Boys Hockey Gaining Momentum on the Ice

Scarsdale Boys Varsity Hockey team is gaining momentum that could potentially carry them deep into the playoffs.

The Raiders have been riddled with injuries this season and have not had a game with the entire team healthy, yet they still have an impressive record of 7-4. “Up until recently we had a very average record, hovering right around .500, but I think most of those losses in the beginning of the season were very winnable. Now that we are finally starting to win the close games, we’ve put together a four-game winning streak,” said Captain Josh Bock ’21.

Raider Rooters get Spirited with Costumes.A possible explanation for the Raiders’ midseason improvement is that with experience they are beginning to mesh. Since a whopping eight seniors graduated last year, the 17-man team consists of eight veteran players, four players who were pulled up to varsity at the end of last season, and five new players. This means that the team is relatively new and young, and they started the season without much playing history. With this in mind, the players began training hard to build experience. “We are usually on the ice four to five times a week and off the ice one to two times a week. Off-ice sessions include lifts, cardio work, and film [from past games],” said captain Jack Brosgol ’19. With this strong foundation of training, the underclassmen have become seasoned and ready for the upcoming games, and the upperclassmen have elevated their skill sets.

The team is under the direction of new head coach, James Synowiez. Many of the players have already played for Captain Ben Schwartz ’19 with the Puck.him on JV hockey or varsity lacrosse, so having him “wasn’t that big of an adjustment,” said Brosgol. “He’s great to be around and talk to and we all really enjoy practice. He and [Assistant] Coach Felix make a great coaching duo.” The players also note that the coaches are demanding of them off the ice; Synowiez and Felix hold the players accountable for missing class and missing the homework Synowiez assigns them, which is typically watching game film. This sense of commitment and discipline on the team may be a part of the reason why the boys have been resilient in recovering their record.

As for the rest of the season, the Raiders are excited to see what they can do and are focused on attaining their goals. “We are definitely looking forward to the rivalry matchups against Suffern and Mamaroneck. Those two teams tied 2-2 recently, so it would be big for us to win those games and separate ourselves from the pack,” said Bock. Beyond that, the Raiders aspire to win the section and state championships.

Team celebrates a goal.Be sure to come watch and support the team in their remaining regular season games and the playoffs!

Photos by Jon Thaler. See more here.