Newton-Lenape Valley 2021 preview: Improvement expected in new division

NEWTON-LENAPE VALLEY

Head coach: Ryan Sevean, 17th year. 163-188-33 career record.

Division: Charette

Last year: Newton-Lenape Valley finished 5-15-3, and lost to Mountain Lakes-Boonton in the first round of the Haas Cup.

Key losses: Mike Smith, Joey Baty.

This year’s squad: Junior Ryan Lynch (16 g., 2 a.) leads a strong group of juniors at the forward position. This also includes juniors Matt Murphy, Kyler Kane, David Zappe, Chris Krahling, and Ryan Flannery-Garlick, to go along with seniors Mike Cinotti and Hunter Givone and sophomore Anthony Piccirillo. It also expects freshmen Brayden Dabrowski, Jack McKenna, Justin Zappe, and Martin Murphy to have an impact this season as well.

On defense, Newton-Lenape Valley features a strong two-way threat in senior Cameron Cherry (12 g., 6 a.). Juniors Eric Nemeth and Lukas Krauklis, along with sophomore Aidan Urbano all return from last year’s team. Freshman David Pineda is expected to contribute this season as well.

In goal, senior Trey Kaplan returns for his fourth season between the pipes for NLV after registering an .850 save percentage last season. Freshman Ryan Salerno will also see some time in net.

Outlook: Newton-Lenape Valley moves to the Charette Division as part of this year’s realignment. It should be one of the top teams in the division along with High Point-Wallkill Valley. It has some solid offensive contributors and features a talented trio in Lynch, Cherry, and Murphy who should be among the top players in the division. Expect a solid bounce-back all around from this team after a five-win campaign last year.

2021 SCHEDULE

Jan. 16 — High Point-Wallkill Valley (Skylands Ice World), 4 p.m.

Jan. 20 — Morris Catholic (Mennen Arena), 7:45 p.m.

Jan. 23 — Parsippany Regional (Skylands Ice World), 6 p.m.

Jan. 30 — Paramus-Lyndhurst-Hackensack (Skylands Ice World), 8 p.m.

Feb. 4 — Bernards (Mennen Arena), 6:15 p.m.

Feb. 6 — Bernards (Skylands Ice World), 6 p.m.

Feb. 12 — Pope John (Skylands Ice World), 8 p.m.

Feb. 13 — High Point-Wallkill Valley (Skylands Ice World), 6 p.m.

Feb. 18 — Parsippany Regional (Mennen Arena), 4:15 p.m.

Feb. 20 — Morris Catholic (Skylands Ice World), 6 p.m.