The St. Dom’s hockey team is counting on a trio of experienced sophomores.
LEWISTON – By the end of the 2002-03 season, St. Dom’s hockey climbed back into prominence, but in the playoffs a lack of experience and a solid opponent eventually ended the Saints’ Cinderella-like run.
But three freshmen made a big impact on last year’s team.
“I don’t usually have many freshmen that make the varsity squad,” said 24th-year St. Dom’s coach Bob Boucher. “Most of the time, they just aren’t physically mature enough, and with the number of kids we have try out, they usually make it to the (junior varsity) team.”
Mike Carpenter, Pat O’Neill and Tyler Martin shattered that tradition last season.
“It was kind of intimidating at first,” said O’Neill. “I was actually surprised I had made the team. I didn’t think I had done very well at the (intrasquad) black-and-white game.”
“It was weird,” added Carpenter. “It was hard coming into a place where everyone around you is at least as good or better than you are.”
The formula for selecting the three freshmen wasn’t exactly culled from an advanced physics book. There were only two seniors on the team, which meant a larger number of underclassmen made the cut.
“I guess there was more room for us because there weren’t a lot of seniors,” said Martin. “It was great to get the opportunity.”
Martin is the forward in the group. He saw playing time on the third line along side A.J. Babineau, one of the quickest forwards on the team.
“Playing with that line was great,” said Martin. “I tried to do a good job all season, and I guess it paid off.”
Martin spent some time on special teams last season and could see a lot more time in that role, especially if he is at least as physical as he was last year.
O’Neill and Carpenter helped shore up a depleted blue line last season, and will again be looked at to play solid defense with the early departure of Matt Hale.
“O’Neill will be either in the first or second pair on defense,” said Boucher. “They both are very solid players.”
“Last year, I felt more like a misfit as a freshman,” added O’Neill. “This year, though, I think it’s a bit better, and we’ll be helping to lead the team instead of being led. All I hope to do is play solid defense and let the rest of it take its course.”
This season, only one freshman will skate full time for Boucher.
“We’ll end up being leaders for the younger kids,” said Carpenter. “With four whole years of playing, we’ll be in better shape to help out.”
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