Wildcats Ready to Fight Adversity On Ice

For decades, it’s been the Wilmington boys hockey team cruising to wins and sailing into the . But this year, if the Wildcats hope to continue their , they’ll have to weather an early storm.

December will be a challenging month for head coach Steve Scanlon’s charges for a host of reasons. First, the school’s move to the Middlesex League brings with it stronger competition than previous endeavors in the Cape Ann League.

The team opens up its campaign Wednesday night against Woburn, which earned a spot in the Super 8 postseason last year. Puck drops at 8 p.m. inside .

But in addition to a daunting schedule, Wilmington also faces a different set of challenges.

Senior captain Dalton Rolli is coming off offseason surgery and was just recently cleared for contact.  Scanlon said Rolli’s timing has been off, but the senior will be a key cog as he gets back to full strength.

In addition, first line talents Cam Owens and Jake Rogers will each miss the first five games of the season due to suspension. Owens is an electric forward who has the ability to take over a game, and Rogers made a major impact by season’s end last season after he was called up from JV.

Though Scanlon said the players’ absence will be difficult to cover for, he also said he hopes it is a learning experience for everyone on the roster.

“You hope everyone is watching and paying attention. It doesn’t matter how good you are. If you get caught, you get caught,” said Scanlon. “They’re paying a very heavy price.”

Essentially missing his top line, Scanlon will turn to sophomores Brendan McDonough, Luke Foley and Cody McGowan to lead the charge.

Scanlon said the trio’s experience during last year’s playoff run will pay major dividends this year.

“They’re going to be something by the time they get to be seniors,” said Scanlon. “I like them together and they work good together. There aren’t many freshmen who get 21 varsity games under their belt like these guys did. They’re veteran players, but young kids. They’re maturing ahead of their age.”

Brian Pickett will pair with Anthony Castellano on the defensive side of the ice, an area Scanlon said is among the weak spots he sees entering the season as the Wildcats lack depth.

Adam Siegel and Trevor Foley both had strong preseasons while Scanlon said he looks forward to having Dan Creedon and Joe Russell back on the ice after they missed much of last year due to injury.

After Joe Aucoin mounted a stellar senior season at goalie last year, it’s up to sophomore Drew Foley to now step in between the pipes. Though he hasn’t logged significant game minutes, Foley is more experienced than the average sophomore, according to his coach.

When Owens returns from his suspension, he’ll once again slide in as a game changing player.

“He gives you a shot in the arm because he’s a gifted player,” said Scanlon. “He can turn a game right around. Having that kind of player, the guys around him have a lot of confidence that they’re never out of a game.”

With his team in the Middlesex League, Scanlon knows the Wildcats are in for a different type of season. He does, however, remain confident that his team will be right where it always is at the end of the campaign.

“We’re not going to run out to 10 straight wins and be the one everyone is chasing,” said Scanlon. “But we could be better come tournament time and be really battle tested, and that’s to your advantage. Instead of being at the top of the pack, we might fly under the radar, know we’ve played a tough schedule and make a run in the playoffs.”