BURLINGTON – The No. 1 BFA-St. Albans Comet hockey team won 3-1 over perennial rival and defending state champions, the No. 3 Essex Hornets, at the University of Vermont’s Gutterson Fieldhouse in the Division 1 Vermont Principals’ Association girls’ hockey final on Sunday, March 15.
The Comets won all three regular-season games against the Hornets and completed the sweep with the title win.
The Comets wasted no time firing several shots on the Hornets’ net in the opening period. On the other side of the rink, in goal, Dahlia Steele stifled Hornet opportunities.
Adam Laroche
BFA carried the play in the quarter, especially in the latter minutes, with both Chatham Brouillette and Kali Cushing firing off quality chances late.
The Comets went on the power play at 10:30 in the first, capitalizing on the man-advantage, as Reina Spaulding snapped a shot past Morgan Hughart for the game’s first goal at 11:49 in the first. Marah McGinn and Cushing assisted
Shortly after the goal, the Comets were assessed a penalty. Steele made a fantastic glove save to hold off the tie breaker in the last minute of the penalty kill, and the Comets took a 1-0 lead at the end of the period, outshooting Essex 10-4 in the frame.
Comet titles on the books
The Comets have won 13 titles, 12 of which are recorded by the Vermont Principals’ Association. The program won titles in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2018, 2022, and 2026.
If you want to learn more about the Comet hockey program and all its success, stats, and more, check it out here.
The Comets broke through Essex defenders immediately in the second, as McGinn received a pass from Spaulding at 1:19, sharply depositing the puck and giving the Comets a 2-0 lead.
Both teams successfully killed penalties late and fired solid shots as time wound down in the second period, but it was BFA’s Spaulding who found twine at 13:06, with a wrist shot from just outside the face-off circle, assisted by Emma Caster and McGinn, giving the Comets a 3-0 lead at the end of the second.
Adam Laroche
Essex almost put a puck past Comet defenders during an early power play in the third, but Steele and the Comets ended the threat.
The Hornets eventually broke up the shutout, as Lucille Mehaffrey scored, assisted by Calleigh Bruyas and Alexis Moody at 13:05.
The Comets, who dominated play in the contest, celebrated the victory as the final horn sounded, sending a rain of helmets and gloves onto Gutterson’s ice, as they celebrated the two-goal win.
Dahlia Steele closed the game with 14 saves, while Morgan Hughard had 21.
Comet head coach Luke Cioffi reflected on the win and the program’s success, “It’s the 20th time we’ve been in the championship in 26 years. So, it doesn’t get any better.”
Adam Laroche
Cioffi spoke of the redemption after falling 5-1 to Essex in 2025, saying, “With a large number of kids returning, there was motivation. All season long, this is what they wanted to play for, and we were able to do that because of their dedication, perseverance, and adaptability. It was a fun group to coach, and they got rewarded with the ultimate prize today.”
McGinn, a junior, who closed the game with a goal and two assists, said, “It’s such a huge honor, especially with the legacy that Comet hockey has within the community. It just means so much, and now we can be a part of it.”
Cushing, a junior, said, “I grew up watching all the Comet teams play, so to now be one of those teams and a successful one at that, means so much. We’re not only defined by our championship win, but the community of it all is just amazing. It’s so great to be here and be part of the legacy.”
Adam Laroche
When asked about the support of the St. Albans Skaing Association’s youth players, Cushing said, “I know what it feels like to be that little girl, and being able to be a role model for them is amazing.”
Dahlia Steele, a senior, spoke of how the game looked from the goalie’s perspective: “At the beginning, there were no slow skates. We went out on fire, and we stayed that way the whole way through. We never stopped, and it paid off.”
When asked about preparing for the game, Steele said, “We’re like a family; we’re so close. We came in knowing we wanted the win, set our minds to it, and put our hearts into it. I think that’s the biggest part.”
Adam Laroche
Spaulding, a freshman, who closed the game with two goals and an assist, said, “I was nervous coming into the game, but all of the girls were constantly telling me to think positively, and that’s what I did. We came out with a lot of energy, and that’s how we got the win.”
When asked about hearing the final horn, Spaulding said, “It felt great! I knew it was a full team effort, and I’m so glad we came out with the win.”
Comet assistant coach Chelsea Forsyth said, “I’m so incredibly proud of the girls; they worked so hard this season and truly earned this win! All season long, they faced various challenges and obstacles and overcame every single one with calm, positive attitudes; they never let adversity get to them.”
Adam Laroche
Forsyth spoke of the team’s seniors, saying, “The upperclassmen were ready for this one! They have come to the Gutt the past couple of years and haven’t walked away with the banner, but not this year! They weren’t letting that happen again; it was their time.”
Forsyth, who played hockey for the Comets in high school, returned to coach after college. She now brings her two young children to the rink.
“This group also truly has a special place in my heart, as they have been so supportive and loving to both of my girls this season. My daughter Oakley only missed one home game this season, but in every other game, the girls fist-bumped her between periods, brought her into the locker room after the game, sang, and played with her,” said Forsyth. “This is the community and family atmosphere I’m so incredibly grateful for to be raising two daughters in, and I can’t wait for them to become Comets someday!”
Adam Laroche