The Bishops keep a positive and fun attitude during their long, demanding season. This year’s youthful squad is the most talented in the Braintree school’s history. The Bishops are hoping to make a long tournament run this year.
So far the hard work and high spirits have paid off. Coming off a 2-18 finish last season, Williams has so far defeated tough teams such as Notre Dame Academy and Ursuline Academy, and rose to 4-1 with a 3-0 shutout of Norwell.
Craig anchors the defense. The senior’s speed and puck handling skills make it difficult for forwards to get by her.
McHale said Craig is an all-around leader.
“On and off the ice, she’s a great kid,’’ he said. “She’s upbeat in the locker room and helps her teammates out on the ice. She’s all around my most skilled player here.
“Cassie sees all the ice. She’s like the quarterback,’’ he said. “She’s a solid player when she brings the puck up and when she dishes it out. She’s not a selfish player. She gets the job done.’’
Craig said she has high hopes for her senior season.
“This year we’re a lot stronger. I can depend on my teammates more,’’ said the 5-foot-2-inch Craig. “A lot of girls are so young, so they need to get used to playing with girls that are seniors. All the girls on our team stepped up real quick.’’
The Bishops have three new faces this year, freshmen Keira Dwyer, Nora Maclaine, and Gen Grasso.
Dywer joins her older sister, junior captain Erin Dwyer, along with sophomore Kerri Bemis, to make up the second line.
“The three new freshmen are really good,’’ said Erin Dwyer. “I like having [Kiera] on the team. We’ve been playing together our whole life, so now we get to play on the same line for high school. We jell well together on the ice.’’
The Dywer duo went to work last week against Norwell, keeping the puck in the attack zone the majority of the game. Speedy Erin launched a goal over the Norwell goalie’s glove to put Williams up, 3-0, in the third period.
