The Student News Site of Westborough High School

The Lobby Observer

The Student News Site of Westborough High School

The Lobby Observer

The Student News Site of Westborough High School

The Lobby Observer

Countdown to April Break!
Have a Wonderful Break!

Rangers Hockey Excited for Promising New Season

Photo+by+Kelly+Burneson+Photography
Photo by Kelly Burneson Photography

By: Quinn Donovan

The Westborough Rangers boys hockey team is looking forward to the upcoming 2017-18 season. The Rangers are coming off a difficult 4-15-1 season a year ago, but after graduating just two seniors the team is preparing for success. However, these two graduates are not to be overlooked as the squad lost their two captains in starting goalie Jon Ashton and starting defensemen Trevor McNamara.

The varsity team will be led by four captains:  seniors Jon Rodenbush and Griffin Barriere as well as juniors Vincent Pascale and Kevin Flahive. Experience will certainly be a strength this year, despite the roster consisting of numerous underclassmen and only a few seniors. Given the large contingent of current freshmen who gained valuable varsity experience as eighth-graders, the team already has solid chemistry and is ready to roll.

The boys have worked out together during the offseason and are looking to turn the fortunes of the program around this year.

Rodenbush remarks that they are “looking to make the playoffs after a few down years. We want to go out on top for our senior year and make some noise.”

Barriere echoed that sentiment, explaining that “we need to keep working hard and we’ll be able to prove ourselves to Central Mass.”

The team will look to junior Will Schiffman to take over the goaltending duties from Ashton. Eager to contribute now in his third year with the program, Schiffman is looking forward to proving himself on the big stage.

Out on the ice, senior defensemen Brian Melanson will also be looking to carve out a role for himself after transferring to WHS last year.

Although experience is certainly a benefit, the unpredictability of this year’s team could create great dividends as the season progresses.

The Rangers open their season Monday, December 11 in a 4 p.m. game against Nashoba at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough.

View Comments (5)
More to Discover

Comments (5)

All The Lobby Observer Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • N

    nick rammDec 20, 2017 at 12:56 pm

    Great work! I agree with you that the hockey team is looking promising.

    Reply
  • D

    Dan BugaevDec 20, 2017 at 12:51 pm

    Seems like an exciting season with all the young talent we have.

    Reply
  • T

    Taylor ConnollyDec 19, 2017 at 12:03 pm

    Great job! The hockey team seems capable of having a very successful season.

    Reply
  • R

    Ryan GuilbeauDec 19, 2017 at 11:53 am

    Great article! Sounds like it could be a very exciting season.

    Reply
  • Z

    Zachary WalkerDec 19, 2017 at 11:51 am

    Awesome article Quinn, really makes me want to the games and root on the hockey team.

    Reply