By Ken Hamwey

Staff Sports Writer

The King Philip girls ice hockey team is ready to make some noise in the Division 2 State Hockey Tournament.

Coach Ken Assad’s Warriors, who’ve been to the playoffs three times in the last five seasons, have never advanced past the second round during those appearances. But, that situation doesn’t seem to be relevant with his current cast.

“We certainly are hoping to have some staying power,’’ said the 59-year-old Assad. “We’re a very young team but we’ve got some key strengths. Our speed and skating ability are good, our hockey IQs are high, we’re skilled and have depth (four lines). Our goaltending is also an asset and our defense is strong in spite of its youth.’’

At Local Town Pages’ deadline, KP’s record was 14-4 and had a power ranking of 11.

When the coach says his squad is “very young,’’ he’s not mincing words. Assad’s roster of 27 has no seniors, four juniors, seven sophomores, five freshmen and 11 eighth-graders who get playing time. 

Star center/forward Kelly Holmes, who scored 34 goals and assisted on 18 others last year, graduated and finished her career as KP’s all-time points leader. She had 100 goals and 68 assists for 168 points.

Her loss is huge but it didn’t affect the goals Assad set at the start of the season. “Our top objective was to limit the amount of goals scored against us,’’ he said. “After 18 games, our goals-against average was 1.17. Winning the Hockomock League title and qualifying for the tourney were our other goals.’’ 

KP’s win over Stoughton last month gave it the league championship and going to the tourney has been achieved. The league title is the first in the program’s history.

The Warriors two junior captains — goalie Kiki Lynch and center Cameron O’Shea — reflect the talent that Assad has assembled. At Local Town Pages deadline, Lynch had three shutouts and a goals-against average of 1.17.

“Kiki and Cameron are quality leaders,’’ Assad emphasized. “Kiki leads by example and by being vocal while Cameron is respected as a lead-by example captain. Kiki is aggressive in the net, she’s instinctive and her technique is excellent. Her stickwork is excellent and she makes big saves. Cameron can shoot, blocks shots, and leads the attack with her passing. She does all the little things well.’’

Two wings — freshman Annabel Curran and junior Katie McGann — are capable  forwards who can score. Last year, Curran had 18 goals and 10 assists and McGann had eight goals and five assists. After 18 games, Curran is the team’s leading scorer with 17 goals and 12 assists.

“Annabel is a prolific scorer,’’ Assad said. “She’s got speed, a high hockey IQ and skates on our power play and penalty-kill unit. Katie can shoot, is fast, technically sound and can forecheck.’’

Sophomores Tayla McDuff (center) and Ella Morgan (right wing) provide additional depth on the forward line.

“Tayla moves the puck effectively, is sound defensively and wins faceoffs,’’ Assad noted. “And, she’s got a high hockey IQ. Ella is shifty, has good moves, is physical and has a nose for the net.”

Assad has six young forwards who are still developing and improving. The five wings are sophomores Rylan McKillop and Molly Murphy, freshman Tess Dangelo, and eighth-graders Molly Morgan and Chase Bright. Eighth-grader Stephanie Leblanc plays center.

“Rylan is still developing and will be a scorer,’’ said Assad. “Tess is fast, physical and still improving while Molly (Morgan) can get to the net and score. Chase is rangy and can shoot and Molly (Murphy) has speed and can also shoot. Stephanie is a great skater with good hands and has the ability to be a good scorer.’’

Reserve goalies Olivia Klein (sophomore) and eighth-grader Hayden McDuff are continuing to learn the nuances of being net-minders. “Both work hard and are striving to get to the next level,’’ Assad offered.

Four veterans make KP’s defense a major plus. They include junior Grace Leehan-Allen, sophomores Calleigh Brady and Erin Steck, and freshman Lanie O’Shea.

“Grace is in her third season,’’ Assad said. “She’s effective at moving the puck and she’s a very capable shooter and skater. Calleigh started as an eighth-grader. She’s smart, fast, physical and solid on power plays. Erin moved from forward to defense and has done a phenomenal job. A stay-at-home defenseman, she’s got a very high hockey IQ. Lanie is fast, can shoot, plays smart, is physical and knows how to protect the puck.’’

Freshman Caitlyn McManus and eighth-graders Emma Richard and Lizzy Pelky are promising defensemen who continue to develop in their roles.

“Caitlyn is strong and can shoot,’’ Assad said. “Emma skates well and has a high hockey IQ. And, she plays smart on our power play. Lizzy can skate and shoot, and her hockey IQ is still developing.’’

KP’s assistant coaches have been outstanding in their roles. They include Tim Langein (defense) and Kate Holmes (offense). “Both have a wealth of experience and relate well to the players,’’ said Assad. “Tim’s been with me all six years at KP and he also was an assistant at Franklin. Kate is Kelly Holmes’ sister. She played at Northeastern University.

Assad’s coaching background is not only lengthy, but also impressive. He first coached in Franklin’s youth league and later served for 12 years as a junior-varsity and varsity assistant at Franklin High. He also coaches club hockey and helps with Franklin’s summer league teams.

In 1983, it was Assad’s overtime goal that broke a 4-4 tie against Falmouth and gave Franklin High its first state championship. In 2016, as an assistant to Chris Spillane, he experienced another state crown when Franklin defeated St. Mary’s of Lynn. 

Assad relies on a coaching philosophy that emphasizes winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun. “If our players are reaching their potential and enjoying their athletic endeavor, then winning will follow,’’ he said. “And, the life lessons I hope they learn are becoming quality teammates and leaders, overcoming adversity, and developing relationships.’’

Tourney time has arrived and KP seems completely focused. Its tough non-league schedule coupled with demanding league matchups should be the ingredients needed for advancing in the playoffs. Its non-league games came against Martha’s Vineyard, Sandwich, Braintree, Westwood, Dedham, Longmeadow and Smithfield, R.I.

Another plus is the Warriors style — an up-tempo offense, fierce forechecking and a stingy defense.

Let the games begin.