By: Mark Ferrante, Ryan Bocchetto, and Rob Ferraioli, staff writers
"Howell's hockey team isn't a team you root for, it's a team you slowly yet surely become a part of over time" - Brian Deakyne
It's that time of year again, and you know what that means; Rebels Hockey! That's right, and after a disappointing defeat in the quarter-finals, Howell will be looking to come out bigger and better than previous seasons. Going into only its third year, this hockey team has done things that take other schools years upon years to accomplish. Having already surprised the Shore Conference by winning the Dowd Cup in their first year with the program, and falling short last season in the chance to win another, this team has gone above and beyond the expectations. Some felt that the winning of the Dowd Cup was just due to the "dream season" that the team had in 2008-2009, but that was soon to be proved wrong.
In previous ‘Season Previews’, Howell fans were used to seeing the names of Dave Ramos, Nick Peras, Billy Acquaviva, and if you’re a true fan, Marc Moskowitz. Well Rebel fans, those days are over, and a new wave of talent from the classes of 2011, ‘12, ‘13, and even ‘14, will be wearing the Rebel crest; and I’m are positive they’ll do a damn good job. First off, the average fan must be asking, “Where’s Ramos? They’re going to be awful without him!”. Sure, it’s hard to replace a guy who has put up 130+ in two years as a Rebel, but with the depth this team has, it can surely be done. Score sheets have also become familiar with the names Hodes, Pyskaty, Leiro and Kotch. It’s now time for Juniors Mike Kochenash, Matt Morelli, Steve Bernhardt and Brandon Yaegel to step up and start putting up points for the Rebels. Also looking to become a regular in the points column, is sophomore Austin Crane. Also gaining honorable mention is the defensive lineup for this year’s team. Although defense has never been a major problem, it has been noticed that it could use some work. The previous season average for goals for was 4, but the goals against was 3. This leaves only a one goal margin to work with, and that can be improved on. And don’t think to blame this all on the goal-tending either, because with the group of Zack Peras, going for his third straight year starting, backup James Bodeker, and upcoming backup Matt Bettinger, the group between the pipes seems to be just fine.
Enough talk about the veterans of Howell Hockey, let’s give a nice welcome to the new faces on the team!
*Greg Buckley - Forward - Class of 2011 - #93 - Transfer from Monsignor Donovan
*Zak Khaleel - Defense - Class of 2013 - #__ - Transfer from St. John Vianney
Frankie Gerbasi - Forward - Class of 2014 - #2 - Basic Enrollment
Trevor Heuser - Defense - Class of 2014 - #__ - Basic Enrollment
Matt McNaught - Defense - Class of 2014 - #__ - Basic Enrollment
* - Games are limited due to transfer suspension and/or injury
All in all, this Rebel team looks to impress once again; but the road to a championship is going to be a long and winding one. Bill Daley, 35-9-5, and head coach of the team since programs’ beginning, obviously has another challenge in front of him with the leaving of players due to seniority. This won’t stop the players from playing at their highest level, however, it will show to be a roadblock that them and coach Daley will have to overcome. One player does not make a team, and some have trouble understanding this, but this team looks to prove this saying true and show all who doubt them that they will carry on strong.
“And so the critics shall be writing of another "dream season" this year, as this Howell team has the aspirations, the commitment, and the heart, to achieve this once again.”
