Boys’ Ice Hockey Returns For Another Thrilling Season

Boys’ Ice Hockey is back and this winter should prove to be an electrifying year with passionate players hungry for a successful campaign. 

The team will take the ice this December and returning head coach Dave Macri is ready to play. “It feels great!” Macri said. “The anticipation and build-up towards the upcoming season are always exciting. The best day is when we actually get to hit the ice together for the first time. That’s when the work begins.” 

The door closed on the 2021 season with the ice hockey team losing several star players, including Rocco Albanese, who led the squad in goals, assists, and points that season. Yet, that does not stop the team from playing the game they love. “Player turnover is part of high school hockey. Each player brings a unique set of talents and strengths to our team,” Macri said. “When they graduate, they’re difficult to replace. Fortunately, we always have players who step up and fill those voids. Our roster is full of players who can step up and contribute right away.  I’m very excited to see who steps up this year and makes things happen.” 

Things might already be looking up, as now senior star goalkeeper Victoria Rutnik is returning for her final ride on the ice. Rutnik had 547 saves in 2021 and is looking to finish her high school hockey career strong. 

The 2021 season was a rough ride for the Raiders, finishing with a 7-16 overall record, and a 4-8 record in the New Jersey Interscholastic Ice Hockey League (NJIIHL). However, Coach Macri feels good about what lies ahead in 2022. “Records can be deceiving. While 7-15 is not ideal, our team had a pile of accomplishments last season that we will be able to use as steps to get us to the next level,” he said. 

The past remains in the past, as the Raiders’ ice hockey team is ready to fight for glory. The players will hit the ice on December 10 against Frisch High School and Coach Macri and his team are ready to win. “The bar is always set high. We have a great combination of returning players and new talent that should enable us to not only set lofty goals but achieve those goals as well,” he said.