On Sept. 16th T-Birds will open it’s 2024/25 campaign with a match up against the Patriots of Ward Melville, 9:40pm Puck Drops. The T-Birds head into the season with 8 returning varsity players from the 2023/24 season, including Captains Chase Haggerty and Joseph Villani. Last season the T-Birds received major contributions from Eathan Brdey, Logan Booth-Alam, and Joseph Villani and expected to once again take the lead for the T-Birds this season. In addition Alex Clark will back between the pipes, after a successful junior year of gaining experience behind Shane Kirby. The goalie tandum will be Clark and Senior Rich Westoff, and both except to play a fair share as the teams netminders.
Also return will be senior Brady Hall who will have a roll in providing physical play and provide extra efforts in killing penalties. Junior Paul Wagner played a roll as checking forward last season but has an expectation to provide a offensive game for this season and take the roll of a versital player in all situations. Alex Barylski is a returning junior who provided phyiscal play upfront last season, and this season will take on a roll of defensemen. We are looking forward to his progression as it grew each game last season.
New additions to the team include Seniors Tyler Hopkins, Nick Thoudoulou, and Theo Tanzi. T-Birds feel these are players that can bring physical play each night and discpline; a group that could spark their teammates. Senior Nick Masi is another player provide versital play, with a competitive streak and an ability to create offensive chances., Welcoming back to the Varsity team are Logan Keil, Andrew Snyder, and Chris Esposito, each of whom had experience with the 2022/23 varsity squad. Each of these players will be heavily leaned on for their hockey experience and skill levels. Trevor Rodecker is a senior joining the squad, and has the ability to play offense and defense. Trevor will play multiple positions this season and expected to be a leader by example of a Team Player.
Gavin Beisel and Mason Petry are two Sophomores along with Joe Villani that expect to be a factor this season for the T-Birds success, and gain much needed experience at a higher level of hockey. We are looking forward to seeing both of their games improve. Junior Josh King will debut at the varsity level providing excellent defense, as a solid physical stay at home defender – a goalies best friend.
Versatily is the key to the T-Birds success for the 2024/25 season. Line ups may change from game to game, but as the season progresses rolls will be established and wins are expected through the leadership of 13 Seniors and returning juniors and sophomores. Good Luck and Roll Birds!