SWAMPSCOTT — The Swampscott boys hockey team finished the 2016-2017 regular season with a 17-3 record and a No. 1 seed in the Division 3 North tournament, but the season unexpectedly ended in disappointment when the Big Blue were handed a first-round upset at the hands of No. 9 Lowell. This year, despite losing its top two scorers to graduation, Swampscott is aiming to make things right this year.
“It certainly left a bad taste in our mouths, especially after posting the best record in school history,” said Swampscott coach Gino Faia, now in his 18th season as head coach. “So this year it’s all about performing in the tournament. We have to work to get there obviously, but we really want to make some things happen once we’re there.”
The Big Blue were dealt a tough blow in June, losing seven seniors to graduation. Louis Olivieri (46 points) and Mike Johnson (32 points) headlined that group, along with fellow captain David Peterson (15 points) and high-scoring forward Andrew Dove.
But that’s not to say there isn’t talent coming back. The Big Blue will once again have a strong senior class, led in part by goalie Dan Johnson. The two-time All-Star has been named a captain this year following a season in which he posted a 0.912 save percentage and notched five shutouts.
“We’re looking for him to come up big for us at that spot this year, especially with some younger players out in front of him,” Faia said of Johnson. “But if he plays as well as he has in the past we shouldn’t have any issues there.”
Joining Johnson in this year’s senior class are fellow captains Steve Santanello (29 points), Dom Codispoti (12 points) and Jack Poska (11 points). Thomas O’Keefe (15 points) and Brett Benoit (12 points) are also going to be depended on for a veteran presence.
“That group of six seniors is really going to be what helps our team go this year,” Faia said. “Our experience kind of falls off after that group, so they’re going to have to be leaders on and off the ice this year.”
Swampscott will once again have to battle through a tough Northeastern Conference schedule, especially considering that Everett and Somerville are now in that group as well. Add in games against teams like Marblehead and perennial Division 3 South contender Cohasset, and the Big Blue will have to fight for every win.
“It’s a challenging schedule for sure, but I think that’s good for us,” Faia said. “If we can execute and get the wins necessary to make the tournament, we’ll be battle-tested for sure.”
The Big Blue got their first taste of game action Sunday at the NEC jamboree, where they faced off against Marblehead and lost 3-2 in a shootout. Benoit and Casey Williamson had the goals for Swampscott, while Codispoti, Zach Elwell and Tyler Seller had assists.
There will be one more scrimmage on Thursday against Methuen before Swampscott opens up the regular season on December 13 against Beverly at Bourque Arena.
