By Mike Flanagan
Hometown Weekly Sports Editor
Westwood High School girls hockey has become one of the top programs in Division II. Throughout the last decade, long tournament runs have become the norm for the Wolverines. The program has also helped mold players such as Kat Keith (Endicott), who've gone on to play at the collegiate level.
Last season, the Wolverines finished the regular season a respectable 14-5-3 to earn the No. 9 seed in the Division II tournament. Following a 3-2 win over No. 9 Algonquin-Hudson, the Wolverines fell to eventual Division II co-champion Wellesley, 6-1, in the quarterfinals. Head coach Ed Amico stepped down following the season.
On November 13, Westwood High School announced via Twitter and Instagram the hiring of their next girls hockey coach: 2009 WHS alum and former University of Rhode Island star Lauren Hillberg.
After playing varsity hockey at Westwood from 2005-2009, Hillberg played at URI from 2009-2014. Hillberg finished her collegiate career ranked No. 16 in all-time total points for the Rams (33 goals, 63 assists, 96 total points). Hillberg helped URI to three ECWHL conference tournament championships during her five seasons in Kingston.
Also of recognition, Hillberg was a member of the 2013 United States bronze medal team at the World University Games in Kazan, Russia. Hillberg played in all six games throughout the tournament for the Americans.
With such an experienced and accomplished coach now leading the program, Westwood High School girls varsity hockey has a lot to look forward to in the near future.
For funny and insightful sports analysis as well as video highlights of games, follow Mike Flanagan on his personal Twitter and Instagram handles @flano0.
