SPORTS

Hawks holding on to first place

By ALEX SPONSELLER
Posted 2/1/23

The defending champion Bishop Hendricken hockey team is on a tear as it holds on to first place in the crowded Division I group with a record of 8-1-1.

The Hawks suffered their lone defeat earlier …

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SPORTS

Hawks holding on to first place

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The defending champion Bishop Hendricken hockey team is on a tear as it holds on to first place in the crowded Division I group with a record of 8-1-1.

The Hawks suffered their lone defeat earlier this winter against Warwick in a 5-2 decision, but have rebounded well, going 5-0-1 since the loss.

“We’re very happy. We’re happy with the direction that we’re headed and we’re happy with the way they responded from that loss. We’re happy with how the kids responded to us challenging them to be better,” said Hendricken coach Mike Soscia.

Although the Hawks struggled early on this year to find consistency on the offensive end, they have caught fire as of late and have scored at least five goals in each win, as well as three in their tie against La Salle Academy.

Will Cavanagh, Nick Regine, Griffin Crain and Jack LaRose all have eight goals this season while Cavanagh leads the team in points with 21. Nine other players have also found the back of the net.

“We’ve been very happy with the numbers they have put up. We got off to a slow start and a few kids were not producing the way that they should have been. It takes time, you have to be patient. We’re constantly tweaking lines, trying to figure out what fits. We’re happy with what the kids have been doing,” said Soscia.

The team has been firing on all cylinders, seeing its defensive unit and goaltenders stepping up as well. Colin Murray has been the team’s primary goalie, taking over for former standout Andrew Carr. The team has allowed just eight goals over the past six games.

“We have three very talented goalies so we are fortunate. And our (defensive) staff has not given up much. In these last 10 games, our defense has faced some flurries but has not given up many opportunities. They’re doing a great job of getting the puck out, moving the puck,” said Soscia.

Hendricken has been the state’s hottest team over the past few weeks and is getting geared up for another playoff run. With much of the same roster as last year’s state championship team, Soscia is confident that his group will be prepared mentally and physically for the home stretch and postseason.

“The kids know what it takes, we have nine returners. We’ve got good senior and junior leadership, they are guiding the younger players that have not played that much. They’re doing a great job of showing them what it takes to be a winner,” said Soscia.

Hawks, hockey

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