2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards

2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards

2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards

2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton was one of the premier forwards in the hockomock league and we will miss him. Boys Soccer Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards 2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards HockomockSports Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports HockomockSports Your source for comprehensive coverage of the Hockomock League. We provide recaps, features, standings, schedules and much more.
HockomockSports Your source for comprehensive coverage of the Hockomock League. We provide recaps, features, standings, schedules and much more. Attleboro Canton Foxboro Franklin King Philip Mansfield Milford North Attleboro Oliver Ames Sharon Stoughton Taunton
HockomockSports Your source for comprehensive coverage of the Hockomock League. We provide recaps, features, standings, schedules and much more.
HockomockSports Your source for comprehensive coverage of the Hockomock League. We provide recaps, features, standings, schedules and much more. TheSunChronicle.com ESPNBoston.com

2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards
Canton senior Ryan Nolte has been named the 2019 HockomockSports.com Boys Hockey Player of the Year. Nolte is the fifth recipient of this award in its seven-year history, and the second player to receive this award in back-to-back seasons, following Canton’s Jackson Maffeo, who was Player of the Year in 2016 and 2017.

Nolte had a historic individual season in the midst of the team’s historic unbeaten run to the Div. 2 state championship. He scored 71 points this winter, the highest total in the state, and led a Bulldogs attack that tallied 133 goals in 26 games, which was more than five goals per night. He scored 32 goals and set up 39 others, partnering with junior Johnny Hagan on an unstoppable top line that reached its pinnacle during a remarkable playoff run.

“When the game is getting hectic and the puck is bouncing around, Ryan would be the one to collect it and slow everything down,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “He always seemed to be moving at a different speed, patiently finding the seams and spaces no one else could see. Sometimes, like his opening goal against Norwood, he makes the ridiculously difficult look ridiculously easy.”

As good as Nolte and the Bulldogs were in the regular season, they seemed to find a second gear in the postseason, outscoring opponents 29-3 over five playoff games and 20-3 in the final three games of the tournament. Nolte scored the game-winner against Oliver Ames in the quarterfinal, had two goals and two assists against Norwood in the South semifinal, and a goal and a couple of assists against Westwood in the South final.

In the state championship game at the TD Garden, Nolte had a hand in five of Canton’s six goals, scoring one himself and assisting on four others, as the Bulldogs capped off their title-winning season.

“Ryan had arguably the finest hockey season of any player in the state of Massachusetts this year,” said Canton coach Brian Shuman. “His exceptional offensive creativity and skill allowed him to factor into more than half of our goals scored this season, but it was his leadership on and off the ice that helped propel us to the state championship.”

Nolte’s success over this season and his career with the Bulldogs certainly didn’t go unnoticed by league rivals.

“Ryan Nolte was the best player in our league,” said Oliver Ames head coach Sean Bertoni, who played Canton twice this year. “A very smart centerman that made the players around him better. He has a great hockey IQ and great special teams player. He is one of the best players we played against since I have been coaching the past three seasons.”

This is the fourth straight season, and fifth overall, that a Canton player has won this award. Brian Brooks (2013) was the other Bulldog to be honored. Franklin’s Ryan Spillane (2015) and Oliver Ames’ Tyler Provost (2014) also received this award.

Honorable Mention: Johnny Hagan (Canton), Matt Copponi (Mansfield), Brett Williams (Oliver Ames)

Please note these are the HockomockSports.com Awards and are selected strictly by our staff. They are not affiliated with the Hockomock League or its all star selections.

2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards


Ryan WarrenRyan Warren – North Attleboro – Goalie
North Attleboro senior goalie Ryan Warren had a terrific season between the pipes for the Rocketeers. Warren capped a stellar four-year career with the Big Red with arguably his best season in goal. He was a huge reason that North Attleboro finished second in the Davenport division this year, earning 15 points in league play, which was the second most of any team in the league. His ability to read the play stood out above the rest and he continuously made difficult saves look routine. He was named HockomockSports.com Goalie of the Year for this season (see below).

 


Brendan TullyBrendan Tully – Foxboro – Defense
Foxboro senior defenseman Brendan Tully completed his career with the Warriors by helping them set a new program record for wins (12) and points (27) in a season, eclipsing the previous best totals that Foxboro set last winter. Tully scored 18 goals and recorded 17 assists this season. He was the team’s top playmaker and led the attack from the blue line and was named a league all-star by the coaches for the second straight year. Foxboro coach Mark Cedorchuk said, “Brendan has done so much for our program in helping it get to the next level. He’s a human highlight reel when he has the puck. You don’t see it that often at the high school level what he’s able to pull off while he’s carrying the puck.”
 


Tom TaskerTom Tasker – Franklin – Defense
Franklin senior defenseman Tom Tasker was both a physical presence at the blue line and in the corners and capable of popping up with an important goal or outlet pass for the league champion Panthers. He was one of the reasons for Franklin’s run to the Div. 1 South final, despite the Panthers entering the playoffs as the No. 11 seed. Tasker scored three goals this year and had 10 assists, and showed off one of the hardest shots from the point in the league. Franklin coach Chris Spillane said, “Tom Tasker has been the backbone of our defensive group for the last two years. He is an extremely gifted offensive defenseman, who has one of the heaviest shots in the league. Tom has the ability to play a finesse brand of hockey or play a physical style.”
 


Johnny HaganJohnny Hagan – Canton – Forward
Canton junior forward Johnny Hagan put together a remarkable season for the Bulldogs, whether on the first or second line, scoring 51 points and he was a major factor in the team’s historic, unbeaten, state title-winning season. Hagan scored 21 goals and recorded 31 assists and his partnership with Ryan Nolte proved unstoppable during Canton’s playoff run, including a hat trick at the TD Garden in the state title game win against Tewksbury. Canton coach Brian Shuman said, “Johnny’s speed, toughness, and playmaking ability make him one of the most dynamic players in the state. He is the fiercest competitor I have ever coached, and that attitude spread through the rest of our team.”
 


Ryan NolteRyan Nolte – Canton – Forward
Canton senior center Ryan Nolte was the top scorer in the state this season, recording more than 70 points as the Bulldogs made history with an unbeaten run to the Div. 2 state championship, the team’s first since 2010. Nolte was the spearhead of Canton’s top line all season and proved to be one of the state’s top playmakers with 32 goals and 39 assists. He had a goal and four assists in the state title game and his partnership with Johnny Hagan proved to be unstoppable in the playoffs. Canton coach Brian Shuman said, “Ryan had arguably the finest hockey season of any player in the state of Massachusetts this year, and perhaps the most impressive single season in the modern era of Canton High hockey.”
 


Brett WilliamsBrett Williams – Oliver Ames – Forward
For the third straight year, Oliver Ames senior Brett Williams was one of the top forwards in the Hockomock League. After being named to the second team as a sophomore, this year marks the second straight year on the HockomockSports.com First Team. He continued to be one of the most dangerous players with the puck on his stick, using a combination of speed and skill to navigate past defensemen. He had a team-high 30 points this season, scoring 13 goals while registering 17 assists to help the Tigers come within one point of a division title. “Brett is a determined highly competitive player,” said OA coach Sean Bertoni. “He was the pulse of our team for the past two seasons…great speed with a very good shot.”
 


2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards


Mike StaffiereMike Staffiere – Canton – Goalie
Canton senior goalie Mike Staffiere had to wait his turn to become the starter and he made the most of the opportunity when it came. He backstopped the best defensive unit in the league, allowing only 23 goals in 26 games this season, and helped Canton finish an unbeaten season, win a league title, and bring home its first D2 state title since 2010. He saved 95 percent of the shots he faced this season, allowed only 0.89 goals against per game, and allowed only three goals in five playoff games with three shutouts. Canton coach Brian Shuman said, “Staff is the best goalie I have seen in my 14 years of coaching…In addition to his skill, what sets Staff apart are his character and work ethic. He was truly the backbone of this team.”
 


Owen LehaneOwen Lehane – Canton – Defense
Canton junior defenseman Owen Lehane was one of the top two pairings for the undefeated Bulldogs, helping them win another Davenport division title and a Div. 2 state championship. Lehane scored four goals this season and recorded 10 assists. He came through with big plays in big moments, including the opening goal in the South final and an assist in the state title game. With Lehane on the blue line, Canton allowed only 23 goals in 26 games, by far the lowest goals against total in the league. Canton coach Brian Shuman said of Lehane, “He is tough, physical, and smart. He is always matched up against the other team’s best players, and he consistently shut down his opponents the entire season.”
 


Brad GrantBrad Grant – Mansfield – Defense
Mansfield senior Brad Grant had a standout season playing for the Hornets this season. In his first year back after playing for juniors, Grant’s calm demeanor and confidence on the ice made him one of the best defensemen in the Hock. Not only was he very strong in the defensive end, but he was also able to get involved in the offensive end and was a key part of the Hornets’ attack. He finished the regular season with eight goals and 13 assists, just one of five players with 20 or more points. “Brad logged a ton of minutes for us…he was huge on our penalty kill, our power play, and a great locker room guy,” said Mansfield coach Mike Balzarini. “Even though he was new to the team, it felt like he had been here all along. He was on the first on the ice and last one off. He was a great leader for us.”
 


Joe LizotteJoe Lizotte – Franklin – Forward
Franklin senior forward Joe Lizotte was the spark plug of the Panthers attack with his energy, hustle, and speed driving the team forward and creating scoring opportunities, sometimes out of nothing. He led the team with 14 points and was second on the team with eight goals and could be counted on to come up with big plays in big moments, such as his game-tying goal that sent the playoff game with Mansfield into overtime. Franklin coach Chris Spillane said, “Joe has been an offensive leader for our team over the last two years. His breakaway speed north and south puts him on a different level than anyone else on the ice. Joe was an offensive threat every time he stepped on the ice.”
 


Matt CopponiMatt Copponi – Mansfield – Forward
Mansfield sophomore Matt Copponi had a breakout year for the Hornets, who came within one point of the Kelley-Rex division title this season. After making a strong impression as a freshman, Copponi emerged as one of the best forwards and one of the best playmakers in the Hockomock this season. He finished the regular season with 36 points, including eight goals and 28 assists — second most in the league. “Matt was definitely our most dynamic player,” said Mansfield coach Mike Balzarini. “He was instrumental in the way he played for us, he really finished the year strong and I’m looking forward to him playing a much bigger role next year.”
 


Brendan ShandleyBrendan Shandley – King Philip – Forward
King Philip senior center Brendan Shandley had a successful season on his return from juniors and got the Warriors within one point of a return to the state tournament. He led the team in goals and points this season, scoring 15 goals and recording 18 assists to power KP’s top line. Shandley was also selected as a league all-star by the Hockomock coaches after scoring at least one point in 16 of the team’s 20 games. King Philip coach Paul Carlow said of Shandley, “He’s an excellent skater with exceptional stick skills. He has the ability to carry the puck, slow the game down, and create offense.
 


2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards


Espen ReagerEspen Reager – Foxboro – Goalie
Foxboro junior goalie Espen Reager provided the backstop for the Warriors during the best season in program history, including 50-plus saves to beat Mansfield and helping Foxboro beat Franklin for the first time. Reager saved 93 percent of the shots he faced this season, making 578 total saves, allowing only 2.19 goals against per game, and recording four shutouts. He was selected as the MVP by the league’s coaches after helping the Warriors to 12 wins and 27 points, both program highs for a single season. Foxboro coach Mark Cedorchuk said, “Espen was a game changer for us this season. He never gets too high or too low with his emotions, which is perfect for a goalie, and he is always laser-focused.”
 


James BeattyJames Beatty – Oliver Ames – Defense
Oliver Ames senior James Beatty quietly had a very strong season for the Tigers. Although his stats didn’t rank near the top of the league, his play really stood out. He has very poised defensively and always seemed to be in the right position to make the right play. He was a key part of the breakout for OA this season, often carrying the puck up ice to being the attack. He finished the season with two goals and seven assists. “James was one of the most skilled players in the league,” said OA coach Sean Bertoni. “A great vision, always having his head up looking to make plays. His puck handling skills were tremendous.
 


Brendan McHughBrendan McHugh – North Attleboro – Defense
North Attleboro senior Brendan McHugh had his best year for the Big Red during the 2018-2019 season. McHugh was a strong two-way player for the Rocketeers, who finished with second most points in league play. He stood out defensively because of his ability to break up players, while also being a threat in the attacking zone from the blue line. He finished the year with three goals and seven points for a total of 10 points. “McHugh is a big game player,” said North Attleboro head coach Ben McManama. “He came through in the clutch for us over and over again.”

 


Sam LarkinSam Larkin – Attleboro – Forward
Attleboro senior forward Sam Larkin came back from juniors for his senior year and was one of the reasons that the Bombardiers made another state tournament appearance and finished .500 on the season. He scored a team-high 44 points this year, tallying 28 goals and recording 16 assists, and also added a physical presence to the Bombardiers attack. Attleboro coach Mark Homer said, “He led our team in scoring but more importantly a number of his goals were scored at critical points in games that we won this season. He scored a record number of shorthanded goals and played a big part in our power play situations. Sam did a good job in adjusting at what other teams tried to do in order to hold him back.”
 


Anthony ZammielloAnthony Zammiello – North Attleboro – Forward
North Attleboro senior Anthony Zammiello had a strong final season for the Rocketeers. He was a big part in helping Big Red finish with 15 points, the second most of any Hock team in league play. He was a true leader for the Rocketeers this season, and his strong work ethic was a big reason for his success this year. He led North Attleboro in points, scoring eight goals and adding 13 assists during the regular season. “Zammiello is all about hard work and leadership,” said North Attleboro coach Ben McManama. “We relied on him a ton this year and he stepped up for us.”
 


Max WardMax Ward – Oliver Ames – Forward
Oliver Ames senior Max Ward had an impressive final year for the Tigers. As a center, Ward was responsible for setting the table for the Oliver Ames offense. His hockey IQ made him stand out on the ice, and he logged a lot of ice time playing on both the power play and on the penalty kill. He finished the regular season with 16 goals (tied for fourth in the league) and seven assists. “Max was a smart three zone, special teams player,” said OA coach Sean Bertoni. “He was a leader on our team his junior and senior season. Max was a great faceoff guy and scored a lot of goals in the dirty areas.”
 


2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards
Mansfield sophomore forward Matt Copponi has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Boys Hockey Underclassman of the Year for the 2018-2019 season. This is the seventh season that the award has been given out. He is the first player from Mansfield to earn the honor.

“Matt had a strong freshman season but really impressed during this past year as a sophomore,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “His ability to find teammates really stood out, and there were times he was able to anticipate plays well before they would happen and put the puck in the right spot. He was certainly a handful for opposing defenses to deal with.”

Copponi was the team-leader in points for the Hornets this season, finishing the regular season with 36 points — eight goals and 28 assists. His 28 assists were second in the Hockomock League, just three behind Canton’s Ryan Nolte. He helped the Hornets earn the third-seed in the D1 South Tournament, finishing the season with 14-5-1 record. Mansfield was second in the Kelley-Rex division, going 5-3-1.

“Matt was definitely our most dynamic player,” said Mansfield coach Mike Balzarini. “He was instrumental in the way he played for us, especially in the game against Franklin. He finished the year strong and I’m looking forward to him playing a much bigger role next year.”

Copponi is the third player from the Kelley-Rex division to win the award, joining North Attleboro’s Sean Young in 2013. Other previous winners include North Attleboro’s Ryan Warren (2016) and Canton’s Johnny Hagan (2018), Ryan Nolte (2017), Jackson Maffeo (2015) and Matt Lazaro (2014).

2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards

Rocco Bianculli, King Philip – Bianculli, a sophomore defenseman, was one of the league’s top playmakers from the blue line, using his ability on the puck to open up the opposition. He scored seven goals and had seven assists for the Warriors, who finished just one point shy of the postseason. KP coach Paul Carlow said, “He can rush the puck or join the rush with his skating ability. With his shot and ability to see the ice, he was very effective on the power play.”

Brian Grant, Mansfield – Grant, a freshman, stepped right into the Mansfield lineup and got better as the season went on. His stick work and ability to read the play helped the Hornets have one of the best defensive units in the Hockomock League. He finished with two goals and four assists for six points. “Brian has a really high hockey IQ,” said Mansfield coach Mike Balzarini. “He made a big impact on both the kill and power play. Any partner he had on defense, he made whoever he was playing with better.”

Kirk Leach, Foxboro – Leach was part of the best season in Foxboro history, scoring 38 points for the Warriors on 18 goals and 20 assists, and added another weapon to the forward line. Foxboro coach Mark Cedorchuk said, “Kirk can get to top speed with a few strides and his competitiveness is what separates him from his peers. His determination to score goals is second to none.”

Bryan Kearns, Oliver Ames – In his first year, Kearns emerged as one of the most dangerous forwards in the Hockomock League. He finished the regular season with 11 goals and 17 assists. “Bryan has great hockey IQ for a young player,” said OA coach Sean Bertoni. “He has a great shot and is also a playmaker. Bryan also took care of his defensive zone responsibilities…a tough player along the walls.”

Matt Copponi, Mansfield – Copponi’s strong sophomore season resulted in the forward being named HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, as well as being named to the second team. His quickness allowed him to elude defensemen and his playmaking ability was among the best in the league. He had eight goals and 28 assists for a team-high 36 points in the regular season.


2019 HockomockSports Boys Hockey Awards
North Attleboro senior Ryan Warren has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Goalie of the Year for the 2018-2019 season. Warren is the sixth goalie to receive the honor in its seventh season being awarded.

“Ryan has had a tremendous four-year career as the starting goalie for North Attleboro,” said HockomockSports.com Editor-in-Chief Ryan Lanigan. “And in his final year, he had a terrific season. There were certainly games that he stood on his head and gave the Rocketeers a chance to win. You almost took some of his big saves for granted because he made them look easy at times.”

Warren ranked second in the Hockomock League during the regular season with a 1.61 goals against average. North Attleboro allowed just 39 goals against this season, which was the second least among league teams. Warren’s strong play in goal helped Big Red post a 6-2-1 record in league play, including the team’s first win over Franklin since restarting the program.

Warren was named the 2016 HockomockSports.com Underclassman of the Year, the HockomockSports.com Third Team in 206 and 2018, the HockomockSports.com Second Team in 2017, and to the HockomockSports.com First Team this season.

“Warren was the best player in the league,” said North Attleboro coach Ben McManama. “He was consistently on his game the entire season.”

Warren is the first goalie from North Attleboro to win the award. Other winners include Franklin’s Owen Ginley (2018) and Ryan Shea (2015), Canton’s Quinn Gibbs (2017) and Justin Slocum (2016), and Oliver Ames’ Jimmy Tierney (2013, 2014).

Honorable Mention: Mike Staffiere (Canton), Espen Reager (Foxboro), Sean McCafferty (Mansfield)


Coach of the Year – Brian Shuman, Canton

Brian ShumanCanton head coach Brian Shuman has been named the 2019 HockomockSports.com Boys Hockey Coach of the Year after leading the Bulldogs to their first state championship since 2010 and an unbeaten season.

The Bulldogs won a ninth straight Davenport division title (no other team has won the division since the league split) and finished 25-0-1, winning the Div. 2 state title with a dominating run through the postseason. Canton was also in the discussion for its first-ever appearance in the Super 8 tournament, passing the first round of voting at the selection meeting.

There was no question about the best team in the league this season, as Canton went a perfect 9-0 in the Hock. The Bulldogs scored 133 goals, good for more than five per game, and allowed only 23 in 26 games. They had the league’s best offensive unit and its best defense. Canton collected a record 51 points this year.

“Coming into the season, there was no question that Canton had a chance at winning a state title, but to go an entire season unbeaten was never really even considered,” said HockomockSports.com Managing Editor Josh Perry. “Brian had them ready to play every day and they lived up to his always high expectations. He also got the team over the disappointment of not getting its deserved spot in the Super 8 to refocus and bring home a state title. This was one of the most dominant seasons we’ve covered on this site.”

This is the third time that Shuman has won this award. He also won it in back-to-back seasons in 2013 and 2014. It is also the second straight year that a Davenport coach has won, following Foxboro’s Mark Cedorchuk, who won it in 2018.

Honorable Mention: Sean Bertoni (Oliver Ames), Ben McManama (North Attleboro), Mike Balzarini (Mansfield)