Home opener against Reading is Dec. 18
THE MELROSE High boy’s hockey team opens their season this weekend against Belmont. Pictured is senior captain Justin D’Antona. (file photo)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—Just one year after an exciting playoff run, the Melrose High boys’ hockey team returns to the ice this winter with a season opener game against Belmont on the road this Saturday at 12:20 p.m. at John Ryan Arena, with their home opener following on Wednesday, Dec. 18 against Reading at home at Kasabuski Arena.
Last year Melrose drew a No. 30 seed in the Div. 3 playoffs and enjoyed a first round win over Amherst-Pelham before nearly upsetting No. 3 Scituate in a 2-1 overtime loss. It’s safe to say this team has the ability to surprise, and despite losing a dozen seniors last year, they have core figures returning that can continue that trend.
We are definitely starting fresh in many areas,” says Melrose head coach Joe Ciccarello. “The program increased to 37 hockey players total. So, that is a great sign for the future. We have many young, talented hockey players in the program that are going to have a big impact soon.”About eight players returning this season have lots of ice experience, and Melrose also has an impressive four freshman. “That’s the most we’ve had in a while,” notes the coach. “It is a great freshmen class and 3 sophomores.”
Leading the team as captain this year is senior Matthew Fuccione, who has been the team’s starting goalie since freshman year. “Matt is looking to get back to his All Star form. When he is focused and grinding he’s tough to beat.” Assistant captain duties go to seniors Quinn Haggerty and Justin D’antona. Says the coach, “We have a great senior class and a room full of great leaders.”
Those on the team include: Jack Feeney, Robert Pino, Charlie Hoskins, Ray Willis, Ryan Arens, Aiden Barber, Anthony Tonello, Adam Belaid, Mikey Santos, Declan McLean, Nick Burke, Griffin Brady, Aiden Ryan, Brendan Doyle, Jackson Kendall, Anders Guiliano, and Nolan Clark.
Defense will be an early focus for Melrose, contends the coach. “Our philosophy is stressing team defense. That starts from Matt on out,” he says.
While it’s too early to determine the exact lines Melrose will draw up to play, look for there to be various combinations involving players such as Justin D’Antona, Jack Feeney, Leroy Hoskins, Aiden Barber and some freshman and sophomores in the mix. “Quinn [Haggerty] is hurt and when he gets cleared, obviously he will be one of our top forwards also,” says the coach. “Our offense will come from opportunistic position play.”
The backbone of their defense will come from two, four-year starters who will lead Melrose: Brendan Doyle and Griffin Brady. “We are seeing four other defensemen step up. Senior Anders Guiiano and junior Aiden Ryan and Nick Burke as well as senior Jackson Kendall will all pitch in. Everyone comes back, everyone blocks shots, everyone picks up guys out front, everyone wins our zone and then offense will come.”
Last year, Melrose faced a challenging first half of the season before coming alive in the end, winning 3 of their last 5 games to clinch a spot in the MIAA playoffs, thanks also in large part to a very challenging Middlesex League schedule. “One of the best public school leagues in the state in hockey is the Middlesex,” says Ciccarrello. We start with a gauntlet of teams. It can only help us in the end.”
There was much to learn from that turnaround of 2023-4. “We must leave ego at the door. We were not on the same page. We did, however, finally get it at the end. This year we are focusing on team defense, team over self-interest, and how one person will not be carrying their candle to light the way. We all have to melt our candles and mold them into 1 big candle. We have leaders, but all on the team are needed.”
