'He's the First on the Ice and the Last to Leave'

Like most ice hockey players, Keegan Travers started early. He was up on skates at age three, and started playing hockey at five. And as any player will tell you, hockey isn’t just a game; it’s a way of life.

There’s a passion that a player feels when he pulls a hockey sweater over his head that is indescribable. Put the C on the sweater, and there’s a position of respect unlike any other in sports. 

For Travers, captain of the Long Beach Marines, the 2010-11-hockey season has been one for the ages. The Marines are riding an 11 game winning streak and stand alone atop the Suffolk County High School Hockey League with a record of 16-2.

Travers, the only child of Ken and Michelle, believes the team is capable of a championship. 

“The past couple of years we’ve been a little complacent in the playoffs and were beaten,” Travers said. “We’re tearing up the regular season, but we’re going to have play at a high level throughout the playoffs if we want to win it. I definitely think we have the team to do it.” 

Head coach Joe Brand, who has watched Travers play since he first laced up his skates, knows he has a special player leading his team.

“Keegan is solid at all facets of the game,” Brand said. “He can skate, shoot, pass, go end-to-end, play the point on the power play, and he’s a terrific leader. All the guys look up to him. He’s the first on the ice before practice, and the last to leave. He gives it his all each time he’s on the ice.” 

When Travers isn’t playing for his high school, he takes to the ice with NY AppleCore Minor B of the Western Conference of the Empire Junior Hockey League. With a record of 36-1-1, NY AppleCore is currently the No.1 ranked Junior B team in the nation, and the defending national champions. League play means road trips to Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and upstate New York. 

Looking ahead, the LBHS senior expects to attend Nassau Community College, continue to play junior hockey and play at the college level. Right now, though, Travers is just looking to lead the Marines to a championship. 

“We won when we were in middle school, and we’re definitely hoping to win a varsity championship,” he said. “I’ve been on this team for four years, and have been playing with a lot of these guys for most of my life. Being captain means everything to me. When you wear the C, you have a big responsibility to represent the program. While I’m a vocal leader, it’s more important that you lead by example.” 

Brand knows the team will miss Travers when he’s gone. “It’s been a pleasure to coach Keegan and watch him grow throughout the years,” Brand said. “Once he found his stride at this level a few years ago, he never looked back. I’m not afraid to say it; he’s the most complete player we’ve ever had here.” 

Long Beach knocks off Middle Country

Senior Jimmy Diamond scored four goals to lead Long Beach (16-2) to a 5-2 win over visiting Middle Country on Monday. Goalie Harris Pittinsky was outstanding in net, registering 19 saves including many at point-blank range.

The Marines and Cougars were tied at 1-1 when Diamond scored his second of the night with 5:45 to play in the middle period. Moments later, Jake Shapiro found the back of the net to give Long Beach a commanding 3-1 lead. Diamond made it 4-1 off a giveaway with 2:10 to play in the second. Middle Country fell to 12-7.