PEABODY — Sometimes you have to learn a lesson the hard way. That, in short, was the key theme of the 2017-2018 season for the Fenwick boys hockey team. The Crusaders finished the season at 7-10-3 and missed the state tournament by three points. If not for a few late leads Fenwick lost grasp of, the Crusaders might’ve earned a tournament spot.
“We were disappointed that we didn’t get in the tournament,” Fenwick coach Jim Quinlan, entering his third season, said, “but it was our mistakes. We made some mistakes that cost us a couple games we should’ve won. They learned a huge lesson. You have to make those plays if you want to win. We were a young team.
“Hopefully they learned from that. We want to get in the tournament this year, that’s our goal.”
Fenwick returns an experienced group to the ice this winter. It starts in goal, where Jake Moniz returns for his senior season.
“Jake has worked hard over the summer,” Quinlan said. “He played in the New England Prep League to get himself ready for the season. That’s his third year there. He plays hard and he knows what we expect from him. It’s great to have an experienced goalie for a young defensive core. He helps out a lot with the defensemen, especially the freshmen. He shows his leadership skills there.”
Other returners include senior center Derek DelVecchio, senior left-wing Ethan Belt, junior center Ian Worthley, junior right-wing Thomas Estella, senior defenseman Trey Deloury and junior left wing Nick Muzi. Sophomore center Matt Moniz and sophomore right-wing Andrew Phillips, a transfer from Peabody, will also play key roles.
“All my players that are returning know what I expect out of them,” Quinlan said. “Most of the returners are juniors, we have 11 juniors and four seniors. They know what I want, they work hard. We’re a team that’s going to work hard. We’re going to grind for three periods. So far in the preseason they’ve done a good job at that. The returners listen and do the right things. We also have a good core of freshmen on the team.”
Jake Moniz and DelVecchio will captain the Crusaders. Assistant captains are Belt, Deloury and Worthley. Quinlan’s confident in their leadership abilities.
“Those five have been here the three years I’ve been here,” Quinlan said. “We’ve changed the whole program. They’ve done a great job in terms of leadership. They’ve taken all the young guys under the wings. They take anybody that’s a hockey player at Fenwick and make them part of our program. They have great leadership skills and I’m very proud of all five of them.”
The early impression tells Quinlan his forwards are the strength of the team. Team camaraderie has also looked solid in the early stages.
“Our strength is forwards on offense,” Quinlan said. “They’re working, grinding. Our offense will be our strength. Our first three lines are pretty much even, skill wise and playing wise. Our fourth line is good too. Another one of our strengths is we’re all one team. These captains have made this team like one. Everybody works together. There’s no selfishness there. They all work together and help each other.”
Life in the Catholic Central League won’t be easy and Quinlan knows it. St. Mary’s and Austin Prep both return talented rosters, making for a competitive CCL this winter.
“I think it’s one of the strongest conferences in the state,” Quinlan said. “It’s one of the best. With St. Mary’s, Austin Prep, Archbishop Williams, there’s no easy game. Every game we play is a tough game. I know the Catholic Conference is tough but I think we’re right beside them, in my opinion.”
The Crusaders open the season Saturday night (6) when they host Triton at James McVann-Louis O’Keefe Memorial Skating Rink.
