Hockey Eagles have reloaded once again
CONWAY — The Kennett High hockey team came within one win of a third straight Division III State Championship last winter. The Eagles, who lost just four seniors to graduation, have reloaded and are ready to make another run at a return to the Verizon Wireless Center to try to claim hockey's top prize this season.
The only thing holding the Eagles back this preseason has been sickness. Kennett has been dealing with pneumonia and flu, but hope to be on the mend in time for opening night — this Wednesday on the road against Laconia at 6 p.m.
"Sickness has been spreading through our team like wildfire," Coach Michael Lane, who is heading into his fifth season on the bench for the Eagles, said Friday prior to the team's final preseason exhibition at Division I Berlin (KHS won 5-4). "We've got five or six kids battling illness, it seems to be everywhere. Aside from the sickness bug we've had a good preseason. The kids come to work each day determined to get better as individuals and collectively as a team. We had a lot more kids doing other sports this fall so they weren't able to play split-season midgets or midgets as much as in the past so that put us a little bit behind, but we're gaining. This year, we've tried to up the competition factor in practices and I think it's paying off."
Coach Lane and assistant Justin Frechette and new assistant Todd Frechette, himself a standout former Eagle, welcomed 21 boys out for the team this winter. They like what they've seen so far.
"I think one of our strengths is we had a lot of experience and we're very deep at the forward spot," Lane said. "I think the depth is really going to help us. It gives us a lot of balance, we can skate four different lines and they all bring different styles to the ice. We're excited about what we have for a team. …The lines have had to vary quite a bit already because of the sickness and illnesses."
The Teal Line features junior Anthony LaRusso at center flanked by senior Gabe Lee and junior James Gallo.
"These guys are our tone-setters," Lane said. "They've all got a ton of speed. They're also going to be an asset on the power-play."
The Yellow Line is made up by junior Justin Munck at center with senior Cody Richard and junior Nick Massa on the wings.
"These three can create havoc for opponents," Lane said. "I envision Cody and Nick creating space for Justin, who I expect will have a real point breakout this season."
The Orange Line features junior center Connor Todd flanked by 100-point scorer Kevin Murphy, who is battling pneumonia, and talented junior Dillon Smith who should be the next Eagle to reach the century mark for points by mid-season.
"Connor had a real good freshman year and a solid sophomore season until he broke his thumb," Lane said. "We expect him to have a huge season. Dillion has got a ton of talent, he's a very smart player with just a great attitude. Kevin is coming off a great junior season and I look for him to be one of the best players in Division III."
Sophomore Brad Canavari and junior Nathan Swift and newcomer sophomore Michael Ellison will see plenty of action at the forward positions, too.
"Brad is arguably our smartest player," Lane said. "He has the ability to go on any line, make adjustments and contribute right away. He's just a pleasure to coach. Swifty suffered a pretty significant concussion last year, but we're looking for him to take the next step as a junior this year."
While Lane admits the defense is a little thin, he likes what he sees from his five defenders.
"We've got good athletes," he said. "The key for us will be to avoid injury."
Senior Matt Kelly, who Lane calls, "as a good a one-on-one defender as there is in the league," will be teamed by fellow senior Chris King.
"Chris is our emotional leader on the ice," Lane said. "He does whatever we ask him to. No one could argue there isn't a player with a bigger heart than Chris."
Senior Dan Rivera will partner with his brother, Dane, a sophomore, on defense.
"Dan is a physical presence," Lane said. "He sets the tone on the blue line. …Dane is getting better and better every day and is going to be a factor.
Freshman Robert Moody has impressed the coaching staff according to Lane and "is doing all the right things."
Senior John Bishop will handle the bulk of the goalie duties and Lane believes his net-minder is up for the task.
"John looks real strong," he said. "I expect big things from him; he plays the puck so well."
Freshmen Bobby Davis and Josh Kondrat will handle the backup goaltending duties.
The Eagles, who are 138-43-6 in 12 seasons, went 15-4-1 last year and were Division III state runner-ups.
Kennett fell to the alumni in the annual preseason match-up but rebounded well at the annual Dover Jamboree. In shortened games, the Eagles tied Kennebunk (0-0) and Marshwood (2-2) while falling to Alvirne (2-0).
“We played pretty well," Lane said. "The effort was there. We have to clean up a number of things but they are all small things.”
In the opening period of the night, Bishop was the story, making 11 saves to preserve the scoreless tie. Smith set up Canavari for the Eagles' best opportunity midway through the frame, but his bid was turned away.
In second contest, the Eagles met pre-season favorite Alvirne. Kondrat and Davis split the time in net, each allowing a goal in the loss.
The Eagles closed out the night versus Marshwood. Massa scored just 15 seconds in and LaRusso also scored with Munck and Kelly each recording assists.
Kennett has been picked for second in the annual Hockey Night In Boston pre-season poll which is conducted with input from all Division III coaches.
Alvirne, who finished second in the regular season last year and lost to the Eagles in the semi-finals, starts at No. 1. The Broncos (16-4) and Eagles (15-4-1) are followed by the Pelham-Windham Wolfpack (13-6); the Belmont Gilford Bull Dogs (14-4-1); the Somersworth Hilltoppers (21-0); the Con-Val Cougars (5-13); the John Stark Generals (10-9)and the Souhegan Sabers (8-10) round out the top eight while the following schools were not ranked: Hollis Brookline Cavaliers, Moultonborough-Interlakes Mailers, Laconia Sachems, West Blue Knights, Portsmouth Clippers, Kearsrage Cougars and Pembroke-Campbell PAC.
"I don't play a lot of attention to those polls," Lane said. "Hollis-Brookline, a perennial power, isn't even listed in the top eight. If you ask our kids they're probably not really happy to Alvirne ahead of us since we beat them in the semis. We'll see how the season plays out — I think we have goals we'd like to accomplish."
Kennett will play its home-opener on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Ham Ice Arena against visiting John Stark. Following the game, the Eagles will host their annual "Skate with the Eagles," a show of appreciation by the team to all MWV Youth Hockey Players, season ticket holders and general admission patrons. You can skate with the team and even collect autographs as well as take photos with the players.
The Kennett High hockey team has reloaded and is ready to make a run at the Division III crown.