Offense will have to carry early
Abby Converse has been a three-sport athlete for all four years she has spent at Woodstock Academy. This spring will be the senior’s last.
For a second year in a row, Converse will serve as a captain for the Centaurs’ girls’ lacrosse team, joining four others in that role.
“It hasn’t kicked in yet but I think once we get halfway through the season, it will be like ‘Oh man, it’s senior year of high school and it’s almost over,’” Converse said.
She will not be the only one in that category.
Maggie Marshall, Abby Houle, M.J. Banderas and Kaelyn Tremblay are also waiting for June 14 to come around when they will don the cap and gown and move on to the next step in their lives.
But for the next couple of months, lacrosse will occupy a lot of their spare time.
Second-year coach Heather Miller has 30 players out for the two programs, varsity and JV, this season which is just about enough for both.
But it may have to be the offense that will have to shine early.
The defense is young and untested so it will be up to the likes of juniors Kaylee Saucier (11 goals, 7 assists), and Clara Dowdle (7 goals, 3 assists) as well as Converse (6 goals, 2 assists) to not only score but to maintain possession of the ball and take pressure off the defense. The three will serve as captains alongside Avery Nielsen and Houle.
“We definitely put a lot on our defense last year and like coach has said, ‘It starts with the draw.’ I know myself and a couple of others will be working hard to win more of those and just maintain possession,” Saucier said.
That is something that was questionable last year.
“I have every confidence and faith in them. I’m excited to see Kaylee and Clara grow more into leadership roles, because this is the first time they’ve both been captains. They are talented. They have the knowledge and speed. They have strong stick skills and I think it will be good with them, Kaelyn, and Maggie up front. Even in preseason, their throwing and catching — which was a problem last season because we dropped too many balls — has improved,” Miller said.
Saucier, who also plays soccer and basketball, said she has put more time into the sport.
Miller is giving her attack players a little more flexibility this season.
“I’m giving them creative space at practice to make up their own plays, be creative, have fun with it, but also take ownership of it so we aren’t the same as everyone else,” Miller said.
Woodstock did struggle a bit last season as it had just one win in 16 games. So there is room for some experimentation.
Miller is a trying something to shore up the defense a bit as she has decided to employ a backer zone strategy.
The Centaurs will need a steadfast defense as Houle, their only experienced keeper, suffered a preseason injury and is hoping to play as soon as possible. Freshman Grace Audet has stepped into that role for now.
“The girls set the goal for four wins. For us, that would be great. I think it’s a very realistic goal and one that they can make,” Miller said.
So far, so good. “I’m really liking what I’m seeing. We worked on draws, our new backer ‘D’ which is looking very nice so far and we already have some plays made up in our attack,” Converse said. The journey begins on Saturday as the Centaurs go on the road to play at 10 a.m. At Killingly.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
caption:
The girls’ lacrosse team will not lack leadership as it will have five captains including, from left: Avery Nielsen, Abby Houle, Abby Converse and Kaylee Saucier. Clara Dowdle was not available for the photo. Photo by Marc Allard/Woodstock Academy.
Hope ball bounces their way a bit
The goal every year for Jason Tata and the Woodstock Academy boys’ lacrosse team is the same. Put, at least, another match on the schedule.
“Every year, we want to make the state tournament, get that unscheduled game. (Woodstock Academy athletic director) Sean (Saucier) gives me 16, I want 17. It’s partially for me, I want to push the program as far as humanly possible, but it’s also for the seniors, like Keegan Covello who comes out here and grinds his butt off every day. I want to give him an extra game as a senior as well as all the other seniors,” coach Jason Tata said.
Woodstock snuck into the postseason with seven wins last year.
“If we look back at our games from last year, a couple of games could have bounced our way. We had Waterford here and it went to overtime (a 7-6 loss) and NFA here (a 10-9 loss) and that would have changed a 7-win season into a 9-win one and right there, you qualify with maybe a more favorable seed. Instead, we squeak in and have to go down to East Lyme,” Tata said.
A third meeting with the Vikings in one season is not something to look forward to.
The Centaurs will have to try and improve upon that record that this year without their top scorer. Jared Neilsen, who finished with 43 goals and 17 assists, has graduated.
The Centaurs also lost assist machine Henry Wotton.
But talent does return. “We have a really great attack line with Gunnar (Basak) and a couple of other players who will get the job done,” Covello said.
Basak, who plays the X behind the opponent’s goal, finished with 20 goals and three assists last year despite being bothered by an injury.
“That’s my spot,” Basak said of hanging out behind the opponent’s goal. “Without Jared there, it will be a little tougher.”
Phillips finished with 21 goals and six assists a year ago and is the top returning scorer but his style and that of Nielsen differs grea
Tata added that he liked what he has seen from his defense which will be led by David Genay this season, the only returning starter in the back.
“The defense is young. We have a lot of talent but we will need to do a lot of fine tuning. We have some kids who have never stepped on a varsity field before but I have faith in them,” Basak said.
The Centaurs could use a few more long pole defenders with Genay and Jacob Say comprising half of them.
“Midfield is always a question mark. You never know because there are so many things that can go wrong in the midfield. I think I have a good balance on guys who saw quality minutes on varsity and others who played a lot of minutes on JV,” Tata said.
Behind them all will be junior goalie Quan Sangasy.
“He’s steady, rock solid. Quan impresses me every year. He keeps getting better, he keeps grinding to get better and he will be the real anchor to the defense,” Tata said.
One factor that could weigh in the Centaurs’ favor is hunger. Many of their number also play hockey and last year, the team was coming off a state semifinal run.
The season ended much earlier than that this past winter leaving players like Covello hoping for better this spring. “We’ve been knocked out of the (state tournament) early in the past few years and we’re hungry for more. We want it this year,” Covello said.
Marc Allard
Director of Sports Information
The Woodstock Academy
caption:
Seniors Keegan Covello, left, and Gunnar Basak. Photo by Marc Allard/Woodstock Academy.
Alan Joel Tucker, Army/National Guard vet
THOMPSON — Alan Joel Tucker, formerly of Thompson, died March 21, 2025, at the age of 92. He was born on May 14, 1932, in Norwich, son of the late Ruth and Howard Tucker.
Alan lived most of his life in Thompson. He was a small business owner in the ‘70s and worked in electronics most of his career.
Alan was a long-time sports enthusiast and was involved in the Thompson Little League in the 1960s and ‘70s.
He had many interests throughout the years including archery, RC flying, golf, fishing and riding his motorcycle. Alan had phenomenal artistic abilities across many media.
However, his real accomplishment was as a watercolor artist.
His superb work remains on the walls of friends and family.
Alan was patriotic and very proud of his military service. He left high school to enlist in the Army in 1948.
His National Guard unit was federalized in 1950 and sent to Germany where he served as part of the 169th infantry, 43rd division.
Alan was a platoon sergeant, SFC when he completed duty.
Alan was predeceased by his former wife, Gladys Tucker; and his brother John “Jack” Tucker. He leaves his son, Greg (Carol (Bilinski) Tucker; four nieces including goddaughter, Lynn Almquist of Brooklyn.
A Graveside Memorial Service was March 28 at the East Thompson Cemetery in Thompson.
Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam.
Wed. April 2
Art Exhibit
THOMPSON --- The Friends of the Thompson Public Library will present its Second Annual Quiet Corner Community Art show through April. A reception will be held from 6 to 7:30 .m. April 7.
Rain Garden Program
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam Land Use Department is promoting a Rain Garden Program from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Putnam Public Library. To be presented by Maura Robie, natural resource specialist at Eastern CT Conservation District. Free.
Fri. April 4
PHS – 'Clue'
PUTNAM --- The Putnam High School drama club will present “Clue, the High School Edition” at 6:30 p.m. April 4 and April 5 in the Black Box Theatre at PHS. $15 tickets at PHS or through PHSClue.ludus.com.
Sat. April 5
Garden Symposium
DANIELSON --- The Quiet Corner Garden Club will host “Growing Gardeners 2025”, a Symposium from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at QVCC. It includes vendors, informative exhibits, farmers and more. Giveaways and door prizes. Box lunch is available for an additional charge. Info/tickets: www.quietcornergardenclub.com.
Fund-raiser Shopping
PUTNAM --- Paws Cat Shelter on School Street will hold a shopping day from noon to 3 p.m. Bitsy's Boutique Shop has new and used items along with handcrafts. Adoptable cats will be available for viewing. All proceeds to help the shelter. For more info or to make a monetary donation: 860-315-1228.
Sun. April 6
Exhibit
WOODSTOCK --- The Center for Woodstock History is presenting a photo exhibit, "Woodstock Through the Camera's Eye in Post-Civil War America," from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. Check for updates: 860-928-1035.
Wed. April 9
Book Signing/Sales
PUTNAM --- The American Legion Post 13 will hold a fund-raiser book signing/sales at 6:30 in Room 201 at the Municipal Complex. The book is part of the Hometown Heroes of the Quiet Corner series --- Civil War Edition 2025, Vol. 1 written by Legion Post Commander Michael Rocchetti. Benefits legion programs.
Life Savers Drive
PUTNAM --- The Relay for Life Savers Drive is collecting gently used clothes, shoes, handbags, and linens from 3 to 6 p.m. at Putnam High School. Please put all items in white 13-gallon trash bags. (No stained or ripped items please)
Sat. April 12
Greet Easter Bunny
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Recreation Department will present "Greet the Easter Bunny" at 10 a.m. at the Putnam Middle School. Recommended for ages 10 and younger.
Spring/Bake Sale
POMFRET --- The Abington Church will hold a Spring Tag & Bake Sale from 8 a.m. to noon at the church on Hampton Road (Rt. 97).
Egg Hunt
WOODSTOCK --- Roseland Cottage will present its annual Egg Hunt and Diorama Contest starting at 1 p.m. Rain date is April 19.
Sun. April 13
Breakfast/Photos
PUTNAM --- The Relay for Life Pancake Breakfast and Photos with the Easter Bunny will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Providence Street. $7 for adults; $4 for children. Photos with Easter Bunny: $5 for 1, 2 for $8, 3 for $10.
Wed. April 16
Maritime Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “The Global Maritime Industry” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. April 16 and April 23.
Auction Collections
POMFRET --- From April 16 through April 30 donations will be accepted for the 71st annual Windham County 4-H Auction & Tag Sale (May 2 and 3) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon., Weds, Fri and Sat and from 9 a.m. .to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Antiques and gently used household goods, furniture, toys, electronics, tools, books, lunch decorative items, etc. will be welcomed during those hours. We do not accept donations of clothing, textbooks, magazines or encyclopedias. For further donation assistance, call: 860-974-3379.
Sat. April 19
Open House
POMFRET --- The Windham-Tolland 4-H Camp Open HHHouse will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. 326 Taft Pond Rd, Pomfret, CT. Meet the director and other camp staff; take a camp tour, registration materials available. 860-974-3379.
Wed. April 23
Maritime Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present “The Global Maritime Industry” from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Sat. April 26
Pomfret Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Fighting for Freedom: Pomfret’s Black Revolutionary War Soldiers” at 3 p.m. at the Old Town House.
Spaghetti Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- Cub Scout Pack 21 of Putnam will host its spring spaghetti dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Albert J. Breault VFW Post 1523 on Providence Street. $10.00 for adults; kids 12 and younger eat for free. Take-out or eat-in. Bake sale and drawings. Advance tickets at the VFW Post and at Joseph’s Jewelers on School Street or 860-928-5873 (leave message). Benefits the Scout Pack 21 Summer Camp Fund, to send our Cub Scouts to this year’s summer camp.
Beautification Day
PUTNAM --- The Town of Putnam, the PBA and Discover Putnam will hold Beautification Day starting with registration and clean up assignments at 8:30 a.m. in Rotary Park. From 11 to noon a volunteer appreciation lunch will be held in the park. Trophies given. Rain date May 3. Funded in part by The Last Green Valley. For questions, or to RSVP your team call 860-963-6800, ext. 140.
Low-Cost Rabies Clinic
DANIELSON --- Pet Pals will offer a low-cost rabies clinic from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital. $10. Register: 860-317-1720. No walk-ins. Animals must be on a leash or in a carrier.
Edible Plants
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Public Library will present a free program, “Edible Wild Plants & Fungi of Spring,” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the library.
Car Wash Fund-raiser
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Rotary Club’s Interact Club will hold a car wash from 9 a.m. to noon at Putnam High.
Fri. May 2
Book/Bake Sale
BROOKLYN --- Our Lady of LaSalette Church on Rt. 6 will hold a book and bake sale from 5 to 8 p.m. May 2 and from 9 a.m. to noon May 3 in the church basement. Baked goods, too.
Wed. May 7
Alzheimer’s Program
PUTNAM --- The Putnam and Pomfret public libraries will present a program on “Communicating Effectively & Responding to Dementia Related Behaviors” at 6 p.m. at the Putnam Public Library. RSVP required: 860-963-6826. It is an education program in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Empowered Caregiver initiative aimed at teaching caregivers how to navigate the responsibilities of caring for someone living with dementia.
Performance
WOODSTOCK --- The Three Cs is presenting the musical performance, ”Ada Twist Scientist & Friends” for local students at noon at the Loos Center for the Arts. Preregistration required:thethreecs.org.
Super Hero Saturday
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Business Association and the town of Putnam will present Super Hero Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. downtown.
Tues. May 20
Musical Performance
WOODSTOCK --- The Three Cs is presenting the musical performance, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” for local students at 10 a.m. and at noon at the Loos Center for the Arts. Preregistration required: thethreecs.org.
Sat. May 31
Pomfret Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Colonial Fiber Arts Workshop with Stacey Beck” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Old Town House. Pre-register.
Sat. June 14
Concert-Fundraiser
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present a concert/fund-raiser, “Washington’s Favorite, The Nation’s Guest: Songs of Lafayette’s Time In America” with Rick Spencer and Dawn Indermuehle at the Old Town House). Refreshments at 6; concert at 7. $25.
Sat. June 21
Fine Arts Fest
PUTNAM --- The Putnam Arts Council will present its annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival June 21 and 22 at the Municipal Complex front yard.
Sat. Sept. 27
Pomfret Historical Program
POMFRET --- The Pomfret Historical Society will present “Jordan Freeman: Black Revolutionary War Soldier” performed by Kevin Johnson of the CT State Library at 3 p.m. at the Old Town House.
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