It was a wild celebration 11 months ago for the Bishop Guertin girls as they beat Hanover 5-4 in overtime in the state semifinals. The two teams meet for the first time since then today in Hudson. (Telegraph file photo by TOM KING)

They were classic games a year ago, with the Bishop Guertin High School girls hockey team coming out on top both times.

And now today the Cards and the Hanover Marauders will renew acquaintances, having last met last March in an incredible overtime high school semifinal that BG won en route to its first state title.

The puck drops at 4 p.m. at Hudson’s Cyclones Arena with the Marauders at 8-1, but unbeaten in state, and Guertin at 6-1, also unbeaten vs. New Hampshire teams. Hanover went into the season with more questions for its offense after graduating its top scorers, but its defense is led by blue liners Lily Seelig and Danielle Rudd plus goalie Katelyn Smith. They’ve given up no more than two goals in any game.

“It’s definitely a big game for us,” Cards coach Phil DeVita said. “We’re excited to play them again, it will be a good measuring stick for us … I know we’ll see them again later in the year.”

The games last year were fantastic. Guertin scored three goals in the last four minutes to overcome a two-goal deficit in the regular season win. And in the semis, after Hanover had sent the game to overtime tied at 4 with a goal in the last 30 seconds of regulation, BG got the game winner in OT.

Guertin this year is led by the one-two scoring punch of junior Jenna Lynch and senior Julie McLaughlin. McLaughlin has taken her game to a new level as the team’s top goal scorer.

“She’s worked really hard this year,” DeVita said. “She came in ready for the season.”

These programs were pretty far apart for several years. Guertin lost to Hanover 2-0 in the 2010 state title game that began a run of 10 straight Marauder titles, a decade of pure dominance.

But last year Guertin took its game to another level, the last year of head coach Scott Ciszek’s several year tenure.

“I definitely would say the program’s come a long ways,” said DeVita, Ciszek’s longtime assistant. “Scott instilled the concept of working hard as a team, and never give up.”

That was evident in the two Hanover games last year. This year’s should be just as fun.

RIVALRY ENJOYED

For both Nashua South-Pelham coach Jordan Saracco and his North-Souhegan counterpart, Bill Kotsifas, this past Friday’s 5-4 game was their first experience of the North-South rivalry.

Remember, the teams didn’t play last year due to too many pademic pauses. And this year the attendance was limited for the same reason.

“It was fun,” Kotsifas said. “It was a great atmosphere. I can’t imagine what it’s like when (Conway Arena) is full.”

“I know off the ice the teams get along well but when they get out there it’s a true rivalry game and a lot of fun,” Saracco said. “The excitement, the tempo, everything changes. It’s at a higher level than most of our games so far. And I know the team really enjoyed it.”

SOUTH WINS BATTLE OF BRIDGE

Nashua South has apparently clinched the winter season Battle of the Bridge, leading 7-5 with one event left and the gymnastics meet cancelled.

South won boys alpine skiing, girls alpine skiing, boys freshman basketball, boys varsity basketball, boys swimming, girls swimming and wrestling.

North got wins in varsity hockey, girls varsity hoop, girls JV hoop, Unified basketball, and boys JV hoop.

MILFORD COACHING OPENINGS

The Spartans are seeking a new girls varsity lacrosse coach and also a JV girls lacrosse coach, as the tandem of Betsy Kallfelze and Caitlin Farnham won’t be back.

According to the posting by Spartans athletic director Marc Maurais, prior experience at the high school or collegiate level is preferred. Interested applicants should apply online at www.milfordk12.org under Human Resources. For more info, contact Maurais at Marc.Maurais@milfordk12.org.