Warriors seek tournament berth with a new head coach, new system in place
JACK BROWN, a senior tri-captain, returns to play defense this season for the WMHS boys’ hockey team. The Warriors are seeking a big improvement this winter with a new head coach and system in place. (Donna Larsson File Photo)
By JIM SOUTHMAYD
WAKEFIELD — There is almost nowhere to go but up for the Wakefield Memorial High boys’ hockey team.
The Warriors posted a 1-17-2 overall record and 0-15-1 Middlesex League Freedom division record last year with a young team that underwent some big changes including the loss of most of the coaching staff midway through the winter. Now many of the players are a year older and are learning a new system with an entirely new coaching staff.
Still the motto of the 2014-15 season for the Warriors is 10 wins, 20 points and a playoff spot. That is the main goal for Wakefield and new head coach John Pellerin.
“The boys had a difficult year last year but we have put that all in the past,” said Pellerin. “This is a new beginning for us.”
Pellerin has assembled an entirely new coaching staff made of former Warrior greats. The assistant varsity coaches are Mark Roberto, Jim Chisholm and Chris Giantassio. The new JV coach is Jerry Markem and he will be assisted by Christian Wright who will work with both the JV and varsity.
Wakefield also has opened up a new hockey position, Director of Hockey Operations. That title is held by Chris Muise.
The new coaching staff has put a new system in place and the players are working to get accustomed to that new system. Even though the Warriors are learning they are still seeking to have success quickly.
“We have a corps of nine seniors,” said Pellerin. “Last year, we were young and inexperienced. We return a lot of major pieces to the pie. We want to be strong and build on that experience.”
The Warrior defense is led by senior tri-captain Jack Brown and junior tri-captain Dylan Melanson. Seniors Dom Bruno and Derek Bye also lead the corps of blue liners which also include junior Steve Melanson and sophomore Ben Coccoluto. Also, first year junior Logan Dunn is on the team and will join the defensive group of players.
There is nucleus of experienced seniors and juniors on the offensive side of the puck. Pellerin has put combinations together to skate four lines. The combinations could change depending on the circumstances. But for now, Pellerin has his red, gray, yellow and green lines in place.
Junior tri-captain Anthony Funicella centers the red line and he will be joined by returning senior Joe Stackhouse and returning junior Steve Marino.
The gray line is made of first year senior James McAuliffe at center and at the wings will be senior Andrew Patti and sophomore David Melanson.
The yellow line will include seniors Bryan Noyes, Zack Salamone and junior Zach Kane.
The green line will consist of returning senior Nick Hill and first year sophomores P.J. Iannuzzi and Sean McNall.
Ben Yandell, a junior, returns to play in goal. Backing him up is freshman Tyler Pugsley.
“The kids have been working hard to learn a new system,” said Pellerin. “I’m hoping our (the coaches) philosophy and the kids’ work ethic helps bring us to the win column right away in a tough Middlesex League.”
The Warriors open up the 2014-15 season tonight at 5:10 p.m. when it hosts Lexington at the Kasabuski Arena. Pellerin himself will not be on the bench for the opener due to the death of his father. Giantassio will be the head coach in Pellerin’s absence. Pellerin is expected to be on the bench for Saturday night’s game against Reading.
“Chris Giantassio will be the head coach in my absence for opening night,” said Pellerin. “The boys are capable of coming out and firing on all cylinders.”
