhaps we are in a rebuilding year, but we are hoping that our work ethic and determination will carry us deep into the playoffs,” Beauchemin said.
She said players to watch out for this season are Emily Johns, Bryn Domolky, Olivia Bower, Lauren O’Malley and Kaitlin Mathews.
Among Beauchemin’s goals for the season, she hopes to build chemistry “on and off the ice” and play as a team.
“Hopefully we will be as successful as we were last season,” Beauchemin added.
She said this season she is confident that the players will continue their work ethic, determination and commitment to the sport.
“Not only are our players skilled, but dedicated and committed and share a team concept. We really believe we have been successful because our team culture and attitude sets us apart,” Beauchemin said.
The team is currently playing scrimmages, including against Lincoln-Sudbury on Dec. 10.
