SGWL (Suffield/Granby/Windsor Locks) boys ice hockey team had a breakthrough season last year surprising the whole state of Connecticut. Making it all the way to the state semifinals truly showed how hard this team worked and how well they were put together. With only 1 starter coming back from last year nobody knows what to think of the team this year. The question everyone is asking: can Noah Boyd and Jonathan Farr carry the Suffield boys hockey team live up to the team’s expectations after the previous season?
Last year, SGWL boys hockey was reliant on their first line. Many believed they had the best first line in Division 3. With that being said, Noah Boyd is the only returning starter and the team will look to him for answers. With a lot of young talent, the team is unsure where they stand. Many players need to step up and fill the shoes of last year’s players. “I think it’s a big opportunity for the guys on the second line last year because they gotta step up and put up points. You got guys like Max Demers, James Nikolis, and Jack Zeimba who were kinda overshadowed by the seniors last year but this year they’re gonna be in the spotlight,” Boyd told us.
SGWL boys hockey team lost five out of their six starters graduating last year and it is clear players are going to have to step up and fill those roles. On the bright side, Boyd told us the atmosphere during the first week of practice was very positive and energetic. “A lot of guys were very excited to be there, A lot of new faces and familiar faces;” Boyd Explained. Noah came into the season very optimistic on whether the team would be able to live up to the expectations of last year and was pleased with how excited the players were when it was time for the first practice. With lots of new faces, it’s going to take time for the team chemistry to mesh. Jonathan Farr shared “the challenge was getting the new guys comfortable with the boys.” The SGWL hockey team was successful last season due to the chemistry with the team. Only having one starter back on the team this year doesn’t help this case but Boyd and Farr have no doubts that the team can match the chemistry.
The SGWL boys hockey team made it to the finals losing to Conard three to one as SGWL scored with a couple seconds left. The year before they finished the season with 2 wins both coming against Housatonic Regional no one ever thought that they would make it to the finals the next year. This historic run has made this a well respected team in the state but with this being a new season many things could emerge as problems. Boyd and Farr were asked if they thought they could live up to the expectations they had last year. Farr has a lot of hope for the future of his team believing that they can win it all. “We have the talent this year to make a deep run in the playoffs and get the job done.” Boyd’s response was similar, but he is aware getting the job done will not be as easy. “Our schedule is a lot harder this year playing more division two teams, it’s gonna be tough.” The boys currently sit with a record of 2-5. They will continue to prepare for their next game on Wednesday, January 15th, against North Branford.
