BIDDEFORD — The fall high school sports season has yet to be fully put to bed, but there are signs that winter is on the way.

Proof of that was found Tuesday at Biddeford Ice Arena, where the Biddeford High girls hockey team took to the ice for the first day of practice.

While the other MPA sanctioned winter sports teams can’t begin practicing until Nov. 16, girls hockey gets its season under way two weeks earlier, and thus is given a head start on practice time.

And yesterday’s initial session, which drew two dozen Tiger hopefuls, couldn’t come soon enough to suit junior center Sara Grover, a 46-goal scorer last year who earned Hockey Player of the Year honors from the Journal Tribune.

“I’ve actually been waiting for this moment for quite a while,” said Grover. “Ever since fall sports ended.”

Grover is one of several key returning members of last year’s squad that capped the first season of girls varsity hockey in Maine as runnersup to state champions, Lewiston.

Others include defensemen Olivia Gagnon, Kellie Renk, and Francie Foehrenbach, and forward Haley Reny.

They, and skaters with varying levels of experience took part in a brisk, hour-long workout conducted by Tigers head coach Marie Potvin, and her assistant, Justine Madore.

Potvin said she was pleased with what she saw.

“First day,” she said, “very happy. Good attitudes. A lot of these girls have never played before, but they were willing to try something new.

“We have a very eclectic group. From the elite skaters, to those that are brand new. And everything in between. I think we’re fortunate that way. That allows us to keep a program moving forward.”

Grover said that even after one day, she can see an upgrade over the skill level presented by last year’s group.

“By the looks of it,” she said, “we’re already starting off better than last year. So we’re going to keep developing, and see where that leads. We already look in better shape.”

The Tigers, who play their home games at BIA, will open their 18-game regular season schedule, Nov. 21, when they’ll host St. Dominic.

— Contact Dan Hickling at dhickling@journaltribune.com.