David Strupp
Reporter
The Rams are coming off a 19-5-1 season, ending with a bang in a win over Darien in the FCIAC Championship. Senior captain, Patrick Hompe believes that team chemistry played an integral role in their successful season. “I think that last year’s team really came together and worked hard under the common goal of winning a championship,” Patrick said. “We hope to build upon that, making the team really close and motivated.”
The Rams have been working hard in the offseason to maximize their potential. “This fall we had workouts, captain’s practices and fall league games each week to help prepare for the season,” senior captain Ted O’Rourke said.
Despite losing several seniors, Patrick believes they can fill those vacated roles. “Probably the two biggest losses are Harry Stanton, who was our team’s biggest scorer, and goaltender Mac Wright, who helped keep us in close games in the net,” he said. “To fill those roles, some younger forwards will try to step up. Captains and seniors will look to replace leadership positions.”
The hockey team is looking to several players to play a larger role this year in order to succeed. “In goal, I see sophomore Liam Mooney stepping up and keeping us in big games. On defense, we return a bunch of guys who played big roles last year and I expect they will continue to do so,” Patrick said. “At the forward position, seniors Parker Lewis, Cooper Manchuck, Peter Katz and myself will hopefully make an impact.”
The hockey team is optimistic about their chances for success this upcoming season. “We’re going to be right near the top of the FCIAC again this year; hopefully we can win another championship. I’m most looking forward to our Darien games, but also to our home opener against Notre Dame of West Haven on December 17,” Ted O’Rourke said. “It’s our first game and those guys knocked us out of States last year, so we’re all looking forward to playing them again.”
For all of the captains, the mission this year is the same. “The goals for this team are the same every year: to try to bring home another FCIAC and State title,” senior captain Peter Katz said. “I think we have a good shot at accomplishing these goals.”
