Serino optimistic about Tech hockey

The Tech hockey team is gearing up for what coach Tim Serino is hoping will be one of its better years.The Tigers, who also have players from North Shore Tech and Essex Aggie, finished 5-13-2 last year. With some key players returning and an influx of new players, Serino is hoping to make a serious run at qualifying for the state tournament.”We have a little more talent (than last year). We’re deeper. I think we may be able to play three lines this year. I have more hockey players than I’ve had in the past,” Serino said.Justin Colontuoni, a senior forward from Essex Aggie, should provide the Tigers with a little firepower while Brian Provost, a junior out of North Shore Tech, anchors the defense. Sophomore Jake O’Neil played wherever he was needed last year and should help out again.”We expect big things from Jake O’Neill,” Serino said.James Wall is back between the pipes, although he’ll have some competition from a new goalie out of North Shore Tech.Michael Donovan from Tech provided the Tigers with a solid physical presence on the ice last year. Serino said he’s hoping Donovan, a junior, can also help out offensively. Serino said he has a ton of sophomores returning and he’s encouraged by the play of freshman Jesse Wilkins, who comes out of North Shore Tech.”He seems to have a lot of promise,” Serino said, adding that Justin Morgan, a senior from Lynn Tech, has been providing the leadership on and off the ice.”We actually have a legitimate chance at making the tournament this year,” Serino said, adding the key will be how the team does against teams like Minuteman Tech, South Boston and St. Clement’s. The Tigers will once again play non-league games against West Roxbury and Snowden.There have been a couple of changes to the schedule this season. Tech will no longer be playing Tyngsboro or Hamilton-Wenham. Hamilton-Wenham isn’t having a team this year, although efforts are being made to bring the program back next year.Serino’s coaching staff includes Geoff King and Dick Wall, who have been with him for years, as well as Mark McKenna, Tech teacher and alumnus Jim Brienzo, and Matt Lee.Tech will also have some new digs this season. With English and Classical merging and using the English locker room, the Tigers moved into the old Classical locker room. The old Tech locker room will be used by the St. Mary’s and the combined English/Classical/Winthrop/Revere girls teams.