Before last year, the Lynn Jets (co-op between Classical, English, Tech, and now Salem) went 0-40 over the span of the prior two seasons. With head coach Brian Boisson taking the helm last season, the team upped its record to 3-17, and the Jets look to build off that momentum on the ice.
Boisson acknowledges the tough positioning on the standings, but said he’s a happy coach if it means his skaters are competing and giving it their all.
“All I ask for these kids is to grind,” Boisson said. “The main objective is to get better day by day, and things will be good for us.”
One player Boisson will lean on as the months go on: goaltender Steven DiFilippo, a senior captain who attends Lynn Classical.
“We rely on him heavily between the pipes to hold it down for us,” Boisson said.
As for who else the Jets faithful can expect strong seasons from, look no further than junior captain Jayden Leblanc, a forward/defender, and assistant captain Matthew Cote, who Boisson said has impressed from the point.
“We have good leadership with our captains,” Boisson said.
The team will also feature six middle-schoolers (four 7th graders; two 8th graders).
As for the addition of Salem to the co-op this season, Boisson is “excited” and added the city brings some fresh, talented skaters to the Jets. Freshmen Anthony Alessi and Owen Travers have already caught Boisson’s attention as the young duo adds to the team’s youthful approach.
“The program is in a rebuilding stage right now,” Boisson said.
High school sports are more than what shows up on the standings. Boisson believes it’s “all about being a better person in society,” and that the game of hockey teaches young men valuable lessons they’ll take with them forever.
“Wins are great, and losses, you learn from, but you get back up,” Boisson, who’s also the President of the Lynn Youth Hockey Program, said.
The Jets will move forward this season with the #OneTeamOneFamily mindset in mind. Lynn is made up of a 20-man roster – three of whom play multiple positions.
The Blue and Red are assisted by Dominic Serino, Brett Molea, and Joe Gunning, and begin their quest this Saturday against Everett/Revere/Malden at Connery Rink with puck-drop set for 2:30 p.m.
