The Ramapo Hockey season is just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited. After finishing last season with a 12-11-1 record, the boys are dialed in for another successful run (highschoolsports.nj.com). Ramapo competes in the Big North Conference and will face Ridgewood, Lakeland, PCTI, and other competitive teams in hopes of securing the NJSIAA State Championship in March. The roster is dominant in upperclassmen, with ten seniors whose talent will hopefully lead the team to victory. Coach Mike Mclachlan says, “The Ramapo hockey team returns a talented group of veteran players with significant Varsity experience across all positions. After taking on one of the toughest schedules in the state last season we are battle hardened and ready to challenge ourselves again. With outstanding goaltending, a staunch defense, and significant skill and depth at the forward positions, expectations for Po Puck this season remain extremely high. Both the players and coaching staff look forward to hitting the ice next week!”
Senior Max Simpson will be the captain, with alternate captains Will Ross, Nathan Wolk, and Ryan Brunner. Other anticipated top performers include seniors Niko Smilivic, Michael Braid, Collin Chapin, Hudson Pollack, and Jared Silvestri. Nathan Wolk, a forward who totaled 13 points last season and is projected to have another successful season, says, “The team is very excited about the upcoming season. After falling a few games short of a state championship the last three years, we are ready to make a run for it all, and this team has what it takes to do it. This team is very talented, and I’m really excited to see what we can do this season.” Additionally, Assistant Coach John Russo comments on Ramapo’s stellar ice hockey program: “Our Ramapo ice hockey program has continually built upon its previous seasons creating a proud legacy. Our junior varsity program won its league back-to-back years overcoming competitive parochial programs. Likewise, our Varsity program has won its conference three years running with focus set on earning a state championship this year living by the words ‘Talent wins games, but teamwork wins championships.’”
Ramapo’s first game is scheduled for December 6th against the newly formed co-op team of Ramsey-Indian Hills at 8:30 p.m. at the Ice Vault in Wayne. Everyone pack the stands and come support the team at the Vault!
