The 2015-16 Brunswick hockey team looks to build on the success of last year’s record-setting season. With only five seniors graduating from the 2014-15 squad that posted a school-best 26-7 record, head coach Ron VanBelle is optimistic for similar success this season.
Now in his 11th season behind the Brunswick hockey bench, VanBelle noted a number of key skaters from last year’s NEPSAC Large School Tournament top-seeded team were underclassmen.
“Returning players understand the preparation, hard work, and team-first mentality it takes to have success in the league,” VanBelle noted before a recent practice.
Senior captain Jack Stephenson is the top returning scorer for the Bruins. The forward netted 17 goals along with 19 assists last season.
Junior forward Nick VanBelle dons the ‘A’ as the alternate captain for Brunswick. VanBelle finished with 10 goals and 10 assists last year.
In addition to the two leaders, six other rising seniors with plenty of experience will be skating together inside Hartong Rink. Adding to the experience on the ice is senior goalie Brian Ketchabaw. The netminder played in 19 games last year, boasting a .923 save percentage.
This experience will be put to the test, as the 2015-16 season schedule is chock full of challenges across the NEPSAC, as well as traditional Founders League opponents.
The Bruins traveled to the Berkshire School on Monday, November 30, for a pair of scrimmages in the Berkshire Jamboree, and will begin their season on the road at Northfield Mount Hermon this Wednesday.