After main the Concord-Carlisle boys hockey staff in scoring during the last two years, senior captain Jay Carter entered this season itching to eclipse the 100-point plateau.
His older brother, Dane Carter, reached the milestone with the Patriots in 2021. So naturally, the youthful Carter’s eye has been on it for fairly a while, too.
Locking right into a scorching begin put Carter in attain by simply 5 video games this season, and it was his typical trend to rack up six factors within the subsequent recreation towards Wachusett on Dec. 28. Not solely did he go the century mark, but additionally led a signature win to increase the staff’s unbeaten document.
It was one thing “pretty special,” and his large brother was certain to have fun it with him accordingly.
“As soon I got it, (Dane) came up to me and said, ‘I did it in 49, so,’ ” Carter stated, indicating Dane did it sooner. “I wanted to get it before him, but did not have that happen. It was a competition a little bit, but he just made me push harder and work harder.”
Concord-Carlisle head coach Rian Murray describes Carter as quiet, however his aggressive spirit is as loud as any.
Ahead of their season-opener towards Gloucester, in addition to its recreation towards Wachusett, Concord-Carlisle talked as a staff in regards to the risks of the opponents’ high forwards. Carter, with out saying a phrase about it, made certain to remind the Patriots how harmful he’s, too, by accruing six factors towards every.
At 7-0 getting into Saturday’s matchup towards Tewksbury, the Patriots have seen Carter rating a purpose in each recreation however two. Carter’s 10 targets and 16 assists by seven video games is a stretch Murray has by no means seen from the senior, however the 15-year highschool hockey coach is fast to name him among the finest – if not the most effective – gamers he’s ever coached.
He’s an unbelievable asset everywhere in the ice, and he’s had a large affect on the unbeaten begin.
“His hockey IQ is so high,” Murray stated. “He’s got all the skills you would want a goal-scorer to have, but I think it’s his hockey IQ and his ability to manipulate time and space that separates him. … He just goes about his business the right way and leads by example. Can’t really say enough good things about him.”
Contributing as a lot as he does is significant for Carter. But being part of a 7-0 begin, which he hadn’t performed earlier than with the Patriots, is one thing particular he simply needs to maintain constructing on. After consecutive first-round exits within the Div. 2 state event, everybody on Concord-Carlisle’s roster is prepared for extra.
They’re all taking this begin in stride, however wins over robust groups leaves lots to be inspired by.
“We knew that we’d be good this year, (but) I didn’t know if we’d be 7-0,” Murray stated. “We’ve played some good games so we know we can play good competition right now. … We can rely on the fact that we’ve had a couple close games and we’re finding different ways to win.”
Chemistry is a giant power for the Patriots, particularly inside the high line.
Despite two new linemates, Carter says it solely took a pair practices to get in rhythm with sophomore Will Manchuso and freshman Joe Grasso. Both have thrived alongside Carter, combining for 13 targets and 21 assists already. Much of it has are available large video games, too.
Manchuso had 5 assists towards Gloucester, adopted it with a hat trick towards Lincoln-Sudbury, and his two targets had been the distinction towards Arlington Catholic. Grasso additionally put up two factors towards Gloucester and had 4 assists towards Wachusett.
“It did not take long before we started to click,” Carter stated. “We’re all just working really well together. It feels great. They can look up (to) me for questions, I even ask them questions sometimes. So, really, we’re just there for each other, and it’s been working.”
A goaltending rotation of Jason Swaim, Sam Griswold and CJ Bailey has additionally stood out by permitting 2.14 targets per recreation, stopping over 90 % of pictures. The penalty kill is trying good as properly. There are occasions the Patriots match up their second line of Cam Daley, Derek Labadini, and Cam Doull towards opposing first traces, and so they’ve given groups a tough time.
“It’s really been the whole team coming through,” Murray stated.
“We have really good chemistry,” Carter added. “I feel like everyone is working really hard, and people have their roles and they do them well. … We’re still all really focused and really want to win.”
Three cheers
Hip – St. John’s Prep goalie AJ Farese’s pair of shutouts gained him MVP of the Pete Frates Winter Classic, and one other helped topple Reading.
Hip – Norwell/Scituate/Abington ahead Calli Pineau’s hat trick with an help towards Hanover put her at 19 factors by six video games. She gained the Judy Gormley Scholarship.
Hooray – The Marshfield and Hingham boys applications surpassed $60,000 in cash raised during the last two years for the American Cancer Society by their Hockey Fights Cancer matchup.
Braintree women impress
The Wamps confirmed off their potential over trip, topping Div. 1 powers NDA (H) and Hingham to get to the Tenney Cup championship. Eva Surette is likely one of the state’s finest goalies behind a stout protection, whereas a slew of gamers within the assault are anticipated to begin heating up.
“(The) Braintree Wamps bring their lunch box to every game,” stated head coach Kevin Burchill. “We trust our goalies and we trust our defense. I was not surprised on how we played against some of the top teams in state.”
One-timers
St. Mary’s of Lynn women coach Frank Pagliuca wasn’t certain how his staff would fare after graduating many premier gamers, however among the finest blue traces within the state has led a 5-0-1 begin.
A 4-0 win over Reading bolstered the Woburn boys’ unbeaten begin, including to what must be a packed Div. 2 subject of significant threats. … The first set of MIAA winter sports activities energy rankings can be launched on Friday.
Source: www.bostonherald.com