It’s that time of year again and the Spartan hockey team is ready to begin taking the ice for the 2024-2025 season. After having their best season in a while, the team looks to have another successful season.
After losing 10 seniors, the team is going to need people to step up. With a strong sophomore group last year, the leadership roles seem to already be filled. The team is led by Juniors Joe Mungari, Chad Hull, Rocco Mastrovito-Smith, and Nicholas Syrotynski.
The team had a 17-3-1 season last year. After losing multiple starters and key players, the team’s outlook this season is questionable. Regardless of what they’ve lost, the team still has high hopes and is looking to continue dominating their opponents. Their season ended earlier than they would have liked last season after a 2-1 loss to CBA/J-D in the sectional semifinals, a team they beat twice throughout the regular season.
“Losing in the semifinals was not what we thought was going to happen,” said Joey Mungari reflecting on the loss. “We definitely were the better team but couldn’t capitalize on our opportunities.” The game was tied throughout most of the game when CBA/J-D scored in overtime to win the game.
The loss created a lot of motivation for this team to have another great season.
Joey Mungari highlights the keys to success, “We are going to out hustle and outwork other teams. We also need to make sure we are very focused so we can be successful.”
This year definitely holds a lot of excitement for fans and players.
“I’m excited to be with the team because I have a lot of friends on the team, and the home games we will have this season,” said Mungari.
“I’m very excited to watch the boys go crazy, they’re going to push the puck up the ice and hopefully score every game,” said fan Geo Frattasio. “I’m very excited to go to the matchup of New Hartford vs Whitesboro.”
Great seasons attract a lot of fans and the fans are hopeful for another great season.
“I think they will be pretty decent this year. They lost a lot of key players last year but I have faith that they have players that will step up and help out the team,” said Frattasio.
“We lost a lot of players and we are going to have to have people to step up and replace them. Our practices need to be very good and productive so we can be very prepared for the season,” junior Chad Hull commented on the team’s preparation for the season.
The team’s goals are optimistic. The Spartans want to have a similar season to last year and continue the tradition of greatness in New Hartford hockey.
“The team’s goal is to win around 10-12 games and have a good seed going into playoffs,”said Hull. “My goals for myself are to contribute to the team and play as good as I can.” Pre-season has begun and the team as well as the fans are looking forward to the season ahead.
The teams first two games are away at Oswego on December 3, and RFA on December 6, before returning to the Rec Center for their first home game as well as a rematch from last year’s semifinal loss against CBA/JD on December 9.
