College Hockey:

This Week in the ECAC Northeast

Sometimes in hockey, final scores are not indicative of how the game was played, nor do win-loss records always accurately sum up a teams season. The latter is definitely the case with the Stonehill Skyhawks, who currently have a record of 3-7.

In speaking with coach Garry Hebert, he is very quick to point out that things are looking up.

We dropped six one goal games in the first half, and often in heartbreaking fashion, and now weve just won three one goal games in a row, two of them in overtime, Hebert said. Honest to God, Ive never seen a season like this. Ever.

In all actuality, Stonehill has dropped four one goal games, but Hebert considers the 2-0 loss to University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth as such, for the final goal was an empty netter with 48 seconds remaining. The same thought process applies to the 5-3 loss in the season opener to Plymouth State, in which the Panthers scored an insurance goal with less than a minute to go.

Despite the record, it is evident how very proud Hebert is of this squad.

I must say, unabashedly, that this one of the best teams Ive ever coached, he said. The power of singleness of purpose and brand of unity that this team possesses is palpable. Consequently, most teams would have folded their tents after losing two or three one goal games, let alone six.

One of the toughest losses was to Curry, when the game winner was scored late in overtime after Stonehill had been called for a penalty. Another notable loss came at Nichols, in a game that Stonehill led on more than one occasion.
In speaking with Hebert, it is very easy to hear the passion for his team resonate.

Were climbing a mountain now, and now were clawing up to three and seven, with three one goal wins after six one goal losses. This shows fortitude and resolve. I couldnt be more happy, I just couldnt be more proud of a group that shows this degree of resolve.

Hebert has a wealth of great memories from hockey. His favorite was scoring the game-winning goal against Boston College in 1978 with one minute left in the game while a freshman at the University of Vermont. Recently, though, the Catamount game winner was bumped down a notch and replaced by a special moment following an overtime win against Assumption.

The last game before break, we win in overtime, with 46 seconds left. We outshot the team, 65 to 30. We win with 46 left to go 1-7. I come in the locker room, and if you want to see a grown man cry, the team presents me with the game puck. Were 1-7 and they give the coach the game puck! Most teams I know that have dropped six one goal games would find fault, and this and that.

“The point to me was that they bought into what I said at the beginning of the season. They knew I never stopped believing in them, and consequently, they never stopped believing in themselves. They believe it when I say that well be in the finals, fighting for the NE-10 championship.

With games upcoming this weekend against Suffolk, and then next against Western New England College, Salve Regina, and Assumption, Hebert feels the turn-around is in motion.

We believe with deep down conviction that we are a much better team than our record, Hebert allowed. Its as if we have fought the biggest, baddest bullies on the playground. We may lose the fight, at the very end of every fight, but the fact is, we are kicking up a lot of dust, were making a lot of noise, were earning respect.

Is there a comeback kids story looming in Easton? The coach certainly thinks it is brewing, and states as much with a sense of conviction in his voice.

You have become like tempered steel in terms of your willpower. Their ability to overcome obstacles and display their willpower is on display right now. Were hoping to go 4-7 and then by Monday be 5-7. We know were dangerous. We think, we believe, were going to be contending for the NE-10 championship at the end of the season. We are the team with the bad sounding record that nobody wants to play right now!

Climbing the road up will be a little easier with the return of two players. Junior forward Chris Rogers — described a turbo-boosting, explosive skater by his coach — has rejoined the team, coming back from Compartment Syndrome in his foot. Rogers made his presence felt right away, scoring in his first game. Also returning is Timmy Mathews, a freshman who broke his ankle prior to the start of the season.

Leading the team in scoring is senior captain Brendan O’Brien, with two goals, 10 assists, and 12 points. With two goals and four points in his last two games, Hebert is hoping OBrien keeps it up.

Hes back in the saddle, his coach said. Hes a phenomenal, upper-echelon player.

His line-mate, Paul Reissfelder, has been on fire lately, too. The pesky senior is second in the squad in scoring with 4-6-10.

One pleasant surprise for Hebert is freshmen Andrew Diozzi.

“He is a force. He is a prominent player as a freshman, and he is a running back on skates who creates something out of nothing. He’s been causing fits for opposing teams.

The native of Belmont, MA has totaled 3-5-8 in six games, mostly centering the second line.

Another freshman who has jumped right into the mix is Billy Harris, they Weymouth, MA native who Hebert calls a very pleasant surprise. Harris is currently tied for the team lead in goals with four.

A leader on the team is junior forward Pete Roundy, who has tallied 3-6-9 in 10 games, including a shorthanded goal.

He continues to be a dangerous offensive weapon, Hebert said of the Connecticut native. Hes a threat every time he touches the puck. Hes an assistant captain, and hes leading by example.

Another junior who is starting to produce is mammoth Zach Cantin, listed at 64, 250 lbs.

Hes starting to show why he was our pre-season leading goal scorer, as he just notched two key goals in the last two games, Hebert said. Hes starting to come into his own and blossom.

Even with underclassmen starting to put points up, Hebert knows hes lucky to have solid corps of seniors.

All the seniors continue to provide unified, mature leadership. Guys like John Somers, James Killeen, and Ryan McInnis, theyre the future CEOs of our country. Frank Amato continues to be the Adam Oates of the team, hes just a set-up specialist. He makes everyone around him better.

Defensively, James Florentino leads the way.

Flo continues to be the heart and soul of our team, Hebert said. He anchors the defense. Hes been leading the charge with tightening up our team defense. He will do whatever it takes. He will block shots. Some of his hits have been NHL caliber, pancake hits. Dramatic, game changing, momentum hits. Hes fun to watch.

The former Xaverian H.S. captain also brings some offense to his game, as evidenced by his career totals of 20-37-57 in 78 games played.

Another stalwart on defense is senior assistant captain Billy Ninteau.

Hes a force to be reckoned with, stated Hebert. Hes a huge factor in every game because hes improved so many aspects of his game now that hes become a multi-dimensional player, not just a big defenseman. He knows when to carry and when to pass, and he has an absolute cannon for a shot. Hes a smooth skating, strong, powerful athlete. He continues to dominate portions of games. The way he has improved to become multi-dimensional is very impressive to me.

Hebert feels that the 63, 220 lb. former New Hampshire Player of the Year could even play in a professional league