St. Mary’s icemen seek the next level

The St. Mary’s hockey team has come breathlessly close to reaching TD Garden in each of the last two years, losing the Division 1 North final by a goal. If the Spartans are to get back to that plateau and perhaps further, they will have to rely on a different type of club this winter.”We’ve been to the North finals twice and lost by a goal and we would love to have opportunity to get back there,” St. Mary’s coach Mark Lee said. “We’re going to be a hard working team and I feel we will compete against the very best.”The Spartans took a step into the upper crust last year, earning a spot in the Super 8 play in round, losing to Central Catholic. They then went back and marched to the North finals, losing 4-3 to Wakefield.Gone from the squad that went 16-4-4 are nine seniors who accounted for much of the offense, along with goalie Donald Hesse, who posted a 1.92 GAA.”We have some big shoes to fill up front and on defense but we’re excited for the challenge,” Lee said. “We have a number of returning players and a couple of talented transfers.”Leading the returnees will be senior forwards Tommy Braswell and Brendan Mageary along with juniors Bobby Mullins, Cam O’Neill and Timmy Aylward. Sophomore Jordan Manthorne enjoyed a stellar freshman campaign and is back along with senior Frank Moreschi.The Spartans lost one of their top returning forwards in their first scrimmage when Connor Parent ruptured his spleen. It it is hoped he could possibly return for the second half of the season.On defense, Andrew and Nikko Markham will backstop the unit. Also back is senior Brian Wilkins and sophomore Andrew Dimaiti.”We always keep a handful of young players for varsity experience,” Lee said. “Now they have moved into major roles.”One of the hottest battles comes in the fight for the starting spot in net where senior Steve Poliskey and sophomore Bailey MacBurnie bring veteran leadership. Freshman Nick Holt also is in the mix.The Spartans also added two new faces in transfers Jared Fitzpatrick (Tilton Academy) and Cam Grenham (Malden Catholic).Ironically, St. Mary’s will open its season on Monday against Grenham’s former school when they visit the Lancers at Valley Forum II.”MC will be a challenge but also give us a measuring stick of where we’re at,” Lee said.The Spartans also have non-league battles with Springfield Cathedral; Hingham; Weymouth and defending Division 1 champion Marshfield along with defending their Catholic Central League/Large title.