There’s definitely a sense of double trouble when opponents see Al and Dillon Arno on the ice for Natick’s hockey team. The 17-year-old twins, who’ve been skating since age three, are four-year varsity veterans who give the Redhawks a dynamic one-two punch on the first line.
Al is an up-tempo, fast-thinking wing while Dillon is a play-making center whose aggressive style is a major plus. At the halfway mark of the season, Al had 9 goals and 8 assists while Dillon had 20 points on 4 goals and 16 assists. Their statistics are impressive and Natick’s 7-2-1 record through 10 games is a solid achievement, but it’s the twins’ instinctive nature and familiarity with one another that makes them a breed apart.
“It’s special to be in my fourth varsity season and have my brother with me,’’ Al said. “It’s really cool. We’re usually in sync on the ice because I know his habits and preferences. I have a sense of where he is at all times and that’s just an instinctive thing that we both rely on. In the offensive zone, we mesh well and kind of know what each other wants to do.’’
Dillon is on the same page with Al when it comes to the twins knowing what each other wants to achieve. “The chemistry we have is an asset for the team,’’ Dillon noted. “We’ve been skating together for about 14 years and that’s led to being familiar with one another. We’ve developed good instincts in knowing where each other is on the ice.’’
A good example of how similar they are can be seen in last year’s statistics. Al had 11 goals and 9 assists for 20 points and Dillon, who missed four games because of a separated shoulder, had 4 goals and 15 assists.
Another striking similarity is their desire to lead. Both were forwards and captains on last fall’s soccer team and the tandem are also captains in hockey.
“I try to lead by example and by being vocal,’’ Al said. “When you work hard, you’re leading by example but I also like to speak up and be vocal. If advice is wanted by a younger player, I try to help.’’
Dillon is honored to have been chosen to lead in two sports. “It’s really a special feeling to be a captain,’’ he said. “My style is a combination of being vocal and leading by example.’’
Natick coach Eric Kaplan likes the way the twins create offense and cause havoc for the Redhawks’ opponents. “Al and Dillon are quick, fast and shifty,’’ he emphasized. “Their instinctive style enables them to outskate and outwork the opposition all over the ice. They can pick your pocket and take off on a break-away and they’re good in transition. I use them on power plays and penalty-killing.’’
At 5-foot-6 and 140 pounds, Al is fast and he enjoys creating scoring opportunities with his speed. An effective shooter, he also can pass efficiently, but he’s eager to sharpen his play in the defensive end. Dillon’s specific strengths include his decision-making, passing and his defensive play. At 5-foot-7 and 150 pounds, he’s working to be a bit more physical and also more effective with his checking.
When it comes to memorable games, the twins refer to their sophomore seasons. “In a game against Wellesley, we needed to win to clinch the Herget Division title,’’ Al recalled. “The game was tied but I scored with four minutes left to give us a 2-1 lead. We did win, 4-1, and the division title was the first for Natick in a long stretch.’’
Dillon recalls a tourney quarterfinal against Duxbury as memorable. “I didn’t score but my overall game was solid and the entire team played well to win in a shootout,’’ he noted. “We advanced but lost in the semifinals to Mansfield.’’
The twins’ objectives as Natick seniors are the same — they want another date in the tourney and they want to go deep. “It’s very realistic that we can advance,’’ they said. “We all need to step up, stay focused and maintain a positive attitude.’’
Both skaters like the talent and mix Natick has and they’re not bashful in naming players who’ve contributed. “Ricky Mingolelli is a fast forward who can score,’’ Al said. “And, David Megar is one of our top defensemen.’’ Dillon admires center John Carr and twin wingers Tim and Charlie Mulholland. “John has a good shot and quick release,’’ he said. “And, Tim and Charlie have experience, can score and are physical.’’
The twins also credit Kaplan for the team’s success (tourney berths the last three years). “He’s a terrific motivator who stresses attitude and effort,’’ they noted. “He’s done a great job in building team chemistry.’’
Al and Dillon both have been recognized for their competitive ability. Al was chosen for last year’s unsung hero award and Dillon was a Bay State Conference all-star in soccer and also was chosen for a dedication award in hockey as a sophomore.
A similar trait the twins possess is their philosophy of competing. They firmly believe that hard work leads to winning and they’re both acutely aware that reaching their potential adds to success and overall enjoyment in athletics.
Both are top-notch students who remain undecided on their college future. Playing sports at the collegiate level isn’t a sure bet but Dillon would lean towards soccer.
For the twins, however, the future is now and they’re striving to lock up a tournament berth. When that occurs, Al and Dillon Arno will no doubt take their game to another level as they compete for the final time as Redhawks.
Issue Date:
January, 2018
Article Body:
Column: