Hockey Coverage, presented by Natalie Marsh:
Shut Down Hockey: Westwood Silences Division 1 Natick

January 19, 2026
 
The Westwood girls hockey team took on the Natick Red Hawks, a tough Division 1 team ranked 14th in the MIAA power rankings with an 8–2–0 record.
 
From the very start, it was clear this was going to be a battle. Both goalies came up big in the first period, making save after save. Westwood goalie Jennifer Lin was locked in, stopping five strong scoring chances, while Natick’s goalie was just as busy, turning away 13 shots. The line of Maggie Ash, Abby Presley, and Bridget Lewis moved the puck well in the offensive zone and worked hard defensively, constantly backchecking and making smart plays. After a fast-paced first 15 minutes, the game remained scoreless at 0–0.
 
Westwood came out flying in the second period, ready to put one on the board. While on the penalty kill, Erin Gannon made a huge play by stealing the puck from a Natick defenseman. With help from Ciara Shevory, Gannon snapped a shot into the lower right corner of the net to give Westwood the lead. The momentum stayed with the Wolverines as the line of Justine Connelly, Livvy Hicks, and Erin Gannon continued to pressure Natick. Hicks fired a shot that dropped right in front, and Connelly crashed the net hard, poking away until it went in. The bench exploded as Westwood went up 2–0.
 
The third period was all about locking it down. Maeve Callahan, a wing on a line with Avery Hughes and Julia Marino, played a strong defensive game and made it hard for Natick to set anything up. Callahan, an eighth grader coming out of Westwood Youth Hockey, showed a lot of confidence, breaking up plays and intercepting passes. Hughes added to the effort by blocking shots and helping shut things down. At the other end, Westwood’s defense sent pucks toward the net while the forwards battled in front, looking for tips and rebounds.
 
When the final buzzer sounded, Westwood walked away with a 2–0 shutout win. The victory moved the Wolverines to 10–1 on the season and proved they could compete with—and defeat—one of the top Division 1 teams in the state.