Despite a challenging season, including tough overtime losses, the Ramapo ice hockey team has had multiple dominating wins under the leadership of captains Luke L’heureux and Scott Vivinetto.
The Ice hockey team is a little past halfway through its season, and it has been a roller coaster of emotions for everyone involved. The team is senior-heavy, with a total of 13 seniors in the graduating class. This would be their year to go far in the state tournament since they have come up short in years prior. With a 7-6 record, they have the chance to be one of the best public school teams in northern NJ. They are ranked 6th in the Big North, but have two games against Wayne coming up so this could boost them in the rankings (Nj.com). The team’s head coach, Mike McLachlan, was asked about those close games, and he said, “Both teams were ranked in the top 10 public schools (Highlands and Ridgewood). So when you can play with a team, and skate ’em, and go right to overtime in both cases, it definitely builds confidence as one of the three pillars, as far as believing. So, it’s not only building confidence, but it’s having the mindset that you can skate with anyone in the state. And that bodes well for later in the season for the team. You know, when you’re looking at some of the very serious tournaments, you play the Big North, and then, obviously, ultimately states, this is a very close team, a very senior, heavy, and junior, heavy team, as far as the talent is concerned, and the people contributing out there. So it only builds on that ability and potential outcome for success.”
A new addition to the team is senior Brandon Grauer, a strong forward who aims to seamlessly integrate into the lineup and continue the team’s momentum. Other seniors that have been contributing heavily to the team are forwards Liam Aher, JJ Kilpatrick, Ty King, Robert Kalpagian, Bradley Defino, and Robert Kalpagian. On the back side of the ice, playing defense have been Scott Vivinetto, Matthew Dargento, Brendan Gold, and Matthew Devencentis
Luke L’heureux has hit a milestone with 1500 saves in his career. This is one of the most impressive goalies Ramapo has seen as he has taken up the starting role since he was a sophomore. As a leader of this team, he talked about the team and his belief style, “On any given night, we can lose to any team and beat any team. Our attitude decides whether we win the game or not.” As the playoffs get closer, the Ramapo ice hockey team is ready to put its experience, leadership, and chemistry to the test. With a lineup packed with talented seniors and the confidence that they can compete with any team in the state, the Raiders are determined to make a statement and finish their season strong.
