With the regular season nearing its end, the KHS varsity hockey team is charging into its final weeks amid major changes both on and off the ice. With a new coaching staff this year and a reshuffled roster, the team has two regular season games left as they enter the playoffs.
Christian Ermilio, senior goalie, has experienced the program’s shift firsthand after playing under both the former and current coaching staffs. As one of the team’s veterans, Ermilio said the change marked the end of an era and has led to the beginning of a new approach.
“[Switching the coaches] was kind of a shock decision, but overall it’s definitely a more positive environment for the guys,” Ermilio said. “We’re able to have a bit more fun [and] smile a bit more on the ice, which is really what it’s all about.”
Along with new leadership behind the bench, the team has faced challenges caused by roster turnover, Ermilio said. Because of this, many younger players have been forced into larger roles, giving them more time on the ice but also the added responsibility that comes with it.
“I think that we lost a lot of highly skilled seniors [last year], and now we’re working with a bit more grit,” Ermilio said. “When our top lines are gone, we’re going to have to dig deep and motivate ourselves to play with those private schools when we don’t have our first two lines, because they’re out of town. But it’s the challenge that we’re up for, right?”
Gabriel Riggio, forward and senior, said the new coaching staff also took some getting used to, but the team has built strong connections despite the early uncertainty. Riggio also said injuries and line-up changes have forced players into unexpected roles, but they have also brought the team together.
“It was a big change up with the new coaching staff,” Riggio said. “But we’ve all come to love them, and it’s been enjoyable to be with everyone on the team.”
Ermilio said that leadership has emerged naturally within the locker room, as players have stepped up. He added that Conner Hisserich, junior and defenseman, has grown into a steady presence in the team both on and off the ice.
“He’s always bringing everyone up,” Ermilio said. “If I didn’t save a goal, [Hisserich’s] one of the first guys to come over and give me a fist bump say, ‘Hey, man, it’s all good.’ He’s a positive influence [and] great kid. I love the way that he’s developed over these three years.”
Other players, like Leo Shakofsky, sophomore defenseman, say Hisserich’s impact on the team extends beyond his defensive play. He said Hisserich is a role model for him and the rest of the team.
“[Hisserich’s] probably the best player I’ve ever seen,” Shakofsky said. “He’s probably the nicest guy I’ve ever [met].”
Riggio added that Hisserich’s consistency has been important, stabilizing a defensive unit that had faced challenges due to absences or injuries. Riggio said he boosts the confidence of both younger players and veterans alike.
“[Hisserich is] a good, smart defenseman,” Riggio said. “Some games we have a lot of people, and some games we don’t, but he’s always steady.”
Despite an ankle injury currently, Hisserich has continued to play. He said physical challenges haven’t dampened his motivation to play with the team.
“I’m probably playing on a sprained ankle, but it’s fine,” Hisserich said. “Getting a good win with the boys and having a great time in the locker room afterwards makes [everything] worth it.”
Looking ahead, Hisserich said he hopes to continue playing hockey in college, though his immediate focus still remains on the rest of the season. The team currently has a 7-10-1 record, but Hisserich said they’re looking to win the next two games and start the playoffs 9-10-1.
“We’re looking to finish the season with some good momentum,” Hisserich said. “Hopefully we can make a solid push going into playoffs.”
