Newton-Lenape Valley 2021-22 preview: Depth key as program looks for winning season

NEWTON-LENAPE VALLEY

Head coach: Ryan Sevean, 18th year (168-197-34 career record)

Division: Charette

Last year: Newton-Lenape Valley finished the year with a 4-9-1 overall record and a 3-5 mark in the Charette Division. But it was a different team in the postseason, as it took down top-seeded Morris Catholic in the first round of the Charette Cup, before losing a heartbreaker in the final seconds to Bernards-Somerville-Middlesex in the final.

Key losses: Cameron Cherry, D; Michael Cinotti, F; Hunter Givone, F; Trey Kaplan, G.

Top returners: Brayden Dabrowski, F, So.; Ryan Flannery-Garlick, F/D, Sr.; Kyler Kane, F, Sr.; Chris Krahling, F, Sr.; Lukas Krauklis, D, Sr.; Ryan Lynch, F/D, Sr.; Jack McKenna, F, So.; Matt Murphy, F, Sr.; Martin Murphy, F, So.; Eric Nemeth, D, Sr.; Anthony Piccirillo, F, Jr.; David Pineda, D, So.; Ryan Salerno, G, So.; Aidan Urbano, D, Jr.; David Zappe, G/F, Sr.; Justin Zappe, F, So.

Newcomers: Ty Dellicker, F, Fr.; Kristina Herman, F, Fr.; Matt Finn, F, So.; Tanner Gaboda, F, Fr.; Kayla Latham, F, Fr.; Kendra Smith, F, Fr.; Matt Walter, D, So.

Outlook: Newton-Lenape Valley nearly pulled off the unthinkable last march, when it reached the Charette Cup final as the fourth seed and lost to Bernards-Somerville-Middlesex on a goal in the final minute of the game.

This season, Newton-Lenape Valley is hoping that increased depth along with the experience it gained last year will help it take a big step forward. The team will feature seven seniors in prominent roles as the program looks to have its first winning season since 2017-18 when it went 20-7.

Senior Ryan Lynch, who buried 11 goals last season, is back and can play both forward and defense for Newton-Lenape Valley. Senior Matthew Murphy (3 g., 3 a.) is another forward who should have a big role this year.

Defensively, seniors Lukas Krauklis (1 g., 4 a.) and Eric Nemeth, along with junior Aidan Urbano will anchor the blue line. It graduated goalie Trey Kaplan, who was instrumental in the team’s run to the Charette Cup final last winter. Sophomore Ryan Salerno who saw some time last year will be back, along with senior David Zappe who can play either goalie or forward.

The Charette Division as a whole should be very competitive this season, but with a deep and experienced roster, Newton-Lenape Valley has a shot to be at or near the top of this division this winter.

E-mail Mike Gurnis at michaelgurnis@gmail.com