Boys Hockey

The bond that the boy’s hockey team holds is what is going to be missed most by senior defense Liam O’Hearen, and senior forwards Cormac McNamara and Luke Wirth. When asked, Wirth said that “It’s fun to go into battle with this group of guys and it’s definitely something that is hard to walk away from. Everyone supports each other and drives each other to do better and improve which is what is needed in a good team.”

O’Hearen added that “I think the thing that I am going to miss the most is the family-like bond that is created between the team. It is something that has been present in my 4 years as well as the years before me. It allows everyone to feel more comfortable with new people and gain new relationships while playing a game they love.” Along with McNamara adding that “memories like winning games and cups, and just the feeling of being a part of a brotherhood” will also be missed.

The team finished their season with a record of 5-12-1. They came into this season being the new team in the division with a lot of players who had no varsity experience. That did not stop them from working hard and winning games.

Their first win of the season came against Mountain Lakes. They collected 5 goals in their 5-3 victory. Two of them came from McNamara, two came from sophomore Kyle Piechnik, and one from senior Andrew Harlampoudis. They followed that game up with a 4-4 tie against Mendham.

Although they lost the next two games they came back strong with two distinctive wins against Oratory and Watchung Hills in the Essex Holiday Tournament.

A couple games later the team had a big 5-3 win against Morristown-Beard with goals by freshmen Jonathan Erickson, junior Tyler Shannon, seniors Luke Wirth and Cormac McNamara, and sophomore Kyle Piechnik. This win proved to the division that Madison belonged and they showed it that night.

The boys finished their season with a 6-3 win against Paramus Catholic. Freshmen Sam Gero, senior Liam O’Hearen, and sophomore Kyle Piechnik each scored one goal, while three came from senior Cormac McNamara.

As the 2021-2022 high school hockey season ends, the team will look to current junior Tyler Shannon to lead the team next season. O’Hearen said that “Last year he already established himself as a leader by speaking up and leading and I think he will only get better on and off the ice.”

Wirth also thinks that “ Sam Gero will lead both on the ice in terms of skill and in the locker room” but that “ all of these boys hold the qualities of great leaders and I look forward to seeing what they can do.”

McNamara said “ It’s going to be fun to hear about how the team is doing next year” Along with the rest of his senior teammates, he would like to thank Madison Hockey and wishes the team good luck for their upcoming season.

Girls Hockey

“I’m really going to miss the hardworking, amiable, and uplifting spirit of the team,” said senior girl’s hockey goalie Julianna DiPaolo when asked about what she was going to miss about the team. “I’ll definitely miss being able to play with such a great group of girls, as well as playing for coach Bailey who is incredibly dedicated, caring, and supportive of every player.” This sentiment was shared by the whole team.

Although their final record was 2-8, the team’s two wins came in a big way. They won their first game against Westfield, with a score of 6-3. Their second victory came against Chatham. In that 7-4 win, senior Emily Flanagan scored, along with freshmen Iris Piskula, and senior Rachel Bear. Two goals a piece were added by senior Maya Tahl and sophomore Mia McSherry.

When asked about who she thought would be captains and leaders for the 2022-23 season, DiPaolo responded that “It’s honestly hard to say, because the seniors usually work together to lead the team. I think that each of the rising seniors has the potential to step up, whether it be on JV or Varsity, and play a part in guiding the team next season.”

One name stuck out though: Shayne Carfano. Senior Natalia Arena said that “she started the same year as me and has improved tremendously and is an essential player on the team. I think overall she’s so kind and approachable and could lead the team.” Current juniors Asha Sinha and Claire Sheeleigh were also mentioned for the upcoming season.

As Flanagan finishes up her season she says that she is “gonna miss it so much and I hope someday we win a cup!” Arena is “going to miss how lighthearted the team is and how everyone is so positive and supportive.”

Flanagan wishes that “they have an awesome season next year!” Along with the rest of the graduating seniors on the team, she wishes them good luck for their coming season.