Bethpage High School, home of the Bethpage varsity ice hockey team, is preparing for its home opener against Cold Spring Harbor on Tuesday, November 1 after winning a preseason scrimmage against Wantagh/Seaford.
After an amazing and rather lengthy season last year, the Eagles lost seven key seniors, including captains Steven Sciglibaglio and Anthony Regateiro. However, they also gained a number of new players that should cover up the loss. Freshmen Bryan Hanley, Derek Zacchino, and Johnny Thomadis, as well as sophomores Nick Passaro and Andrew Sciglibaglio and junior Thomas DiComo are all expected to grow into major roles on the team in future years.
The Eagles finished third place in their division last year, earning them a playoff spot, a trip to the State Tournament, and a spot in the Supervisor’s Cup—losing to Long Beach in the first round of the playoffs, getting eliminated from states, and losing to Locust Valley in the Supervisor’s Cup.
Although the Eagles did not win in their postseason games, the journey to get there and the experience will never be forgotten.
The Bethpage varsity hockey roster for the 2016-2017 season is as follows:
Forwards:
Bryan Hanley
Derek Zacchino
Jonny Thomadis
Jake Giacopelli
Mike Barelli
Greg Barelli
Chris Powers
Trevor Buffalino
Bobby Murtha
Sean Frers
Jason Francavilla
Gavin Hulser
Vincent LoBosco
Matt Salerno
Nick Passaro
Thomas DiComo
Defense:
Andrew Sciglibaglio
Kevin Drucker
Zach Zapata
Leo Karapetyan
Sean Coveney
Will Dixson
Kevin Williams
Goaltenders:
Spyro Markoulis
Shane Griggs
Practice Players:
Brendan Dixson
Scott Hochenberger
Optimism has been pumping through the Golden Eagles’ veins. Senior forward Bobby Murtha said, “I think we will be either just as good or hopefully even better than last season, and we have a good chance at making states if we win the games we need and put up a fight against the tougher teams.”
The Eagles look to make the playoffs and the state tournament as they did last year, and hopefully win in the postseason. It will not be easy, but the Eagles are up for the challenge.
So will the team will be stronger offensively or defensively? Defenseman Leo Karapetyan said, “Well, I think it’s going to be a mix. Obviously, being a defenseman, I hope that our defense will dominate, but I do believe that our forwards will be able to put the puck in the net just as easily as we defensemen will keep it out.”
Led by new captains Gavin Hulser and Leo Karapetyan, the Bethpage Golden Eagles look forward to a strong season filled with many victories this winter. Come out to the rink across the street and cheer us on! The game schedule will be published here soon.