Experienced squad returns this winter
Published in the December 15, 2017 edition
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The Melrose Red Raider hockey team is hoping this will be the year they take their game to another level. With a solid group of upperclass starters returning, Melrose could be poised to do to just that when they open their season on Wednesday, Dec. 12 (post deadline) on the road against Chelmsford. They open at home this Saturday against Lexington at 4:30 at Kasabuski Rink in Saugus.
Once again, Melrose will be squaring off against boatloads of talent in the always-competitive Middlesex League. But they will be well represented. Leading the team as captains are Darwin Anderson and Charles Femino, while assistant captains are Shea Champagne and Liam Crovo. According to head coach Vin Mirasolo, senior leadership should serve Melrose well. “Our two captains are great kids who work hard every day and lead by example for our younger players. But really, all our upperclassmen are leaders, and this whole team has a good chemistry.”
Expect Melrose’s lines of offense to include Shea Champagne, Darwin Anderson, Matt Campagna, Cam Marx and Brendan Farrell, among others. Look for Dan Broderick, Cam Gorman, Zack Farrell and Pat Maher to see the ice too. Last season Cam Marx and Shea Champagne proved scoring weapons, along with seasoned forward Darwin Anderson. Defensively, Melrose will be in terrific hands with Liam Crovo, Adam Bain and Charlie Femino manning the ice, along with Sam Shippee, Will Pierce and Will Brandon. As goalie, Mark Dewling got plenty of minutes in 2016-17 and will be ready once again at the net. Says his coach, “He will be our starter.”
Melrose has several freshmen on the roster, including Will Pierce, Quinn McCarthy, Brendan Fennell, Sean Senier, Charles Haggerty, Matthew Patrick and William Brandon. Returning this year are Andy Calvert, Nolan Castergine, Adam Kleis and Andrew Martin.
And while early play has been limited, Mirasolo is pleased how they look in pre-season. “We’ve had some good scrimmages. So far I see some our strength in experience. We have great senior leaders plus some new talent that will make a good mix.”
Playing in the Middlesex League is never easy, as many public schools vie for a bid to Super Eight. Just last season, Arlington (a Middlesex rival) won the whole thing. But playing a tough regular season schedule can only help prepare Melrose for a postseason. Says Mirasolo, “We want to get in the tournament and make a run for it.”
2017-18 Season Schedule
Wed 12/13/17 @ Chelmsford, 5
Sat 12/16/17 vs. Lexington, 4:30
Wed 12/20/17 @ Arlington, 6
Sat 12/23/17 v. Woburn l, 4:30
Tue 12/26/17 v. Triton Regional, 2
Wed 12/27/17 TBD @ Kasabuski Rink
Wed 1/3/18 Melrose @ Wilmington, 8
Sat 1/6/18 v Stoneham, 4
Mon 1/8/18 @ Medford, 7
Sat 1/13/18 vs. Wakefield, 7:30
Mon 1/15/18 vs. Weymouth, 1:00
Sat 1/20/18 @ Burlington 6
Wed 1/24/18 @ Belmont, 5
Sat 1/27/18 vs Reading, 7:30