The ice hockey team entered the 2011-12 season confident and excited by the potential of a senior-laden team rife with leadership and experience.
And through eight games, the things that excited head coach Chuck Fischer leading up to the season have translated perfectly, as Montville has rattled off four conference wins—including the recent 7-0 trampling over Parsippany—opening the season with a 4-3-1 mark.
“I was expecting a lot out of this group [coming into the season] and I still am,” Fischer explained. “When [the senior class] came in, they were the biggest freshman class that I ever had. There were 17 of them all together and probably five or so have been playing varsity hockey since they were freshman. So with their leadership and them helping to guide some of the new kids that we’ve got coming along, I think we’re going to have a good season.”
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With Montville heading into the season with a three-line rotation, Fischer believes his team is “more well-balanced this year than in years past.”
Judging by the Mustangs’ early-season performance against conference rivals the likes of Madison, Parsippany Hanover Park and Morris Hills, and it would appear that the head coach has an argument.
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But it’s not only the coach who has “bought in” this season, as his players appear poised and excited to continue playing quality hockey.
“It’s a big confidence booster [starting the season with wins in the conference],” senior captain Ryan O’Lear said. “Especially beating Madison. I think it’s going to help drive us the rest of the season.”
LAST SEASON
The Mustangs 2010-11 season was struck by tragedy last season with the . Montville would persevere and finish the season with a 10-11-1 mark.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON
Ryan O’Lear, Forward (Sr.)— A Montville captain, O’Lear’s leadership and experience, along with his ability to score goals, will all play big roles in the 2011-12 season.
Matt Crossen, Center (Sr.)— Another Montville captain who has a knack for beating the keeper, Crossen is expected to have a big year.
Kevin Thornton, Forward (Sr.)— Thornton is yet another offensive force for Montville. He currently leads all Mustang scorers this season.
Kurt Bambach/Andrew Irizarry, Goalie— Fischer says he’s employing a “play until you lose” system. So far the system has proven effective as the duo has combined for under a one goal per game average though four conference games.
THEY’LL MISS
Ryan Brenner, defenseman- A four-year varsity player, Fischer will miss Brenner’s leadership this season.
Stephen Marabondo—A versatile player, Marabonda killed penalities, played on the power play line, was the Mustangs captain and one of the team'sleading scorers last season.
THEY SAID IT
“I think we got off to a good start, being 3-0 in our division. We had an eye-opening experience against Montgomery High School (an 8-0 loss), which is one of the best teams in the state Saturday night, but I think it will help us in the long run. If we can play at the pace we did against them, we can make other team play at our pace.” —Head Coach Chuck Fischer
“We look good, we look strong. We didn’t really lose too many seniors [from last season] and we have a strong senior core with some good freshman coming up and it looks good so far.” —Senior Matt Crossen
