Senior leaders to carry hockey team

Lawrence ice hockey

By: Mike Molaro
   It’s not unusual for a coach to lean on his upperclassmen to provide leadership and strength.
   Andy Borowsky knows that his Lawrence High School boys ice hockey squad needs that veteran spark for the Cardinals to improve on last season’s 5-13 record and start laying a solid foundation for the future.
   "Our juniors and seniors will be our strength," said the fifth-year head coach. "These guys have with the program for awhile. I hope they will lead the way this year."
   Those guys include captain, senior center Evan Fruscione, as well as right wing Tom Guarrieri, goalie Zion Zate, and defenseman Matt Mailman.
   Returning juniors include goalie Terrence Denauski, forwards Shawn Hancock, Pat Keegan and Heather Olex and defensemen Pat Jagaer, Viktor Kis and Matt Watson.
   Senior forwards Josh Heinel and Matt Hunt are first-year players who should see key minutes, as will junior forward Pat Kowalczyk, a transfer from Notre Dame.
   The Cardinals lost forward Brad Wham and defenseman Matt Mills to graduation, in addition to junior forward Will Tirrell, who transferred to The Pennington School. Junior defenseman Kevin Gafgen may be out for the entire season with a torn ACL.
   Lawrence, which opens its season at 6 p.m. Friday against Colonial Valley Conference foe Hamilton at Mercer County Park, has a solid group of underclassmen ready to make some noise, including sophomores, goalie Matt Azrolan and forward Jake McClister, and freshmen forwards Bob DiBella, Tim Finnerty, Broc Krawczun, Mary Kate Rogener and John Stezer.
   The Cardinals know they have to put last season behind them and focus on the present, but they are ready for the challenge.
   "As long as the dedication is there, the players keep up their grades and they stay focused, we should have a good year," Borowsky said. "We have some talent on this team. I don’t think a lot of people are expecting a lot from us this year, but the team feels differently."
   After facing Hamilton, the Cardinals will play Steinert at Ice Land in Hamilton at 6:45 p.m. Monday. They then will take on Hopewell Valley at 4 p.m. Dec. 9 and Princeton at 8 p.m. Dec. 14, with both games at Mercer County Park.
   Lawrence isn’t setting lofty goals. It would rather start small and build from there, starting with the upperclassmen.
   "We’re going to take it one game at a time," Borowsky said. "The guys who have been with me for two and three years know the expectations and are showing the younger guys the way.
   "Our core group is strong, and I believe ready to step up and lead the way. We have also been getting great support from the school. I like what I am seeing. I’m looking forward to a good season and maybe surprising some people along the way."