By Matt Della Vecchia · by Matt Della Vecchia 9/9/2021 Although we are coming off of a summer of heat waves, the ice is still showing itself as a true proving ground for a f…
by Matt Della Vecchia
9/9/2021
Although we are coming off of a summer of heat waves, the ice
is still showing itself as a true proving ground for a fast-rising South Jersey hockey
program.
As we’re approaching game one of the 2021-2022 season the
Rowan Men’s Ice Hockey program is looking to regroup and land at the top. It’s
been just over three years since GM and Head Coach Dan DiMonte took over the
team alongside his Associate Head Coach Brien Bennett, both of whom are
undoubtedly committed and determined to cultivate success. After having the
best season on the program’s record in 2019-2020 and introducing a strong
hockey culture, the following season was, of course, canceled due to the
pandemic.
DiMonte remarked on the halted progress and what’s kept
their hopes up, “COVID hit and we were really scared. We didn’t know if
our seniors were going to graduate and not come back or if we weren’t going to
be able to recruit anymore. We did what we could to stay on the ice, the guys
stayed motivated. We were able to bring back our entire leadership group. Kudos
to them for going to grad school and they’ve really bought in to the whole
process of a hard work mentality.”
The leadership group he mentioned is made up of Trevor
Rucci, Bobby Penrod, Nic Ramos and Jarrett Stricken. Ricci, Ramos and Penrod,
sometimes known around the rink as The Bubble Line because they used to wear
matching clear face-shields, will lead the charge for the Profs this season. Meanwhile
Stricken is pinned to be the veteran, reliable anchor back on defense. And the
kicker is, all four captains are South Jersey natives who grew up playing in
the same building as Rowan’s home base, Hollydell Ice Arena.
The most important focus point coming into this season was
depth per Coach Bennet and Dimonte, and it shows. In late august the team held
its Brown & Gold game; a full-speed, in-house scrimmage to get a look at
the final tier of possible players. While the Bubble Line solidified its place
at the top, there was plenty to catch your attention.
Three transfer students, all in grad school, came out with
some chemistry and poise. The Magi Line, nicknamed after the Three Wise Men for
their wisdom and age, is armed with Forward Jimmy Pollock from Bryn Athyn who
has become “Heads UP Jimmer”. He was constantly on the move, controlled the
puck with purpose and it’s not surprise that head was always on a swivel.
Pollock played alongside another former Bryn Athyn skater, Tanner Schroeder and
together played some crisp hockey. Another talented puck handler Cam Chandler
will join them on offense.
Another notable during the Brown & Gold game was Dave
Cutler who was always active and involved while his linemate Vance Moran put a
couple pucks in the net. Senior Kyle Rink made his presence known between the
pipes and junior AJ Colella, who made 2 nd team all-conference as a
Freshman, looked solid. Another addition
in the defensive zone, Mike Frattaroli, played a very calm, controlled game in
his own zone.
With the influx of new talent to create a deep bench Coach
Bennett emphasizes special teams and lays out some expectations, “Obviously the
depth is going to be huge for us and then special teams. I think most of the
games end up being decided on with special teams. If we can just make sure our
powerplay stays at that thirty or thirty five percent and our PK is doing
eighty, eighty five percent I think we are going to do pretty well.”
The Profs are shaping up for a winning season.
Rowan Ice Hockey opens its season this Sunday, September 12
at Hollydell Ice Arena against Cincinnati, puck drops at 12:35pm.