If this story had been written a week ago, the subject would have been York High and its best start in girls’ hockey.

The Wildcats, defending West Region champions, were 9-1-2 to start the season.

But they’ve lost two games since.

A problem?

Not really.

York’s losses, both by one goal, came to undefeated Falmouth, 2-1, and East contender Brunswick, 1-0. The Wildcats were without leading scorer Nicci Heroux, who is recovering from a concussion. She is expected back next week when York resumes play.

The losses kept York in third place in the West standings, behind Falmouth and Scarborough (which has tied and defeated York in two games). The Wildcats and Red Storm seem destined to meet in the semifinals of the West playoffs — with Scarborough as the host team.

“We would have liked to host it,” York Coach Kevin Banfield said. “But, overall, I’m happy with the season.”

That loss to Falmouth featured many positives for the Wildcats. They stayed with the state’s best team — Falmouth led in shots 16-14 — and did so without Heroux.

“I was happy with the effort,” Banfield said. “We left that rink saying that we can play with them.”

York’s depth may not be as strong as last year, but the Wildcats still roll out two solid lines, with forwards Heroux, Caroline Hird, Juliann Figlioli, Rachel Yorke, Olivia Leroux and Carly Lee. The defensive corps is one of the best around, with Tori Stocks, Julia Hird, Sammy Stocks and Kendall Carr. Olivia Drew remains steady in goal.

York has a couple of challenges left, against Leavitt/Edward Little and Greely, as it prepares for another playoff run.

CHEVERUS AND Portland/Deering are vying for fourth place in the West, with both 6-6. They will face each other twice (Saturday and Feb. 2) before the season ends.

They will likely meet a third time in the West quarterfinals at the Portland Ice Arena, which is home ice for both teams.

THE CLASS B West players of the month for December include senior forward Nick Breed of Cape Elizabeth, junior defenseman Kyle Megathlin of Greely and senior goalie Kirby Saari of Cape Elizabeth.

In five games, Breed had eight goals and four assists, including five goals in a season-opening 6-2 win over Yarmouth.

Megathlin, who missed the final two months of last season because of a broken wrist, had five assists to help the Rangers get off a to 3-0-1 start.

In four starts, Saari posted a .950 save percentage with a 1.75 goals-against average.

Mitchel Donovan, a freshman forward from Greely, earned rookie of the month honors with two goals and six assists in his first four varsity games.

The selections were based on a vote of the Class B West coaches.

THE GREELY BOYS will put their unbeaten record on the line next week when they play three games in four nights.

At 6-0-1 and ranked second in Class B West Heal point standings, the Rangers are the state’s lone unbeaten boys’ hockey team.

Perhaps the toughest part of Greely’s schedule will start at 7:40 p.m. Saturday when it hosts archrival Yarmouth at Family Ice Center in Falmouth. The Clippers (2-3-1) are ranked last in the Class B West Heals, but they are always a tough opponent for the Rangers.

On Monday night, Greely travels to play Lewiston (5-3) at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee.

On Tuesday night, the Rangers return to Lewiston to play St. Dom’s (5-2) at the Colisee.

Currently, Lewiston is ranked third and the Saints are fourth in the Class A East Heal point standings.

BOYS’ GAME OF THE WEEK: Falmouth (5-3) at Thornton Academy (8-1) at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Biddeford Ice Arena. Currently, the visiting Yachtsmen rank fourth in the Class A West Heal point standings, while the defending state champion Trojans are second in the regional standings.

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

kthomas@pressherald.com

Twitter: KevinThomasPPH

Staff Writer Paul Betit contributed to this report.

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