Chatham-Millburn girls 2021-22 preview: Program looks to replace significant scoring, goaltending

CHATHAM-MILLBURN

Head coach: Kevin Hannon, sixth year.

Division: NJIGIHL

Last year: Chatham finished 4-4 and lost to Morristown-Beard, 6-1 in the semifinals of the NJIGIHL Cup.

Key losses: Molly Coyne, Lauren Arias, Hannah Bedell, Grace Zinn, Cate Gallagher.

Top returners: Kara Groh, D, Sr.; Maddie Jepsen, F, So.; Sofia Jepsen, D, Sr.; Campbell Ragins, D, Sr.; Kate Romano, D, Jr.; Audrey Van Wie, F, Sr.

Newcomers: Ilina McQueen, F, Sr.; Salome Stutchbery, G, So.

Outlook: Chatham-Millburn will have a lot of holes to fill after graduating talented skaters in Coyne, Arias, Bedell, and Gallagher, along with its starting goalie in Grace Zinn.

However, it does have its leading scorer from last year in defenseman Kate Romano (12 g., 4 a.) coming back which should be a good place to start for this team. Seniors Campbell Ragins (2 g., 4 a.) and Kara Groh (3 a.) will be counted on for leadership defensively.

Returning forwards include sophomore Maddie Jepsen and senior Audrey Van Wie. Senior Ilina McQueen is a newcomer who is expected to contribute.

After graduating its goalie in Grace Zinn, sophomore Salome Stutchbery will take over the starting role.

In total, Chatham-Millburn expects to be competitive this season despite the graduation losses over the offseason. The big question marks are how much production it will get out of its forwards, along with how a new goalie will perform. If it can get a positive answer to both of those questions, this team has a chance to put together a very solid season.

E-mail Mike Gurnis at michaelgurnis@gmail.com