ROXBURY GAELS
Head coach: Jonathan Benbow, 19th year (207-180-42 career record)
Division: Haas (moved from Halvorsen)
Last year: Roxbury finished 1-13-2, with an 0-8-1 record in the Halvorsen Division. It did not qualify for the Halvorsen Cup or the state tournament.
Key losses: Joe DiDomenico, D; Chase McGowan, D; Steven Keane, F.
Top returners: Jake Calanni, F, Sr. (6 g., 2 a.); Ryan VanZile, F, So. (6 g., 5 a.); Steven Ellison, F, Sr. (2 g., 4 a.); Sean Hardy, F, Jr.; Gavin Woudenberg, D, Sr. ; Gavin Barooah, D, Jr.; Tyler Petersen, D, Sr.; Dan Castellano, F, Sr; Aidan Reilly, F, Sr.; Jules Pizzo, F, Sr.; Luke Scaraggi, F, Sr.; A.J. Mancuso, F, Jr.; Ben Skutnik, F, So.; Griffin Warsaw, D, So.; Conner Francis, D, Sr.; Christian Sokolowski, D, Jr.; Stephen Whiteman, F, Sr.; Mikey Guadagnino, G, So.
Potential incoming impact players: Michael Nelson, F, Fr.; Chase Alven, F, Fr.; Cam Guerra, F, Fr.; Justin Katz, F, So.
Burning question: New division, new Gaels?
Roxbury had one of its toughest seasons in recent memory last winter, as it won just one game and went winless in the Halvorsen Division. That led to the Gaels moving down to the Haas Division for the first time in many years. It has virtually its entire roster back and will certainly be motivated to improve upon last year, so it will be interesting to see how it fares in a new division.
Outlook: As already mentioned, Roxbury has a ton of returning players from last season. Up front, Ryan VanZile showed promise as a freshman last year, while Jake Calanni will be counted on for senior leadership. Defensively, it has a solid group with senior Tyler Petersen, junior Gavin Barooah, and senior Gavin Woudenberg. Sophomore goalie Mikey Guadagnino was tested often last season, and that year of experience should be very important for him.
Overall, the pieces are in place for Roxbury to have a bounce-back year and to be a serious contender for the Haas Cup.
E-mail Mike Gurnis at michaelgurnis@gmail.com
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