Fenwick’s Maddie Shea scored four goals against Evanston on Feb. 21 and two more in a win over Loyola on Feb. 22.
In Friday’s 6-1 win — again over Evanston — Shea had a goal and three assists, a clear indication the senior is “locked in,” according to Friars coach Mason Strom.
“She went through a little slump a few games ago, but she broke out of it,” Strom said. “She is locked in at crunch time of the season right now. She’s really bringing it.”
Fourth-seeded Fenwick (10-6-4) ended fifth-seeded Evanston’s season Friday in Franklin Park, which was part of the Blackhawk Cup tournament. The Friars advanced to play Glenbrook South or New Trier in the state semifinals on March 6.
Shea assisted on goals by sophomore Katie Gobber and senior Gillian Flatley in the game’s first six minutes, setting the tone for a night of attacking pressure by Fenwick.
“When we put in those first two goals, we got really excited and I think it deflated (Evanston) a little bit,” Shea said.
Shea, a resident of Elmhurst and a senior at York, has played on Fenwick’s co-op team for four seasons. She played AAA hockey during her first three high school years.
“This was the first year I wasn’t playing Tier 1 hockey, so I was able to put more into high school hockey, which has been awesome,” Shea said. “I love the team and that atmosphere. There’s less pressure. You really want to win for each other.”
Fenwick took a 3-0 lead early in the second period when Shea took a puck from behind the Friars’ net and went end-to-end with it and scored.
“When she’s at her best, she’s back-checking,” Strom said of Shea. “That’s how you know she’s locked in. When she’s back-checking, and she’s the first person with the puck in the zone and the first person back on defense. That’s when she’s at her best.
“Every time I ask if she’s ready to go, she’s ready. I’d keep her on the ice all game if I could. She’s leading the team by example and leading with her positivity and attitude.”
Shea centered a pass to sophomore Sarah Steadman late in the second period, and Steadman’s slap shot rocketed off the left post and into the back netting to give Fenwick a 4-0 lead.
Evanston (7-13-1) scored its goal early in the third period before Fenwick ended the night’s scoring on a late, unassisted goal by junior Megan Krikau.
“We just took care of business tonight,” Strom said. “We were the fourth seed last year and we lost to the fifth seed, and we wanted to give ourselves a chance to move on.”
Gary Larsen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Twitter @Pioneer_Press
More Top Picks Best Outdoor Dog Kennels