Although the Dodger boys’ record is 4-9-1, that does not begin to describe this team. They have had to deal with many challenges this season including covid cases, losing a strong group of seniors, and being moved up to a much harder division. 

Not only are the Dodgers coached by Mr. Cecala but they are also coached by Henrik Tallinder, former NHL defenceman for the NJ Devils. Junior forward Tyler Shannon describes the experience as “A true pleasure. It is crazy hearing stories about how he played in the NHL and won gold in the Olympics. It gives us an edge over most of the competition.”

This experience is once in a lifetime. “Not everyone who plays hockey gets the chance to be coached by an NHL player. Coach Tallinder knows everything about hockey and can answer any question we have about the sport. He is an excellent teacher and helps us play at our best every time we are on the ice.” Junior forward Christopher Piacenti says.

Their biggest win so far this season came when they beat Morristown Beard on January 15th. It was Madison’s first conference win of the season against one of the top teams in the division. They ended the game beating Morristown Beard 5-3.

Piacenti reflected on their recent win, “Our three wins had come from non-division matchups and we weren’t expected to win any division games this season, especially against one of the top teams in the division like Morristown Beard. We tried to keep a good mindset before the game, telling ourselves that we could win. The whole game, everyone worked their hardest every time they were on the ice and we, fortunately, came out with a win.”

The win over Mo Beard has been the highlight of the season so far. Freshman forward Jonathan Erickson said this win “proves that Madison belongs here.” This win for them proved that they were not just the team that moved division because they won the last one. This team truly belonged and they were going to prove it.

They added another big win against Paramus Catholic just this week on January 26th. Three of the six goals came from senior forward Cormac McNamara with senior Liam O’Hearen, freshmen Sam Gero, and sophomore Kyle Piechnik also adding a goal each. Junior goaltender Luke Chayut made 27 saves, letting in only 3 goals.