FALMOUTH — After Megan Fortier decided to leave North Yarmouth Academy, after other players and the coach left, she faced another decision:

Play for another prep school or return to her roots.
“I thought about (another prep school) but I always loved Falmouth. I missed it last year,” Fortier said.

So Fortier is back with the Yachtsmen, a senior defenseman who may turn Falmouth High from contender to favorite.

“She does pretty much everything you need from a hockey player,” Coach Rob Carrier said. “She carries the offense. She controls the puck when we need her to. Gets the shots. Plays great one-on-one (defense).”

Falmouth, which won its first two games, welcomed Fortier’s scoring – seven of the team’s first 11 goals – and her defense.

Fortier is just glad to return. She said she enjoyed her time with NYA but is happy to be back with friends, and another good Falmouth team.

As a sophomore, Fortier was an All-State selection and helped the Yachtsmen to the Western final.

This year Falmouth has arguably the strongest defense, with Fortier, fellow All-State senior Monica Aaskov, sophomore Alyse Bazinet and freshman Meg Pierce. Plus there are 16 other skaters and sophomore goalie Kirsten Mazur.

“We have a lot of young talent,” Fortier said.

The same was once said about Fortier. She began playing when she was 7 or 8, always against the boys at first, either street hockey with her brothers, Seth and C.J., or on Casco Bay Youth Hockey boys’ teams.

She eventually joined girls’ teams, with Casco Bay, then Biddeford and finally the Portland Junior Pirates.

“I went from being that girl who dressed in her own locker room to being in an atmosphere with all girls. It was a lot more fun,” she said.

TWO OF THE BEST girls’ hockey teams share the same rink, and often Greely (3-0) and Falmouth follow each other on the ice for practice.

This Saturday they are on the ice together, at 6 p.m. in the game of the week.

WHEN BANGOR was mentioned here last week as a potential team, mail quickly arrived about another growing program: Mt. Ararat.

Though not yet officially associated with the school, the Mt. Ararat girls’ hockey club team is continuing to build, with varsity status possible for next year.

The team, organized by Ron Hutchins and coached by Blair Shea, has 18 players, including three from middle school.

“We plan to apply to the MPA for next season,” Hutchins said. “We believe the level of competition will be more consistent.”

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

kthomas@pressherald.com

Twitter: KevinThomasPPH

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