GLENS FALLS — “I don’t think anyone’s going to be satisfied unless we win a state title,” said Adirondack United Head Coach Jeff Willis. “I think that’s a pretty bold statement to make, but I know for the girls, that’s the target for them.”
The team’s goal is certainly not unrealistic. Last season, the United fell to Clinton 2-1 in the state championship game. On the whole, the girls’ hockey squad finished its season with a 19-2-0 record. All this despite it being United’s inaugural season.
“Being a first-year program, you’re hoping you can compete,” Willis said. “I could never have expected that we would reach all the way to the state championship final game. We far exceeded any expectations we had in year one.”
Much of the United’s core group will be back this season, including leading scorer Bayley Duffy. “She’s probably the best high school hockey player in New York State,” Willis said. “She had a tremendous year.”
Also returning are forward Lillian Willis (the coach’s daughter), and goalie Ava Reynolds. “She was our number one goaltender last year,” Coach Willis said. “She was the one that got the majority of the starts when we got down to the state playoffs.”
Before competing for this year’s state title, the United will have two opportunities to avenge last year’s loss against Clinton. The rivals will face off on December 22 at the Glens Falls Recreation Ice Center, and then again on January 6 at the Nexus Center.
The team’s first game is on Saturday, December 9 against Beekmantown.
The Adirondack United girls’ hockey team is comprised of players from the Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, South Glens Falls, Hudson Falls, Queensbury, and Corinth High Schools.
