Peabody icemen look to go further

Last season was one of the best in the history of the Peabody High hockey team.The Tanners finished the 2007-08 campaign at 17-6-0 and went further than any team had gone in the program’s history in the postseason, losing to eventual North champion Wilmington in the semifinals.For coach Mark Leonard, this year is one that has the makings of being an even better one for the Tanners, who return 17 skaters that might have some unfinished business to tend to.”We have a lot of experience up front and a lot of speed,” Leonard said. “Last year was a great season and we’re hoping that we can build off that.”The Tanners, however, will have to replace a pair of stalwarts in their lineup in James Noftle and Patrick Yeo. Noftle was a 100-plus point scorer in his time at Peabody while Yeo was an all-conference defenseman last season.Fortunately for Leonard and company, senior Elijah Cohen elected to stay at Peabody for his senior season.Cohen, who was the co-MVP of the Northeastern Conference’s North Division with Revere’s Chris Mastropietro, was among the top scorers on the North Shore for most of last season. And with 10 pounds of added muscle, Cohen could easily eclipse the 100-point mark for his career this season despite missing half of two seasons due to injuries.”He really should have a big year,” Leonard said. “Eli is a tremendous player, co-MVP of the league. His staying was big for us.”Joining Cohen on the top line for Peabody is Matt Rodgers, who was part of the top unit a season ago and Andrew Bucci, who moves up from second line duty.That second line features Austin Prep transfer Tom Linnane centering wingers A.J. Parker and Derek Pereira while Rob Houghton-Connor Purcell-Pete Sucharewicz will make up the third line for Leonard.”We have some talented kids who can move the puck and skate,” Leonard said. “I really expect us to compete for a NEC title.”Defense may be where the Tanners could fight the inexperience bug as Mike Broughton and Eric Muise are the lone returnees from that unit.In goal, sophomores Derek Savage, Justin Bonnier and Mackenzie Shalin are battling for the top spot.”This bunch really is special. They are fun to coach and work hard,” Leonard said.Peabody opens its season a week from Saturday at home against Beverly. The Tanners also have non league games with Division 1 Milton, Medford and Newton North as well as Division 3 North finalist Concord-Carlisle and the annual Carlin Cup matchup with rival Bishop Fenwick.”I really think these games will help us tournament wise,” Leonard said.