Holliston High’s ice hockey team and coach Dan Geary should experience a much smoother situation this year compared to last season, when both were involved in a last-minute transition.
Geary, who was hired as the Panthers’ coach a week before pre-season workouts began, had plenty of questions about his personnel but not much time to get answers. When a new coach is hired, adjustments have to be made, but they take time. And, in Holliston’s case, time was not on its side.
Geary’s rookie year at the helm ended with the Panthers compiling a 4-12-4 record and only one triumph against a Tri Valley League team (Ashland). The coach is expecting the 2016-17 campaign to be less complicated.
“It was a tough first year,’’ said Geary, who played at UMass-Lowell, a Division 1 program. “There were adjustments for both the players and myself. I didn’t know what the returning players were capable of or what buttons to push. The kids were learning a new system and we didn’t have much depth. But, I’m optimistic about our second season.’’
Geary is upbeat because he knows where Holliston’s strengths are and where the Panthers need to improve.
“We’ve got experience on defense and in goal,’’ he said. “And, our team chemistry and camaraderie are excellent. We’re building a family atmosphere. However, we must improve in two areas — finishing plays on offense and committing to the defensive end.’’
A firm believer in puck control, Geary says it’s that element that can lead to success. And, that means being more competitive against TVL squads and possibly qualifying for tourney play.
“If we manage the puck confidently and make the right decisions, winning will follow,’’ Geary emphasized. “Puck control means the skaters without the puck must be moving to get open. Controlling the puck will change the way we play and help us to compete more effectively in the league and hopefully to qualify for a tourney berth.’’
Holliston’s captains will play key roles for the Panthers at both ends of the ice. They include goalie Adam Kampersal, forwards Kyle McDevitt and Jack Larche and defensemen David Sancomb and Jack Wilkie. All are seniors except Larche and Wilkie, who are juniors.
“Adam is a vocal leader who’s competitive, instinctive and well-skilled,’’ Geary said. “Kyle has speed and he’s strong on his feet. He can kill penalties and also be used on power plays. Jack Larche is a quality leader who plays well in all three zones. He’s got a nose for the net and he can kill penalties. David is aggressive and competitive. A strong skater, he’s hard to get around. And Jack Wilkie is a quintessential defenseman. He’s solid, skates with great vision up ice, moves the puck well and is a solid decision-maker. He’s got a big heart and he’s ultra-competitive.’’
Two juniors who’ll team with Sancomb and Wilkie and buoy Holliston’s defense are Tim Ringie and Will Fitzgerald. They are returnees with experience.
“Tim is strong, physical and works hard,’’ Geary noted. “He’s coachable and has a lot of raw skills. Will has offensive skills and creates a positive atmosphere. He’s got size and strength.’’
Three forwards who can spark the Panthers’ offense by finishing off scoring drives are juniors Cam DeCristofaro and James Franco and sophomore Danny Rutowicz. “We’re counting on all three to give us scoring opportunities,’’ Geary noted. “Cam has a physical presence on the ice, and he’s got a hard shot. James has break-away speed and we’ll use him on our penalty-killing unit. Danny has good speed and skills. He missed half of last season because of a shoulder injury.’’
A trio of returnees who’ll be used in reserve are sophomore forward Alex Naya, junior goalie James Crews and senior forward Matt Corbett. “All three will provide depth and get playing time,’’ Geary said. “We’ll be carrying 22 players, nine of whom are freshmen. Some of them will get ice time and could make an impact.’’
Pointing to Hopkinton, Westwood and Medway as top contenders for the TVL title, Geary also includes Dover-Sherborn and state champ Medfield in the mix. “Medfield lost a lot of veterans but they’ll still be competitive,’’ said Geary, who previously was an assistant coach at his high school (Ridgefield, Conn.)
As for Holliston’s assistants, they are Greg Balewicz and Connor DuPont, who also will work as the jayvee coach.
Where Holliston fits in among TVL sextets remains to be seen. But, in the early going, the Panthers are off to a positive start, opening with a 1-1 tie against Ashland and playing Weston to a 5-5 tie.
Issue Date:
January, 2017
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