BY EMMA HEAGEN
The hockey team comes off their second winning season in a row, ready to succeed once again. This year, they expect to defend their Community Cup title and take home more victories.
The team has become extremely successful in the past two seasons, improving their record from 12-9-1 to 14-9-2, and they hope to go even further this year. “I would say a key to our success has been our ability to come together as a team and understand that we have to give it everything we got,” said senior Jason Wheeler.
This season, leading seniors and returning players plan to take over the team. “It was great being on such a successful team, especially as a freshman, and I learned so much,” said Avery Baile, a sophomore who played on varsity her freshman year.
Along with the new seniors rising up, goaltender Benjamin Hayon has gone from JV to varsity after both previous goalies graduated at the end of last year. “Varsity is definitely a lot faster than JV,” said Hayon. “[I need to] definitely work on my mobility a lot more.”
After going 9-2 in the county last year, the team wants to maintain their momentum. “Our primary goal is definitely to win the GMC championship,” ” said senior Nicholas Gallo, who led the team in goals(22) and assists(27) last season. “This year, I think we have it takes to win.”
The team’s chemistry together translates to their success on the ice. “The environment with my teammates and coaches is contagious with good energy,” said senior Addison Albrecht. “It creates a great atmosphere to compete and get better together.”
In addition to proving themselves in the GMCs, the team hopes to win the Community Cup, their rivalry game against Manalapan, for the second year in a row. “We won last year for the first time in a while, and we want to keep that cup in our hands,” said Gallo.
With the first season under new head coach Mick Messemer rapidly approaching, the team hopes to start strong. “We’re focused on working hard every day, staying committed, and continuing to prove ourselves,” said Albrecht.
Posted on November 26, 2025
Photos by Safija Shatku, Olivia Van Deursen, and Dayami Viloria
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