LYNN — With 26 players, four coaches, and a handful of schools at its foundation, Lynn’s co-op hockey team comes at you from all angles.
But if there’s one thing for certain with the Jets, it’s that they have the same goal.
“The core of this team has been playing together since Mites at the 8U level. This is something they’ve always talked about . . . playing at the next level, and that’s what they’re doing,” said head coach Brian Boisson, also Treasurer and President of Lynn Youth Hockey. “It’s been a struggle for these kids — especially my seniors. We’ve basically been a punching bag to our schedule for the past five years. Last year, we had a much better year, which was great for everyone and the kids’ confidence.”
Despite Wednesday’s 3-2 loss in Somerville, the Jets (0-1) fought back from a two-goal deficit in a competitive opener. Leading the way were AJ Cook (first varsity goal), Marc Poste (goal, assist), Brian Boisson Jr. (assist), and Nicholas DeNino (23 saves) between the pipes.
“As a team, we definitely came out slow and flat. The third period was our best of the game, but if we’re looking to have the success this season that we all want, we’re going to have to play a full 45-minute game,” Boisson said. “AJ Cook scored his first varsity goal, which was great to see. He’s a Salem kid [and] grew up playing Lynn Youth Hockey with all of these kids.”
When asked about his group’s identity, Boisson was quick to respond. He said the team is often looked at as “complete underdogs.”
But that’s not necessarily a bad thing . . .
“. . . which we’re perfectly fine with. We’re all on the same page and motivated to upset a lot of teams this year.”
As for some players Boisson is relying on, look no further than netminder DeNino, forwards Aaron Cook, Tyler Whitten, Rafael Ortiz De La Rosa, Nate Silva, and Kyle Furlong, as well as Anthony Alessi and Julius Serino on the blue line.
“Something we haven’t had in many years; we’re going to be leaning on our upperclassmen,” said Boisson, whose team skates seven seniors.
Saturday’s game against Chicopee (4 p.m puck-drop) begins a four-game homestand. The Jets play nearby opponent Bishop Fenwick twice this winter.
A season that’s a “hopeful turning point” for the program, Boisson and company seek win No. 1 Saturday.
“It’s, hopefully, a year these guys remember for the rest of their lives.”
Alessi and Furlong are captains with Serino and Whitten wearing the “A” patches. Assistant coaches are Domenic Serino, Joe Gunning, and Brett Molea, while Aidan Napoli is the team’s athletic trainer.
