Sports

Rookies Stepping Up

Hamilton-Wenham 8th and 9th Grade Hockey Players Make an Impact in Push Toward State Tournament

Emily McIntosh and Clare O’Toole|February 10, 2023

Hamilton-Wenham Boys Hockey Team freshman photo at Pingree Ice Rink in Hamilton, Massachusetts. From left to right: Ryan Fazio, Grayson Minich, Bruce Danaher, Gabe Roman, Finn Churchill.

Coach John Wooden once said, “It’s not how big you are. It’s how big you play.” High school hockey is halfway through the season, with about a month left. This year, many freshmen are beginning their high school sports careers, and the Hamilton-Wenham Generals Boys Hockey Team is no exception. In fact, out of 22 kids on the bench for games, the Hamilton-Wenham Generals Boys Hockey Team has 5 freshmen and 2 eighth graders on the team. Even with the higher percentage of younger players, the Generals still got off to a great start, with a record of 2-0. Now the Generals are 5-9-1.

These rookies have not failed to disappoint. Bruce Danaher has been strong up front, scoring a goal against Amesberry, as well as multiple assists. Right along with him, forward Ryan Fazio had a goal against Northeast in the team’s season opener. Grayson Minich and Finn Churchill have also shown they can be strong rookie players. Along with the freshmen, the eighth graders aren’t afraid to step up. They have goalie Tyler Chin-Aleong and defender Elijah Strozier, who lit up the lamp versus Lynn.

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“I’ve learned things aren’t always going to go my way, as well as that my mentality and attitude affect how I play.”

— HWRHS Hockey Player Bruce Danaher

We have interviewed a select number of these young athletes about their season so far, and their thoughts of starting their high school career with hockey. The first athlete we interviewed was number 7, freshman Ryan Fazio. Playing at left wing, Ryan has two goals and two assists. It’s clear that Ryan isn’t afraid to step up and prove his athletic ability.

When asked what his biggest challenge was, Ryan said, “Trying to keep up with the older kids being faster and bigger than me.”

8th grade backup goalie Tyler Chin-Aleong’s individual picture at Pingree Skating Rink in Hamilton, Massachusetts. (Lenny Dolan )

Even though this is a challenge for him, Ryan still keeps up with the older kids on his team.

In the end, Ryan said his main goal to reach by the end of his first season is “to be more of a help to the team, get more stats, be faster, and try to keep up with the older kids.”

We also spoke with number 14, freshman Grayson Minich, who plays at left wing. Grayson has one assist this season. Grayson is a solid, technical player who isn’t afraid to try new things. The main lesson that Grayson takes away from his first varsity season is that he needs to use his body more, and be a stronger player. Grayson is improving more and more as the season goes on, and he hopes to improve as a player and maybe even score his first varsity goal. If Grayson can overcome the challenge of getting up at 4:45 every morning for practice, there is no doubt that he can improve as a strong freshman player.

The last athlete we interviewed was number 8, freshman Bruce Danaher. Bruce also plays at left wing, and throughout the 9 games played, he has made 1 goal and 4 assists. On the second line, Bruce has proven his strength as a player. Bruce says the main challenge of his season so far has been trying to adjust to the speed and physicality of the game on varsity compared to his club teams. Bruce found competing against older players especially challenging. However, Bruce has overcome this challenge, and is becoming a key component to the team.

When asked what lesson he is going to take away from his first varsity season, Bruce said, “I’ve learned things aren’t always going to go my way, as well as that my mentality and attitude affect how I play.”

Bruce’s biggest focus right now is the same as the rest of his team: make the state playoffs.

8th grader defender Elijah Stroizer’s individual picture at Pingree Skating Rink in Hamilton, Massachusetts. (Lenny Dolan )

Eighth grader Elijah Strozier has also been a huge help to the team. He scored 1 goal this season, which is a lot to say for an eighth grade student. Elijah proves that he can play with the big kids, and be an asset to the Generals. Next year, Elijah will be joining the high school, so the hockey team will surely see even more freshmen stepping up.

With six games to go, these young athletes are preparing to skate their way into the state playoffs. All of them have contributed to the team’s five wins this season, proving that even as freshman athletes, they can play with the older kids. These freshmen prove that the hockey team has a bright future at Hamilton Wenham. Let’s go, Generals!