Friar’s are off to a rocky start this season as they have experienced the growing pains of a young team. Currently in 4th place with a 6-3-3 record, they have struggled against 1st place Chaminade going 0-2-1 for the season series. With a young team, many of the players are still adjusting to the system and playing at the varsity level.
Defensively the bright spots have been the junior goalies Anthony Russo and John Blair. They have done a great job keeping the team in games and Coach Lund has confidence in whoever he puts out on the ice. Coach said, “They really help us against teams that have a lot of firepower as well as the more mature teams in the league. They always seem to bail us out.”
The offense has been led by Captain Vinny Migliore as well as sophomores Bobby Lane and David Walsh. Coach stated, “These two young kids have made an immediate impact on our team, you can see when they are on the ice they are constantly making plays. They will be very dangerous in the years to come.”
Coach said, “The goal of this team remains the same, which is to win the championship and then go on and win states.” If the Friars want to improve they are going to have to find ways to win the close games. That means making the smart plays and grinding it out in front of the net to get those dirty goals.
Goalie John Blair stated, “I think we can ultimately pull it together, everyone is still optimistic we just have some work to do, all of us.”
With 4 games remaining, the Friar’s have a chance to move up in the standings as they have games remaining with Fordham and Xavier each currently sits above them. Next week will be a challenge having to play 4 games in 7 days;
1/27 Fordham Prep (won 4-2)
1/30 Monsignor Farrell (won 8-3)
2/1 at Xavier
2/2 at Iona
A strong finish will give them confidence heading into the playoffs where anything can happen. Come out and show your support at their last home game against Farrell on Wednesday 1/30 at the Dix Hills Rink.
By: Alex Rocco is a junior at St. Anthony’s High School, writing for his third year with the Friar Scoreboard. He hopes to have a career in Sports Management and Media one day. He is also a member NHS, SALT, Friar Faithful, Special Needs Ministry and Franciscan Youth Ministry.
