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Beverly Girls Ice Hockey Preview

Last year's record: 7-11

Coach: Fiona Rice (3rd year)

Key returnees: Rachel Konaxis, Sr., Forward; Brianna Jackson, Soph., Goaltender; Rebecca Powers, Jr., Forward.

Key departures: Lauren Bolger, Defense; Elyse Citroni, Forward; Briana Russo, Forward.

Strengths: Team speed. With Salem News All-Star Rachel Konaxis (19 goals, 33 points in 2006-07) and junior Rebecca Powers (6, 11) anchoring the top two lines, the Panthers will look to push the pace. Beverly should also be strong in net with sophomore Brianna Jackson | a Northeast Conference All-Star as a freshman | returning with another year of seasoning.

Concerns: Depth and experience. The Panthers lost five players from their top lines and are looking to fill the gaps with a mix of newcomers and returnees. How quickly they can pick up the squad's defensive and forechecking systems could be a determining factor in the early going.

Coach's outlook: "From what we've seen we'll be a quick team. We'll be a little small but we'll be fast so we're hoping to really pounce on teams. With only two seniors we're a relatively young team and the enthuasism they bring is a big plus."