Huskies Clinch 5th NEPSAC Small School Championship Game with Gritty Win Over Cushing

The Huskies hit the road once again for an exciting NEPSAC Small School Tournament semifinal matchup between #3 seed Cushing Academy and #7 seed New Hampton School. Riding the momentum from their upset victory over The Rivers School in the quarterfinal round, the Huskies entered the game with confidence and determination. Both teams came out strong to start the game, but the Huskies controlled much of the early play. New Hampton held the edge in possession and scoring chances, outshooting Cushing 12–5 in the opening period. Despite the Huskies’ strong start, Cushing struck first with a well-placed tip in front of the net to take a 1–0 lead late in the first period — a lead they carried into the second. Rather than backing down, the Huskies elevated their play even further. They continued to push offensively but were challenged by a strong performance from the Cushing goaltender, who proved difficult to solve early on. The second period began much like the first, with both teams bringing intensity and urgency. Cushing began to close the gap in shots and applied pressure that briefly put the Huskies on their heels, but New Hampton refused to quit. A smart play by freshman Olivia Esposito ’29 to send the puck toward the front of the net created an opportunity for senior captain Kelsey Baker ’26, who capitalized and buried the equalizer to tie the game 1–1. The goal injected life and confidence into the Huskies’ bench and momentum that they carried into the third period. New Hampton came out flying in the final frame, dominating the offensive zone and applying relentless pressure to the Cushing defense. Junior captain Emma MacPherson ’27 once again stepped up in a big moment, sneaking the puck through the Cushing goalie’s legs to give the Huskies their first lead of the game at 2–1. Behind the play of goaltender Elizabeth Vincent ’27, the Huskies continued to push the pace. Vincent delivered another dominant performance in net, making key saves that not only kept the Huskies in the lead but gave the team the confidence to stay aggressive offensively. A crucial power-play opportunity gave the Huskies valuable breathing room. Senior captain Addy Peel ’26 initiated a beautiful play from the point, sending a pass that led to a quick one-touch feed across the crease to a wide-open Katie Usilton ’26 on the back door, who buried the chance to extend the lead to 3–1. Cushing refused to go away quietly. A late 5-on-3 power play in the final five minutes created immense pressure in the Huskies’ defensive zone. After pulling their goalie with just under two minutes remaining, Cushing capitalized on a 6-on-3 advantage to cut the lead to 3–2 and make the closing moments tense. But the Huskies held their composure. With seconds winding down, Addy Peel ’26 sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, putting the game out of reach and sending the Huskies to their fifth consecutive NEPSAC Small School Championship appearance. With the win, New Hampton advances to the championship game where they will face Groton School on Championship Sunday at Dexter Southfield School at 1:15 p.m. The Huskies will look to make history as they chase their fourth straight NEPSAC Small School title.