LHS students are involved in many sports throughout each of the three athletic seasons, but one sport is often overlooked: hockey. The varsity hockey team has a total of 23 players, ranging from freshmen to seniors. The team practices at the Long Beach Municipal Ice Arena. The team is composed of athletes from Valley Steam, Sawanhaka, and Lynbrook, leading to its name, VSSL. Coach Richard Ciaffone has helped lead the team to fourth place in Conference I and helped players attain a 3-3-1 record. Unfortunately, next year, the team will lose two seniors. Sophomore Jack Doran is the leading point scorer from Lynbrook, and sophomore Nikolaus Bohn is the second in point scoring from Lynbrook.
Friendship is an integral part in helping the team’s dynamic, and this plays a large role in the chemistry on the ice. Doran and fellow Lynbrook teammate Aiden Naraidu, a sophomore, have been playing together since sixth grade. Naraidu explained, “Jack and I have been playing together for, soon-to-be, five years, and we built a great connection because we have both been linemates. I’m excited for the next two years. My favorite part about this team is making new friends and playing side-by-side with my old friends.” Along with the friendships that some have already made, players have learned to make new friends on the team, which also helps them to play better. Junior Jake Zols said, “It’s really tough trying to play with a team you’ve never practiced with, but the team’s doing well and every game we get better. It’s my second year on the team, but every year, new people from other towns join, which helps me make new friends each year.” This team has shown extreme determination and sportsmanship throughout the season, and players are looking forward to working harder and getting better together in preparation for future games.
VSSL players have experienced how important it is to make great connections with their teammates. Throughout the years, these players have formed strong bonds with each other. Senior Patrick Donaghy, the goalie, elaborated: “As a senior, having that leadership role is very important, and having to help the younger guys with things throughout the games has taught me a lot. Meeting a bunch of different players and playing with kids from different towns is great. I wish it wasn’t my last season playing for the school, but I know the team will continue getting better in the future.” Coach Ciaffone reflected, “We should do well if we have the players we need in order to succeed, and everyone needs to show up and be on their game.” VSSL games usually last for around one hour and 30 minutes, and they are known to sometimes become intense. The team’s next game will be played at home on January 2 against its biggest rival: Long Beach.
