The Greely boys’ hockey team took a step back after winning the Class B state championship in 2009, finishing 8-9-2.

But the Rangers ended last season with an encouraging 3-2 loss to eventual Western Class B champion York, giving themselves something to build on.

This season, Greely is 5-0 and appears on course for a return to the state final.

“It’s a great start,” Greely Coach Barry Mothes said.

“It’s nice to have wins under our belt, but we have a lot to work on and we need to get better.”

As a reminder his Rangers aren’t invincible, they lost two recent exhibition games, 4-0 to DeMatha of Maryland and 1-0 to Falmouth.

“We’ve played some tough teams,” said Mothes, whose team also won an exhibition over the holidays, beating Amity of Connecticut 3-2 in overtime.

“We have pretty good balance in our scoring,” Mothes said. “We’ve had goals and assists from nine or 10 different people. It hasn’t just been one or two guys.

“And (senior goalie) Matt Labbe is off to a real strong start.”

Labbe has a 1.60 goals-against average and .922 save percentage.

The scoring is being shared, led by senior Justin Murphy and sophomore Kenny Richards, each with six goals and six assists.

Sophomore defenseman Erik Rost has been a force with three goals and six assists.

Senior Devyn Rogers and freshman Ted Hart each has three goals and three assists.

Other scorers include junior Pete Stauber (1 goal, 4 assists), junior Griffen Demick (3-2) and freshman Joe Saffian (0-5).

Mothes said he may have the deepest group of defensemen in his 17 years as head coach. Besides Rost, Tim Storey, Michael Tuller, Kyle Megathlin, Andrew Hackett and Matt Ames are getting the ice time.

The Rangers, who already have defeated rivals Cape Elizabeth (5-2) and York (6-2), will be challenged Saturday by Class A South Portland.

THE GREELY GIRLS are also making some noise under first-year coach Nate Guerin. After dropping two one-goal games to powers Winslow and St. Dominic, the Rangers have won five straight.

Meg Finlay has been leading offensively, including both goals in a 2-1 win over Falmouth. Maggie Bower has been strong in goal, allowing six goals in the five wins.

Other recent contributors include forwards Shannon Donovan, Etta Copenhagen, Michaela Finnegan and CeCi Hodgins and defenseman Casey Benner.

WHEN ST. DOMINIC lost 9-1 to Brunswick in a girls’ hockey game Dec. 28, it turned some heads.

The Saints, early favorites for the state title, were a depleted bunch.

“We skated with seven skaters and one goalie,” Coach Don Boucher said. “We were missing our top two lines.”

While three players were away on family vacations, four seniors were playing in a prestigious tournament in Connecticut, where many of the top high school seniors were gathered in a showcase for colleges.

“We always say high school games comes first,” Boucher said.

“But when they have a chance to play in front of college coaches …”

A more complete St. Dominic team returned on Dec. 30 and beat Cheverus, 7-2.

Cheverus then picked up a big win Monday, beating York, 2-0.

EARLY IN THE boys’ season, Cheverus (3-0) and Noble (4-0) are off to good starts. They meet at 6 tonight at the Portland Ice Arena.

Staff Writer Kevin Thomas can be contacted at 791-6411 or at:

kthomas@pressherald.com

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