In just a short amount of weeks, the boys varsity Ice Hockey season will begin. There are a few changes coming to the team this year, including that it will be a Westhill-Stamford High co-op team. Eight members of the 2014-2015 squad have graduated, leading to not enough people on the roster. The Vikings kick off their season on December 19th when they take on Stafford in Enfield, Connecticut.
2014 was a successful season for the Vikings. They went 6-2-1 over a span of about 2 months. Goalie Chris Compolattaro led the way for the defensively oriented team. Defender Gunnar Eriksen (16) blocked shots and killed penalties very well. Coach Santagucci will be looking from the same effort from him and other players. If Westhill can get on a role, no team can stop them. At one point during last season, they got on a 6 game win streak, where they outscored opponents 23-8. They defeated teams like Lyman Hall and New Milford, and tied with a very talented team in New Cannan.
This year, FCIAC has put together a very competitive schedule for the Vikings. They will play one of the top teams in the state in Darien, look to stop the fast St. Joes, and defeat cross-town rival Trinity. “There’s no doubt that it’s going to be different from last year. But I’ve played with most of the kids on the team for a couple years and I think that we have something to build off. If we work hard and learn to play with each other, I really do think that this year could be pretty successful.” said sophomore Cooper Healy. He is going to be one of the key players on offense if they are going to win and win consistently.
“I expect another run at states. I believe we have a good shot at getting back to Yale, and making it to the state finals.” said sophomore John Kanaris (18). The positive side for Westhill is that Stamford High has some very talented players who can be a serious threat to opponents. Chris Clemmenson (16) was 12th in scoring in FCIAC play, and Max Tuccinardi (16) was 21st. These two players will make for a very good line combination. If the team builds up good chemistry, look for big things from the Westhill-Stamford High team in 2015-2016.
Upcoming Games:
12/19 vs. Stafford – ROAD
12/21 vs. Watertown-Pomperaug – ROAD
12/26 vs. East Haven – ROAD
12/30 vs. Sheehan – HOME
