Hockey players have school pride
First-year programs going over well
BY TIM MORRIS Staff Writer
It is the uniform, after all. The vast majority of the ice hockey players making history this winter in the Freehold Regional High School District's inaugural season hadn't played hockey before. But they admit there is something different about wearing a high school uniform with the name of their school on it.

CHRIS KELLY staff Freehold Township High School goaltender Dillon Rigateri blocks a shot during a game against Howell at the Wall Ice Arena on Dec. 16.

"It's really special putting on that jersey and representing your school and playing with your friends," said Howell's David Ramos, a forward.

Manalapan's Andrew Frazzini noted that the hockey players are now a part of the school's sports scene.

"Everyone is walking around with pride," said the defender. "It gives us a chance to show what we can do.

"It's our sport, and we're able to play for our school," he added.

Ramos and Frazzini, like many others, had played for the Freehold Independent Raiders, the ice hockey team that had been made up of players from all of the Freehold District schools. It provided an outlet for the high school players, but it wasn't the same as playing for your school. That changed this year when the Freehold District introduced ice hockey as a varsity sport at Freehold Borough, Freehold Township, Howell, Manalapan and Marlboro.

"As soon as we heard about it [ice hockey as a varsity sport], everyone's eyes lit up," said Ramos. "It was going to be great."

And it has been. The level of play has been outstanding, according to Manalapan head coach Dave Grippo.

"All the District teams have the ability to compete with any of the public schools in the [Shore] area," he said.

Bill Daly, who coaches Howell, said he figured that because of the Raiders and other travel hockey teams, a couple of the District teams would be competitive, but he has been surprised by the overall level of play by all five teams.

Grippo has seen how important playing for their high school team is for his players and the others in the District.

"Being a part of a team that represents their school is big," he remarked. "It's been very exciting."

Thus far, with a 4-1 overall record and 4-0 against the other District schools, Howell has gotten off to the best start.

"They've been skating together as a team, not individuals," Daly said. "Everyone is playing unselfishly."

Daly has a very deep squad that has five lines. Daly did not make any cuts, and the Rebels, like Manalapan, field varsity and junior varsity teams.

"I kept everybody," said Grippo, whose team is 3-1-1. "It will help us in the future."

Ramos and Frazzini were surprised by the number of players who tried out for their respective teams.

"I didn't know all these kids played hockey," said Ramos,

Frazzini pointed out that there are a number of players on the team whom he had never seen play hockey before.

Despite having players from so many different backgrounds who haven't played together before, the local teams have jelled rather quickly. Official practice didn't start until Nov. 15, and in less than a month, the teams have displayed a cohesion that belies their time together.

Players and coach alike have been impressed by the support the students, parents and school administrations have given to ice hockey.

"The crowds are big," said Daly. "We've been getting big turnouts. The support for the kids is great."

The players appreciate the crowds as well.

"I didn't expect this many people [fans in attendance]," Ramos said. "That's what I play for."

Ramos hasn't forgotten the parents and community leaders who helped to get ice hockey rolling and allowed the 2008-09 teams to make history.

"I give a lot of credit to the people who got it up and running," said Ramos. "It's amazing. It's history and it's great to be a part of it."

Frazzini pointed out that no matter what happens in the future at Manalapan or the other schools, this year's players have the distinction of being the first to play for their schools. That's something that can never be taken away from them.

The five District schools are competing in the Shore Conference C Division, and a title will be at stake. They play their home games at the Wall Sports Arena on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Like teams in all the other sports, they will be eligible for the NJSIAA state tournament if they are .500 or better on the state cut-off date.

The players making history this year are: Howell: Damien Broschart, Kevin Gaskill, Marc Moskowitz, Vinny Marrone, Billy Acquaviva, Nicholas Peras, David Ramos, Brian George, Brandon Hoes, Michael Leiro, Eddie Pyskaty, Matthew Aldaresi, James Bodecker, Johnathon Glover, Matthew Koch, David Medierros, Matthew Morelli, Zachary Peras and Matthew Schiek.

Manalapan: Adam Cohen, Bobby Ellis, Kyle Nilsen, Mike Jurkiewicz, Chris Damante, Andrew Frazzini, Blaze Parker, Mitch Ganz, Paul Camarda, Jon Cleary, Tom White, Rob Harris, Alex Paparo, Josh Kirkser, Paul Serra, Chris Francia, Braden Rakovitch, John Caballero and Frank Santore.

Freehold Borough: Mike Berry, Jordan Black, Tyler Blum, Anthony Cicarricco, Alex Link, Andrew McKenzie, John Molinelli, Nate Moss, Andrew Ryder, Kevin Collins, Joe Kvedaras, Michael Poskonka, Ryan Selby, Joe Black, Cody Reilly and Charles Tobias. Brian Simpson is the head coach.

Freehold Township: Rob Soriano, Justin Lamb, Chris Bianca, Charlie Schoch, John Talamo, David Reid, Jared Minski, Matt Carbone, Dillon Riggateri, Brian Argenzio, Ron Rucinski, Jared Castellazzo, Robert McDaid, Matt Hanson, Michael Camassa, Kevin Heck, Joe Noto, Sean Heck, Matthew Moscatelli, Dan Cohen, Matt Martin and Paul Perraro. Mike Celano is the coach.

Marlboro: Eric Abowitz, Marc Broome, Jared Brown, Ryan Fried, Michael Friedman, Alexander Levine, David Rubin, Joseph Bellotti, Ryan Quinn, Jared Antman, Reid Lacoggnata, Zachary Eizenberg, Troy Kraft, Mack Levine, Robert Lindenbaum, Jonathan Weinstein, Aaron Zaentz, Arthur Haase, Nicholas Haase, Geoffrey Liter and Michael Dorfschneider. Wayne Anderson is the head coach.