This season, John Jay Ice Hockey is more prepared than ever. Coming off an extremely strong 2015-16 year the Indians only graduated two players—one forward and one defenseman—meaning that the team will have much experience this year. After a tough playoff bracket last year, resulting in an early loss to Rye Town-Harrison, the Indians are looking for better luck this year.

With a large majority of the team returning, the coaches have put an extremely difficult schedule into place for this year. The second game of the season is against Bethlehem High School, who lost in the NY State Championship to Mamaroneck last year. Additionally, the team will be heading upstate twice this year instead of the single upstate trip usually taken.

One of the team’s biggest strengths is in the most important position of the game; goaltending. John Jay is known for their incredible goaltender depth. The starter, George McMichael, is looking forward to his third year on varsity. McMichael started multiple games as a freshman, nearly all games sophomore year, and will continue to hold the starting position. Unfortunately, being an elite AAA goalie, he will be forced to miss some John Jay games for his club team, though backup goalies Taylor Isom and Brandon Kaplan will have no trouble holding down the fort in his absence.

The talent and depth does not stop in the goal, thankfully. On defense, Jay returns roughly seven veterans. Led by seniors Hastings, Fischetti, Maloof, and Protomastro, the defensive unit should be able to provide much needed consistency.

On the offensive side of the ice, the team also has an impressive number of veterans. The second line of McKeon, Browne, and Daley will most likely stay together, while there will be a battle for the third spot on the first line along players Sean Blaney and Ryan Cavanagh. Brian Daley will miss the first couple of weeks of the season with a broken thumb, but will be crucial in generating points on offense. Ryan Cavanagh and Sean Blaney, will be expected to score critical goals at important times for the team, which which has been their strong suit in the past couple of years.

Last season, one of the biggest issues for the Indians was a lack of scoring. Towards the latter end of the year, the amount of goals generated picked up, but it wasn’t quite where it needed to be if the team plans to make it past sectionals this year.

The first home game will be against Henry Hudson High School on Sunday, December 4th. The team is looking for strong offensive production earlier in the regular season, which hopefully will translate into success when it comes to the playoffs.